In the Letter of James we find the charge; …"is there anyone sick among you, let them send for the priests of the Church and let the priests pray over them anointing them with oil … the prayer of faith will save the sick person" … The Anointing of the Sick should be celebrated with the priest prior to surgery or during an extended illness. The Sacrament may be celebrated at various stages of an illness. If you, or someone you know, is ill or homebound and would like to be anointed, please call the parish office at 815.284.7719.