The Sacrament, instituted by Christ, strengthens the faithful who are affected by illness, providing them with the strongest means of support, a Sacrament that gives the grace of the Holy Spirit to those who are sick, to sustain their trust in God, and strengthen them against the anxiety of their illness or death. Anointing is encouraged before surgery. The elderly may be anointed if they become notably weakened, even though no serious illness is present. The Sacrament may be repeated if the sick person recovers after being anointed and then again falls ill, or if during the same illness the person's condition becomes more serious. Please call the office to make arrangements for the reception of this Sacrament. A communal anointing is celebrated periodically during weekend Masses.