A According to the Code of Canon Law, only a priest (which would include a bishop) can administer the sacrament of anointing of the sick. Canon 1003 states: “Every priest and a priest alone validly administers the anointing of the sick.” The focus of this sacrament that used to be called “last rites” or “extreme unction” has changed.
The sacrament of the anointing of the sick is no longer limited to those on their death bed. It is now available to those preparing for a serious operation, the elderly whose frailty becomes more pronounced, as well as those in danger of death from sickness or old age.
Therefore, one should not wait until the last moments before death to seek this sacrament. If a person recovers after receiving this sacrament, they can receive it again in case of another grave illness or if the same illness becomes more serious.
However, a deacon (as well as anyone else that is permitted to bring the Eucharist to the sick) can bring a dying person the Eucharist. This is called “viaticum,” or food for the journey of the passage of life through death to eternal life. This can be a beautiful gift for those who are dying.
The special graces of this sacrament have the following effects according to paragraph 1532 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church:
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 or her soul;
the preparation for passing over to eternal life.
Q Changing God’s mind by praying?
A Prayer is not about giving God a lot of information to change his mind. He already knows everything. He knows what will happen tomorrow. He knows what we need. But, he still wants us to ask him for what we think we need. He wants to hear from us. By praying, we are opening ourselves up to God. We are letting him know he is in control. He is bigger than we are. Prayer shows we are dependent on God and will accept his will.
Just like any parent who wants to have a healthy relationship with their children, God wants us to have a relationship with him. Prayer can deepen that relationship. Prayer should not be a one-way conversation, where we tell God what we want. It should be a two-way conversation where we talk to God and listen for his answer (which may be “no” or “not now”). Prayer should help our relationship with God grow and intensify. It shows that we think about him, that we care about pleasing him and that we love him.
And prayer works.
It worked for Moses when he asked God to provide food and water to the Israelites in the desert.
It worked for Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth, who prayed for a child. Their prayers were answered when St. John the Baptist was born even though she was past the child-bearing age.
It worked for many people in the Gospels, who approached Jesus for healing. Not only were they healed but, in many cases, their sins were forgiven.
Prayer does not change God’s mind. But, we must also realize that God’s time is different than ours. God may even grant our request in advance because he knew that our prayers were forthcoming, asking for certain things.
Deacon Hooper is a deacon assistant at Immaculate Conception Church in Denham Springs. He can be reached at ghooper@diobr.org.