MERGED: Extreme unction/Anointing of the Sick

[didymus]

I will be going in hospital for an operation at the end of the month for an operation. The risk of death is virtually nil but it will be done under general anaesthesia.
Should I ask my pastor to be anointed before I go in?
I know things have changed a lot but I still think of the “Sacrament of the Sick” as they now call it as only for danger of death situations.

Thanks.

 

[Scoobyshme]

I will be going in hospital for an operation at the end of the month for an operation. The risk of death is virtually nil but it will be done under general anaesthesia.
Should I ask my pastor to be anointed before I go in?
I know things have changed a lot but I still think of the “Sacrament of the Sick” as they now call it as only for danger of death situations.

Thanks.

It’s now called the Sacrament of the Sick. I would certainly ask for it before going in for surgery. It is a Sacrament and carries all the benefits with it that Jesus intends.

 

[Corki]

Yes, you should ask to be annointed. Our pastor frequently scolds (lovingly) the faithful for failing to let him know when someone is ill or scheduled for surgery. He routinely annoints after daily Mass individuals going in for surgery.

 

[Joe_Kelley]

There is always a slight risk in general anesthesia and in child birth. In my ministry to the sick and home bound, I always recommend that one get the anointing in either case. The priests have always agreed and given it.

 

[puzzleannie]

if possible you should call the parish and ask for anointing of the sick before you enter the hospital if it is for a scheduled surgery or procedure. If you or a family member is taken to the hospital suddenly make sure you inform the staff at admissions time that the patient is Catholic and does wish a visit from the Catholic priest–specify priest, not chaplain, as some persons the hospital titles chaplains are not in fact priests. You may also call your own parish but many at least here delegate hospital visits to other priests on a rotation basis.

 

[PAboy57]

I will be going in hospital for an operation at the end of the month for an operation. The risk of death is virtually nil but it will be done under general anaesthesia.
Should I ask my pastor to be anointed before I go in?
I know things have changed a lot but I still think of the “Sacrament of the Sick” as they now call it as only for danger of death situations.

Thanks.

I received anointing for back surgery in July that wasn’t life threatening (a one and a half hour operation turned into 4 hours). You never know what will happen so be on the safe side. Good Luck and God Bless.

 

[brandint]

Hello all. I am a new Catholic, so I have a question. My parish is having a Mass of the Anointing of the Sick in a few weeks. For 2+ years, I have suffered greatly from depression. Am I able to participate and be anointed for this? Answers would be much appreciated. Thank you.

 

[oneGODoneCHURCH]

Hello all. I am a new Catholic, so I have a question. My parish is having a Mass of the Anointing of the Sick in a few weeks. For 2+ years, I have suffered greatly from depression. Am I able to participate and be anointed for this? Answers would be much appreciated. Thank you.

Yes, and you should. If for any reason you are not able to contact your Priest and set up a time to receive this sacrement.

 

[Matthew_Holford]

There is already a similar thread on this forum. I have not replied to it and I wasn’t going to reply to this one because I’m not sure of the facts.

It is my understanding that this sacrament changed its name from Extreme Unction to Anointing the Sick because it had come to be almost exclusively used for those at the point of death. It’s use is somewhat meant to be more widespread. However, I don’t think this sacrament can be given to anybody with any form of illness. I think it can only be given to those with a grave illness that will lead to a person’s death. So while it is not to be reserved for the point of death its use is limited to those who are likely to die in the not too distant future from their illness. I think that #1514 in the Catechism supports this. It even uses the phrase “… in danger of death …”.

 

[Scoobyshme]

Hello all. I am a new Catholic, so I have a question. My parish is having a Mass of the Anointing of the Sick in a few weeks. For 2+ years, I have suffered greatly from depression. Am I able to participate and be anointed for this? Answers would be much appreciated. Thank you.

Absolutely. I would definitely show up and avail myself of this beautiful Sacrament!

 

[bnbkaine]

I went in for gall bladder surgery a few weeks ago and received the Anointing of the Sick the day before. I remember right before going under telling God that I am ready to go if anything were to happen. I had that sense of submitting to God’s will because of this sacrament; I really was grateful. I would go.

 

[Joe_Kelley]

Hello all. I am a new Catholic, so I have a question. My parish is having a Mass of the Anointing of the Sick in a few weeks. For 2+ years, I have suffered greatly from depression. Am I able to participate and be anointed for this? Answers would be much appreciated. Thank you.

I have been anointed several times for depression. Most priests will do it, and I find it quite effective, either by relieving the depression or by increasing my ability to bear it and offer it up. One priest refused; he thought it only appropriate for for physical ills. So I asked for it for my age and a couple of chronic diseases. He agreed to that - it knocked the depression flat, age and physical diseases remained.