Anointing of the Sick
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. And indeed she exhorts them to contribute to the good of the People of God by freely uniting themselves to the Passion and death of Christ.
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1499
If you are seriously ill (physically or mentally), becoming increasingly frail due to old age, or about to undergo serious surgery, you are may receive the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. The Sacrament is not just for the dying and you can receive this sacrament more than once. If you would like to receive the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, please call the Rectory at 610-678-3767.
Last Rites for the Dying
If a person is declared terminally ill or is actively dying, please call the Rectory as soon as possible to request the Last Rites, which generally consist of the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, and Holy Communion (Viaticum), the Apostolic Pardon and Commendation of the Dying. A person does not have to be actively dying or unconscious to receive Last Rites.
If it's after hours and there is a life and death emergency and you are in urgent need of a priest, please call the Rectory at 610-678-3767 and leave a message on the Emergency Line, Extension 6, and a priest will return your call as soon as possible.