"This sacrament gives the grace of the Holy Spirit to those who are sick: by this grace the whole person is helped and saved, sustained by trust in God and strengthened against the temptations of the Evil One and against anxiety over death. Thus the sick person is able not only to bear suffering bravely, but also to fight against it. A return to physical health may follow the reception of this sacrament if it will be beneficial to the sick person's salvation." (Ritual of Pope Paul VI)
"The special grace of the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick has as its effects: the uniting of the sick person to the passion of Christ, for his own good and that of the whole Church; the strengthening, peace, and courage to endure in a Christian manner the sufferings of illness or old age; the forgiveness of sins, if the sick person was not able to obtain it through the sacrament of penance; the restoration of health, if it is conducive to the salvation of his soul; the preparation for passing over to eternal life" (CCC 1532).
Please contact Elaine in the parish office if you or someone you know is in need of this sacrament. (202-250-8208)
Funerals
It is customary for the family to contact the funeral home of their choice after a loved one is deceased. If the family member was a parishioner of St. Anthony's, then the funeral home will contact a parish priest to schedule the date and time for the funeral Mass. Music arrangements for a funeral Mass must be made with Lynne Gray at 301-262-8153.