Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
I want to clarify a common confusion that arises about the difference between the Anointing of the Sick and Last Rites. The two are closely related, but they are not the same thing, and understanding the difference can help us know when to call a priest and, perhaps most importantly, help us avoid waiting until the last possible moment.
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament of healing and is not reserved only for those who are dying.
The Church teaches that this sacrament may be administered to a member of the faithful whose health is seriously impaired by sickness or old age. It may be received when someone is facing a serious illness, before a serious operation when the surgery is necessitated by a dangerous illness, or when a person’s condition becomes more serious. If someone recovers and later becomes seriously ill again, the sacrament may be received again.
In the sacrament, the priest anoints the forehead and hands of the sick person with blessed oil and prays for the Lord to strengthen, heal, and save him or her, as instructed by the teaching of the Apostle St. James (see James 5:14-15).
The Anointing of the Sick brings several graces. It unites the sick person more closely to Christ in His Passion, gives strength and peace in the midst of illness, offers forgiveness of sins when the person is unable to obtain it through the Sacrament of Penance, and can even bring about physical healing if that is God’s will. It also prepares the Christian for the final passage from this life to eternal life.
Notice that last point: the Anointing of the Sick can prepare someone for death, but receiving the sacrament does not necessarily mean that the person is dying.
“Last Rites” is a traditional expression rather than the name of a particular sacrament.
When a Catholic is in danger of death, the Church desires that the person receive the spiritual assistance appropriate to this final stage of life. Ordinarily, this includes Confession, the Anointing of the Sick, and Holy Communion given as Viaticum. Viaticum is a beautiful word that means “provision for the journey.” Holy Communion is given to the dying as food for the final journey from this life to the life to come. The Eucharist is, after all, Christ Himself, and there is no greater nourishment that we can receive at the moment when we prepare to meet Him.
Thus, when people ask for “Last Rites,” what they are generally asking for is the Church’s final sacramental ministry to someone who is approaching death.
Perhaps the most important thing I can say is this: please don’t wait until someone is unconscious or actively dying before calling for a priest.
If a loved one has been diagnosed with a serious illness, is entering hospice, is facing a major and dangerous surgery, or is experiencing a significant decline in health, call the parish. There is no need to wait until the person is on his or her deathbed. If your loved one is in immediate danger of death, call the Sacramental Emergency Line found on the bulletin cover and our website. One of us priests always carries this phone and will respond as soon as we are able.
If the person is still conscious and able to speak, there is an opportunity for Confession. If he or she is able to receive Holy Communion, there is an opportunity to receive the Eucharist. And if the person is approaching the end of life, the priest can administer the Anointing of the Sick and, when appropriate, give Holy Communion as Viaticum.
There is something deeply beautiful about being able to accompany a soul through these final moments with the Church’s prayer and sacraments.
And if you are ever unsure whether it is the right time to call, call anyway. You do not need to make a theological determination about whether someone qualifies for the sacrament. That is the priest’s responsibility.
The Church wants to be with us not only at the beginning of life, through Baptism, but throughout our earthly pilgrimage, and especially as we prepare to enter into eternal life with Christ.
Praised be Jesus Christ, now and forever!
All you holy saints of God, pray for us!
Peace in Christ,
Fr. Michael Silloway
Pastor