Anointing of the Sick

No longer called "Last Rites," the Rite of Anointing tells us there is no need to wait until a person is at the point of death to receive this Sacrament. A serious illness, an upcoming surgery, or a difficult mental challenge is valid reason to ask for anointing.


  • To schedule an anointing please call the parish office at 941-795-1228.

When Anointing of the Sick is given, the hoped-for effect is that, if it is God’s will, the person be physically healed of illness. But even if there is no physical healing, the primary effect of the Sacrament is a spiritual healing by which the sick person receives the Holy Spirit’s gift of peace and courage to deal with the difficulties that accompany serious illness or the frailty of old age. (USCCB)

Properly called, “The Sacrament of Healing,” Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament ministered by the Church to those who are ill, infirmed, or those anticipating or recovering from surgery to give comfort, peace, and courage to the person suffering. “By the sacred anointing of the sick and the prayer of the priests, the whole Church commends those who are ill to the suffering and glorified Lord, that he may raise them up and save them.”  (Catechism of the Catholic Church)


  • Learn more about Confession from the Diocese of Venice, FL, here