The practice of anointing the sick is as old as the early ministry of the Church. Thus we read in the Epistle of St. James (5:!4) and in the Gospel of St. Mark (6:13).
When someone is ill, the rectory should be contacted immediately to include the person on the prayer chain and/or in the bulletin. Also, let the rectory know where the person is so that the clergy and lay people of the community may visit or send along words of encouragement.
