Archdiocese of Agana
Dededo, GuamArchdiocese of Agana
Dededo, GuamArchdiocese of Agana
Dededo, Guam
Anointing of the Sick COVID-19 Protocols
From the SACRAMENTS AND LITURGICAL PROTOCOLS, Issued by the Archdiocese of Agana. Updated May 6, 2020 at 12:40 PM
For Confirmed or Suspected COVID+ Persons
If person is CONFIRMED OR SUSPECTED COVID+ and is self-isolating at home or hospitalized
Contact the Vicar for Clergy for instructions.
All other cases
BEFORE ENTERING ANY FACILITY (or room, home)
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn – Mask and double gloves
STANDING 6 FEET FROM THE PATIENT
Add a small amount of oil onto a sterile cotton pad (cf. can. 1000 §2).
CLOSE THE HOLY OIL BOTTLE FIRST, place in your pocket, then begin the Rite of Anointing. Consider using a small bottle with a small opening (ex. small holy water bottle)
Omit the laying on of hands
Anoint the individual with the sterile cotton pad only. (return to 6ft distance after)
Communion may be given as Viaticum
In the event a sterile cotton pad is not available, the outer glove may be used.
After the anointing, remove the outer glove while holding the cotton pad used to anoint (and the disposal ritual), so that the glove is turned inside-out to become a “trash bag” for the cotton pad and ritual. Peel off the outer glove of the other hand so that it comes off inside out (with the other glove inside it).
These used gloves must be place in a sealed disposable bag along with the sterile cotton pad containing the sacred oil. This sealed disposable bag will be placed in a second sealed disposable bag for additional protection and precaution. These MUST be BURNED when you return to your rectory.
The priest then concludes the Rite of Anointing as usual.