503 Recipient Of The Sacrament

503 RECIPIENT OF THE SACRAMENT

503.1 Who May Receive the Sacrament:

As soon as anyone of the faithful begins to be in danger of death from sickness or old age it is fitting time to receive this sacrament. (CCC. 1514)

503.2 Receiving the Sacrament Multiple Times:

A sick person who has received this anointing but recovered 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. (CCC.1515)

503.3 When to Administer the Sacrament:

This sacrament is to be administered in a case of doubt whether the sick person has the use of reason, is dangerously ill, or is dead. (see c. 1005, Intro 53 [mental illness])

503.4 Persons with Disabilities:

Since disability does not necessarily indicate an illness, Catholics with disabilities should receive the sacrament of anointing on the same basis and under the same circumstances as any other member of the Christian faithful. Persons with disabilities may at times be served best through inclusion in communal celebration of the sacrament of anointing.