The anointing of the Sick is not just a prayerful blessing, it is one of the Seven Sacraments instituted by Christ; it is an encounter with Jesus, administered through the priest, whereby the spiritual, emotional, and physical aspects of one’s life are touched by His gentle, healing hands.
Whether it is physical or emotional problems, whether needed by the young, at middle age, or for the frailty of the elderly, Christ in His compassion foresaw the need for us to seek His healing touch. It is usual for Catholics to call the priest for the Last Rites; the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is not the Last Rites. The Last Rites is called “viaticum.” It is the Eucharist that the dying receives as food for their journey into eternity. It is therefore important that the person is still conscious and able to swallow.
For the Anointing of the Sick, the priest should be called as soon as one is sick or taken to the hospital, and he can be called as many times as necessary during an extended illness (typically once per month unless the illness worsens). It is the sacrament of healing, physically or spiritually, or both.
Parishioners are encouraged to request the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick from the priest after Mass has concluded or by calling the office before a hospital stay or during a serious illness.
If you are hospitalized, please ask hospital admissions or your nurse to contact the closest Catholic Church.
Local Hospitals and Nearby Catholic Churches
HCA Ocala and Advent Health, call Blessed Trinity, 352-629-8092.
Citrus Memorial, call Our Lady of Fatima, Inverness, 352-726-1670
West Marion (Highway 200), TimberRidge, E.W. & Lucille Cates House (Hospice), call Queen of Peace, 352-854-2181
Seven Rivers, Crystal River, call St. Benedict, 352-795-4479
Shands, Gainesville has their own chaplain.
Life Care, Leanto, call St. Scolastica, 352-746-9422