The Catholic Church recognizes two sacraments of healing: the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation, also known as Confession, is a moment of grace whereby one receives forgiveness for sin won by Jesus Christ on the cross. This sacrament is celebrated to renew the life of grace begun in baptism. The goal of this sacramental rite is to bring God’s healing to the sick through Jesus the Christ and in the power of the Holy Spirit. Through the ministry of the priest confessor, a person who seeks healing from sin can be assured that he or she has been forgiven both by God and the community through the confession of sins, the absolution of God through the church, and the doing of one’s penance to begin making up for the harm caused by one’s words, actions, or lack of action.

The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick was given by Jesus to be a sign of his healing presence in the life of the sick person so they might be healed of the cause of one’s illness. This sacrament helps us face illness with courage and invites us to join our suffering with the Passion and death of Christ. The Sacrament of the Sick is administered by the priest by anointing the sick person on the forehead and the palms of the hands.

It is important to note that the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is not only for those who are near death. Anyone who is sick, elderly, or facing surgery can receive this sacrament.