Anointing of the Sick

If any parish member/family requires the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, please contact the parish office at (303) 841-3750 to arrange a pastoral visit by one of the parish's priests.

After reading the Gospels, it becomes readily apparent to Christian readers that Jesus had a great yearning and compassion to care for the sick and the dying. His works of selfless compassionate care, healing, and mercy provide us with a foundation for the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick (previously known or referred to as "Last Rites"). In fact, the sacrament itself is scripturally and historically rooted in the ministry of Jesus Christ.

As we recall from the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), the church teaches us that the Sacrament of Anointing is grounded in the human experience of sickness, suffering, and death. In fact, we have come to know that sickness and death are part of the mystery and challenge of what it means to be human.

In light of Christ's commandments to his apostles to go forth to heal the sick and baptize others in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we begin to see much clearer Jesus' preferential option for the sick and the dying, as an essential and integral part of His ministry - which we, as the Catholic Church, are called to continue.

The sacrament and ritual associated with the Anointing of the Sick and Viaticum has for centuries been traditionally rooted in the apostolic ministry of the church, as found in the Letter of St. James. After anointing the sick person and praying over them for God to give them strength and perserverance in their fight through the illness, they may also be given Holy Communion; as food for the journey.

Historically, previous to the Second Vatican Council, it was referred to as "Last Rites" or "Extreme Unction." As such, previously most members of the faithful waited to call the parish priest to anoint someone, until they were close to or near death. The Second Vatican Council helped the church to reexamine and refocus the sacrament's purpose and intended recipients to those who are sick and dying. In essence, the sacrament (like the remaining other 6 sacraments) is meant for the living and to strengthen the sick person to fight against illness and return to physical health with the grace of God.

For more information on the Sacrament of Anointing, please refer to the CCC 1499-1525.