Anointing of the Sick

In the Church's Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, through the ministry of the priest, it is Jesus who touches the sick to heal them spiritualy, and somtimes physically.  His cures were signs of the arrival of the Kingdom of God.  It is also known as "Last Rites" or "Extreme Unction."

When the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is given, if it be 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 physical trials. 

There is no need to wait until a person is at the point of death to receive the Sacrament.  A careful judgment about the serious nature of the illness is sufficient.  It is appropriate to request an Anointing anytime there is remote danger of death or serious physical suffering to be endured.  Please do not wait until the last hours.  

An Anointing stengthens spiritual life.  It does not restore spiritual life (that is, forgive mortal sins).  Please consider making a sincere Confession before receiving an Anointing.  

To request an Anointing, please call the parish office: 615-298-1782 or email us to schedule one.  If it is a medical emergency, please make sure to select the "emergency line" option in our phone system.

Please have the following details ready: 

• Name
• Location (hosptial and room number)
• Is the person Catholic?  Have they requested it?
• Is the person conscious?
• Phone number to call in case of getting lost or delayed.