The Anointing of the Sick is the official name of the sacrament that many may also know as "Last Rites" or "Extreme Unction." As Maronites, we follow the ancient and apostolic practice of the Church which is to anoint all the sick for the healing of their bodies and souls. This mystery is attested to by St. James the Greater in his letter: "Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven" (James 5:14-15). Moreover, this mystery was performed by our Lord himself when he anointed and healed such people as the blind man (John 9:1–12). The Church has been entrusted with the ministry of healing, and Jesus has left us this sacrament as a means for the Holy Spirit to bring about our physical and spiritual healing.
If you or a loved one is ill or would like to be anointed before surgery, please contact the parish office at (630) 932-9640 to arrange for an anointing before or after Mass if you are able to come to church, or, if not, in your home or hospital. Any person who is seriously ill, weakened by old age (even if no serious illness is present), or preparing for surgery may receive the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick.
"One should not necessarily wait until they are on their deathbed to receive this sacrament. In addition, those who have received the Anointing of the Sick and recovered, but fall ill again, or those whose condition becomes more serious during the same illness, may receive the sacrament again" (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1514-1516).