Anointing of the Sick
Please call the office to schedule an Anointing of the Sick.
If this is a Sacramental Emergency (after hours), call (703) 780-4055. Our 24-hour answering service is available when the office is closed and a priest will be contacted.
A person does not need to be on his/her death bed to receive Anointing of the Sick. A person may be anointed before surgery. Elderly people may be anointed if they are in weak condition even though no dangerous illness is present. Sick children may be anointed if they have sufficient use of reason to be comforted by this sacrament. In addition, the Sacrament may be repeated if the sick person recovers after the anointing but becomes ill once again, or if, during the same illness, the person’s condition becomes more serious. Catholics are encouraged to ask for the anointing and to receive it with faith and devotion.
Homebound Parishioners
The parish makes Communion visits to the homebound, patients at Mount Vernon Hospital, and local nursing facilities. The goal is to offer those who are unable to attend Mass a visit from a Lay Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion to receive the Eucharist and to experience God’s goodness through this outreach ministry.
Homebound Visit: Those who wish to receive a visit, or a family member on behalf of a sick or homebound person, must call the parish office in advance to arrange for a visit. Please be prepared to provide the name of the person to be visited, phone number and address. The Lay Minister will call before visiting to ensure that the person needing a visit is available and able to receive a visit and the Eucharist.
The visiting minister will pray with the homebound person and give Communion. Family members are welcome to pray with their family member and the Eucharistic minister. If further pastoral care is needed for Anointing of the Sick or Confession, the minister will provide the information to the office and arrangements will be made for a priest to visit.
INOVA Mount Vernon Hospital: Lay Ministers visit the hospital Monday – Friday. During the hospital intake process, indicate that you are Catholic and your name is automatically added to the visit list.
Note about Hospitalization
If you have a family member in the hospital and would like a priest visit for Anointing of the Sick, Confession or Baptism (for a baby or adult in danger of death), please inform the nurse right away.
Please note: Every hospital has a Chaplain that coordinates priest visits with a designated parish. Priests from Good Shepherd Catholic Church serve Mount Vernon Hospital.
Funerals
Our prayers and sympathy are with you during this time. If you have lost a loved one and are seeking assistance, please contact the parish office to begin the process of planning the funeral liturgy.
Our parish staff and funeral planners are here to support you in your time of need.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.