Pastoral Care

Sacramental Needs

For Catholic patients, the Sacrament of the Sick is available from a priest. This is a healing sacrament. Years ago people often waited until a time of crisis for sacra- mental care in the form of anointing with the blessed Oil of the Sick. Because of the emergency nature of the request and the situation of imminent death, the sacra- ment became known as Extreme Unction and was referred to as "Last Rites." The Sacrament of the Sick, as it is now called, can be received by a person in many different situations - examples include the following:

• At the time of a serious medical diagnosis 
• In preparation for surgery
• When weakness occurs due to advanced age
• When a chronic condition worsens

Communion

Communion is also available for Catholic patients on a regular basis.