"By the sacred anointing of the sick and the prayer of the priests, the whole Church commends those who are ill to the suffering and glorified Lord, that he may raise them up and save them and indeed she exhorts them to contribute to the good of the People of God by freely uniting themselves to the Passion and death of Christ." ~ Catechism of the Catholic Church 1499

Jesus unites himself to those who are suffering by giving grace and spiritual strengthening through the Anointing of the Sick. This sacrament is administered by a priest through laying on the hands and anointing with holy oil. Any Catholic who has reached the age of reason (7 years) and is either awaiting surgery or medical procedure due to illness or injury, suffering from a serious illness, or frail due to advanced age can request the Anointing. 

The parish priest is generally available to confer the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick after Mass. To request the Anointing at other times, please contact the Parish Office at (301) 769-3100. In case of an after-hours emergency, follow the instructions on the Parish Office voicemail. 

For emergencies at a hospital, hospice facility, or nursing home, instruct the duty nurse to summon the assigned Priest Chaplain on call to the institution.