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Seven sacraments of the Catholic ChurchAnointing of the sick

The Catholic Church teaches that there are seven sacraments or rites through which God can communicate his grace to an individual. Catholic Christians believe that the sacraments are channels for God鈥檚 grace - every time they take part in a sacrament, they receive more grace.

Part of Religious StudiesCatholic Christianity

Anointing of the sick

The of the sick is often a Christian鈥檚 final sacrament. It is given to people who are in danger of becoming more sick from a serious illness and it is also given to those who are likely to die soon.

This sacrament is given by a priest. It is often given to a person in hospital but it may also be given in a person鈥檚 home.

Illness often brings a crisis in a person鈥檚 life. This sacrament is a ceremony that gives Catholics spiritual comfort and often helps them to recover their health.

The reason for the anointing of the sick is found in the life of Jesus, who showed special care for the sick and told his followers to have the same concern.

They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many that were sick and healed them.
Mark 6:13

What are the effects of this sacrament?

Many Catholics believe that, by adhering to the sacrament of anointing of the sick, they will achieve:

  1. Spiritual comfort - sick people who are anointed receive God鈥檚 grace via the Holy Spirit.
  2. Forgiveness of sins - when they die, they will be healed, and all sin removed.
  3. Strength and courage to accept illness - the person must have faith in God鈥檚 plan for their .
  4. Relief from anxiety - they will no longer be anxious about death.

The sacrament allows for the possibility of healing while providing support, love and guidance for the individual and their family in the preparation for death.

The sacrament is also linked to Christ鈥檚 suffering and allows sins to be forgiven.

He took our infirmities and bore our diseases.
Matthew 8:17

Question

As a result of receiving the sacrament of anointing of the sick, what will Catholic Christians no longer be anxious about?