Anointing of the Sick
The Christian is not protected from suffering and illness, but he or she is united with Christ during these trying experiences. Jesus himself always showed the utmost care and concern for the sick and suffering, and he taught his disciples to do likewise.
Those who are seriously ill need special strength from God, less their spirit become broken and their faith become weakened. This is why through the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, by the laying on of hands by the priest and the anointing with holy oil, Christ strengthens the faithful, providing them with the strongest means of support.
Anointing of the Sick can be administered to any Catholic who has reached the age of reason and is awaiting serious surgery, suffers from serious illness or is weakened by old age or affected by some serious forms of mental illness.
To request visitation by a priest to administer the sacrament, call the rectory (301-320-4538) and ask to speak to a priest.