Sickness, Suffering, and Death (Anointing of the Sick)

The Anointing of the Sick strengthens the sick with oil, prayer, and peace. According to the USCCB, "The Anointing of the Sick is the sacrament in which the sick are anointed with oil, prayed over, and strengthened for healing, forgiveness, and peace" (USCCB, p. 327). James writes, "Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord" (James 5:14).