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Sacrament of the Sick
This sacrament is for all Catholics seven years or older who have a grave or life-threatening illness, or are frail due to old age. The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick forgives mortal sins (if the person is willing but unable to physically confess) and venial sins, and offers the possibility of spiritual and physical healing, in accord with God's purposes. Please speak to the pastor if you or someone you love needs to receive the Sacrament of the Sick.
Last Rites
A priest should be called whenever a Catholic is in danger of dying so that he or she may receive the Last Rites. The complete ritual includes Confession and Absolution, the Apostolic Pardon (a plenary indulgence), Anointing of the Sick, and Viaticum (Holy Communion). Confession and Viaticum, of course, depend on the physical state of the dying person.
Only a priest or bishop is able to celebrate the Last Rites but in the case of urgence a deacon or extraordinary minister of Holy Communion can provide Viaticum. For this reason, whenever there has been a fatal diagnosis the priest should be called as soon as possible. The dying person will benefit most by being prepared to meet God before his or her final hour. Moreover, a priest may not be available at the last minute. Make sure you or your loved one receives the Last Rites in a timely manner!
In an emergency call the parish number at 610-869-2722 and dial ext. 4 if it is past office hours. The message is automatically forwarded and the pastor will quickly be in touch.