Anointing of the Sick is also known as the "sacrament of the dying", and is administered by a priest to a baptized person who begins to be in danger of death because of illness or old age, through prayer and the anointing of the body with the oil of the sick. The proper effects of the sacrament include a special grace of healing and comfort to the Christian who is suffering the infirmities of serious illness or old age, and the forgiving of the person's sins. (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1499, 1520, 1523, 1526-32)

St. John's usually celebrates the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick as a group celebration, once a year, usually after Mass and usually in the fall of the year. Individual Anointing of the Sick is done upon request. In the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, members of the community celebrate God's healing power and the strength and courage God gives to the sick. Through this sacrament the whole community is reminded of its call to serve with and for the sick and aging. For more information or to request the sacrament, contact the parish office at 507-625-3131 or email us.