If you would like a priests to visit the homebound sick,
please, call 845-452-8580 and follow the prompt for the "Emergency Number."
Do not hesitate to call anytime day or night if you or a loved one is dying and needs Last Rites (Confession, Anointing of the Sick, and Holy Communion).
If your loved one is in the hospital, make sure sure to contact the hospital priest chaplain (Fr. Zeverin (845-431-8887) at Mid Hudson and Fr. Rick dela Pena (845-483-6644) at Vassar). Also, inform your parish priest.
St. Joseph's Catechism - Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick
What is Anointing of the Sick? Anointing of the Sick is the sacrament which, through the anointing with blessed oil by the priest, gives health and strength to the soul and sometimes to the body when we are in danger from sickness, accident, or old age.
Who should receive the Anointing of the Sick/ All Catholics who have reached the use of reason and are in danger of death from sickness, accident, or old age should receive the Anointing of the Sick.
What are the effects of the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick? The effects of the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick are: first, an increase in sanctifying grace; second, comfort in sickness and strength against temptation; third, preparation for entrance into heaven by the remission of our venial sins and the cleansing of our souls from the remains of sin; fourth, health of body when it is good for the soul.
When does Anointing of the Sick take away mortal sin? Anointing of the Sick takes away mortal sin when the sick person is unconscious or otherwise unaware that he is not properly disposed, but has made an act of imperfect confession.
How should we prepare ourselves to receive Anointing of the Sick worthily? We should prepare ourselves to receive the Anointing of the Sick worthily by a good confession, by acts of faith, hope, charity, and, especially, by resignation to the will of God.
Who can administer the Anointing of the Sick? Only a priest can administer the Anointing of the Sick.
When is it advisable to call the priest to visit the sick? It is advisable to call the priest to visit the sick in any serious illnesses, even though there be no apparent danger of death, as it is the duty of the priest to visit any sick and to administer to them the sacraments they need.
In case of sudden or unexpected death, should a priest be called? In case of sudden or unexpected death a priest should be called always, because absolution and Anointing of the Sick can be given conditionally for some time after apparent death.