From apostolic times, those who ministered to the Christian community were urged to lay their hands on the sick and anoint them. The purpose of anointing is to bring healing — most often spiritual, and on occasion, if God so desires, physical as well. Healing is not the same as curing: this sacrament brings peace, courage, and the closeness of Christ in illness.
Don't wait for a crisis
In the past, anointing was often reserved for those in danger of death. That is no longer the case. The sacrament can be celebrated as often as a sick person finds it helpful — at first diagnosis, before surgery, or at significant points in an illness — and is best received while the person can still take part in the prayers, surrounded by family and friends rather than in an atmosphere of crisis.
About the 'Last Rites'
What people often call the Last Rites is not the same thing as Anointing of the Sick. The Church's proper celebration for someone close to death is Viaticum — a final reception of the Body and Blood of Christ, which may be brought by a priest, deacon, or trained layperson. When Viaticum is celebrated together with anointing, the combination is what most people mean by Last Rites.
When you call for someone who is gravely ill, simply describe the situation — we will help determine whether your loved one needs anointing, confession, Viaticum, or all three, and we can connect you with the hospital chaplain when needed. Please call as early as possible so the celebration can be peaceful and unhurried.