"By the grace of this sacrament the sick person receives the strength and the gift of uniting himself more closely to Christ's Passion: in a certain way he is consecrated to bear fruit by configuration to the Savor's redemptive Passion. Suffering, a consequence of original sin, acquires a new meaning; it becomes a participation in the saving work of Jesus." CCC #1521

 The Anointing of the Sick is possibly the most misunderstood Sacrament that Catholics celebrate. For some, it is seen as the very last thing that happens before death and should be avoided until the last breaths. In reality, the Church teaches that the Anointing of the Sick is "not a sacrament for those only who are at the point of death"; it is meant to give strength and encouragement to anyone who is "seriously ill." Pope Saint Paul VI states that "The sacrament may be repeated if the sick person recovers after being anointed and then falls ill or if during the same illness the person's condition becomes more serious." In brief, any parishioner that is suffering a serious ailment may avail themselves to the sacrament of the Sick.

To schedule an appointment for the Anointing of the Sick, please contact the rectory at (631)261-1077. If someone is in danger of death when the rectory is closed, call the St. Anthony of Padua emergency number at (631)235-0237.