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Sacrament of Healing
Anointing of the Sick
Strength, peace, and courage for those who are ill. The Church walks with you in sickness and in health.
A Sacrament of Grace
Christ's Healing Presence
The Anointing of the Sick is one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church, offering spiritual and sometimes physical healing to those who are seriously ill, elderly, or facing surgery. It is a powerful encounter with Christ the Healer, bringing strength, peace, and courage in times of suffering.
Contrary to popular belief, this sacrament is not only for those who are dying. The Church encourages Catholics to receive anointing at the onset of a serious illness, before major surgery, or during a period of significant physical or mental struggle. It may be received more than once as a condition changes or worsens.
At the Parish of Our Lady of the Way, our priests are available to administer this sacrament in the church, in homes, in hospitals, and in aged care facilities. We are here for you and your family, day and night.
Hospital Visits
Priests visit Royal North Shore, Mater, and other local hospitals
Home Visits
Anointing in your home for those unable to come to church
Communal Anointing
Monthly Schedule
On the last Thursday of each month, the Anointing of the Sick is offered during the 12:00 noon Mass at St Mary's Church. All are welcome.
May 2026
Thursday 28 May
12:00 noon
June 2026
Thursday 25 June
12:00 noon
July 2026
Thursday 30 July
12:00 noon
August 2026
Thursday 27 August
12:00 noon
September 2026
Thursday 24 September
12:00 noon
October 2026
Thursday 29 October
12:00 noon
Location
St Mary's Church, 264 Miller Street, North Sydney
The anointing takes place during the 12:00 noon Mass. Please arrive by 11:45am. There is no need to register in advance — simply come and present yourself when invited during the liturgy.
The Rite Explained
What to Expect
The Anointing of the Sick is a gentle, prayerful, and deeply comforting sacrament. Here is what happens.
The Prayer of the Church
The priest prays over the sick person, asking God for strength, peace, and courage in the midst of suffering. The whole community prays in solidarity.
Laying on of Hands
The priest places his hands on the head of the sick person, a gesture of blessing and healing that has been part of Christian tradition since the time of Jesus.
Anointing with Oil
The priest anoints the forehead and hands of the sick person with blessed oil (chrism), saying: "Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you by the grace of the Holy Spirit."
For Whom It Is Intended
The sacrament is for anyone who is seriously ill, facing surgery, elderly and frail, or struggling with chronic illness. It may be received more than once.
Pastoral Care
Hospital Visitation
Our priests and pastoral care team regularly visit local hospitals to bring Communion, anointing, and companionship to the sick.
Royal North Shore Hospital
St Leonards Rd, St Leonards NSW 2065
Chaplains available daily. Catholic Mass in the hospital chapel on Sundays at 10:00am.
Mater Hospital
25 Rocklands Rd, North Sydney NSW 2060
Catholic hospital with daily Mass in the chapel at 11:30am. Parish priests visit regularly.
North Shore Private Hospital
Westbourne St, St Leonards NSW 2065
Chaplaincy services available on request. Contact the parish office to arrange a visit.
St Vincent's Hospital
390 Victoria St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
Full-time Catholic chaplaincy team. Daily Mass in the hospital chapel.
How to Request a Hospital Visit
If you or a loved one is in hospital and would like a priest to visit for anointing, Communion, or simply prayer and conversation, please contact the parish office. We can also arrange for Eucharistic Ministers to bring Holy Communion regularly during a hospital stay.
Home Visits
For parishioners who are housebound or unable to attend church due to illness or frailty, our priests and pastoral care team offer home visits for anointing, Reconciliation, and Holy Communion.
To arrange a home visit, please call the parish office. We will coordinate with you to find a time that suits your needs and schedule.
Aged Care Facilities
Our priests regularly visit aged care and nursing homes across the parish area to celebrate Mass, offer anointing, and bring Communion to residents. We also welcome requests from family members on behalf of their loved ones.
If your loved one is in an aged care facility and would benefit from a pastoral visit, please contact the parish office with the facility name and resident details.
Common Questions
Anointing FAQs
We Are Here for You
Request Anointing
Complete the form below and our pastoral team will respond promptly. For emergencies, please call (02) 8918 4101 directly.
Emergency Anointing — Available 24/7
If you or a loved one needs urgent anointing, please do not hesitate to call. Our priests are available around the clock for emergencies.
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