One has the right to receive this Sacrament for various reasons if one is critically ill, about to undergo a serious operation, suffering from a chronic illness or advancing old age. In this Sacrament, Christ shows the sufferer His love and care giving them health, strength and encouragement. Therefore, one should contact the Parish Priest as early as possible in the course of the illness or when one’s health is seriously declining. Anyone who knows of a critically ill person in the community, especially of someone living alone, should inform the priest. (Click here).