Parishioners can request this sacrament of healing for themselves or a loved one by calling the parish office at 417 883-3440 and speaking to the priest. The sacrament should not be limited to those near death and may be received more than once by a person who is ill or suffering.

To learn more, read the article “The Sacrament of Anointing” by Fr. Don Miller, OFM, or download the USCCB handout “Anointing of the Sick: Joined to Christ, Witnesses to Hope and Healing.” 

The Catechism of the Catholic Church also provides guidance about this sacrament.

In case of grave illness . . .

1514 The Anointing of the Sick “is not a sacrament for those only who are at the point of death. Hence, as soon as anyone of the faithful begins to be in danger of death from sickness or old age, the fitting time for him to receive this sacrament has certainly already arrived.”

1515 If a sick person who received this anointing recovers his health, he can in the case of another grave illness receive this sacrament again. If during the same illness the person’s condition becomes more serious, the sacrament may be repeated. It is fitting to receive the Anointing of the Sick just prior to a serious operation. The same holds for the elderly whose frailty becomes more pronounced.