Prior to the Second Vatican Council, the Sacrament of the Anointing
of the Sick was commonly called "Extreme Unction," and ordinarily it
was administered only when a person was actually dying and all hope
for recovery was gone. Now the Anointing of the Sick has become a
welcomed and consoling eventa way that the Church supports and
intercedes for those who are sick.
— from the Introduction
In The Gift of the Anointing of the Sick, Sr. Kathleen Glavich reveals the
power behind this sacrament through a discussion of its history and an
explanation of its significance. She describes what to expect during the
celebration of the Anointing of the Sick and gives helpful suggestions for
how to prepare for it both privately and in a communal setting.
This book concisely explains the Anointing of the Sick in a style and
language that the average layperson can understand. It includes a question-and-
answer section and suggested Scripture readings and prayers. The Gift
of the Anointing of the Sick will be a helpful and considerate gift to people
preparing for this sacrament as well as their family members and close friends.
Mary Kathleen Glavich
Mary Kathleen Glavich is a Sister of Notre Dame who lives in Cleveland, Ohio. She has taught every grade from first to twelfth and has been vocation director for her community and for the Cleveland Diocese. When her first article was published, the writing bug bit her and she is now a full-time author and editor. In response to that first article, a bishop in Nigeria sent Sister an airmail letter in which he quoted Mother Teresa: "Write, for if your writing should make anyone more aware of God and their neighbour, then you must write." With that encouragement, Sister went on to have over fifty books published as well as more articles, especially as a columnist for Religion Teacher’s Journal. She has also worked on five religion textbook series for both elementary and high school levels. Several of her books have won awards. In addition to writing, Sister Kathleen gives courses, talks, and retreats. In 2010, she was the featured speaker at a conference in the United Arab Emirates for catechists from six Arab countries. She is also a pastoral associate at St. Dominic. In her spare time, Sister enjoys reading a good book, playing the piano, and crocheting baby blankets to sell at her community’s annual fall boutique.