The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is the anointing which is given by a bishop or priest to those who are seriously ill. A sick person may be anointed before surgery, whenever a serious illness is the reason for the surgery. Elderly people may be anointed if they have become notably weakened, even though no serious illness is present. Sick children may be anointed if they have sufficient use of reason to be strengthened by this sacrament.

What are the effects of this Sacrament?

The effects of this Sacrament are to comfort and strengthen those who are seriously ill, to forgive their sins and to restore their health if this is God's will, or to prepare them for eternal life.

What authority is there for this Sacrament?

The authority for this Sacrament is found in Scripture :

''Is anyone sick among you? Let him bring in the priests of the Church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick man; and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins he will be forgiven" (Letter of James 5).

Celebration of the Sacrament

If you wish to recieve the sacrament please contact the parish office or speak to one of the priests. Each year on the feast days of Our Lady of Lourdes and Our Lady of Walsingham anointing of the sick is celebrated within a special mass at Ealing Abbey. All those who are elegible are invited to attend along with their carers, family and friends and the wider parish