St. John the Apostle Catholic Parish

Virginia Beach, VA

"He summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two...They annointed with oil many who were sick and cured them."
-Mark 6:7, 13

- In the Catholic Church, Extreme Unction, or the Last Rites, is the anointing at the time of death. Since the Second Vatican Council, this sacrament is now called the Anointing of the Sick and has been broadened to offer healing and comfort in times of illness that may not lead to immediate death.
- Who may receive?
  The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is for all who face a serious illness or surgery or who are impaired by old age. It is distinct from “Last Rites,” or Viaticum, in which the Church offers Holy Communion as food for the journey to life eternal. One may receive the Anointing of the Sick more than once if needed for strength and healing in mind, body, and spirit.
  
  When to ask for the Sacrament
  If you know you’ll be hospitalized for a planned surgery, you should contact the parish office at 757.426.2180 before entering the hospital to arrange a time to receive the sacrament.
  If someone is in the hospital, an immediate family member should make arrangements with the parish office for the Sacrament of the Sick to be offered.