The search term “Last Rites” commonly refers to the final spiritual care given to a Catholic, but the formal term is the “Sacraments of the Sick.” This spiritual preparation provides comfort, strength, and grace during serious illness or advanced age. The Church strongly encourages seeking this sacrament proactively, rather than waiting for the final moments of life.
The Components of the Sacraments of the Sick
What is popularly called “Last Rites” is actually a combination of several sacraments and blessings, known formally as the Sacraments of the Sick. The central component is the Anointing of the Sick, which involves the priest anointing the sick person’s forehead and hands with oil blessed by the bishop. This sacrament is intended to unite the sick person to the passion of Christ, offering strengthening, peace, and courage to endure suffering.
The complete spiritual care for a person facing death typically includes two other sacraments: Reconciliation and Viaticum. Reconciliation, or Confession, is administered if the person is conscious and able to confess their sins. Viaticum, which translates to “food for the journey,” is the final reception of Holy Communion, providing spiritual sustenance for the passage from this life.
When death is imminent, the priest may also impart the Apostolic Pardon, a blessing that grants a plenary indulgence, remitting all temporal punishment due to sin. The Anointing of the Sick is not solely for those at the point of death, but for any Catholic whose health is seriously impaired by sickness or old age.
The Recommended Timing for Requesting the Rites
The most important guidance is to contact a priest early in the course of a serious illness, long before death appears imminent. The Anointing of the Sick is a prayer for healing and strength, not solely preparation for death. Calling early ensures the sick person is conscious, able to participate fully, and receive the full graces of the sacraments.
A fitting time to request the sacrament is as soon as a person is in danger due to sickness, injury, or advanced age. This includes when a serious medical diagnosis, such as cancer or a progressive neurological disease, is received. It is also appropriate to request an anointing before major surgery, especially when the procedure carries significant risk.
Waiting until a person is unconscious or actively dying risks depriving them of the spiritual benefits of Reconciliation and Viaticum. The Church encourages the faithful to view this sacrament as a source of comfort throughout the illness, not a final, desperate measure. The anointing can be repeated if the person recovers and later falls ill again, or if their condition significantly worsens during the same illness.
The proactive approach allows the sick person to receive the sacrament with a clear mind, granting them spiritual fortitude to face medical challenges. Families should not hesitate to call out of fear that requesting the sacrament will hasten death, as the primary effect is spiritual strengthening and forgiveness of sins.
Navigating Urgent and Post-Death Scenarios
In a sudden medical emergency, the immediate priority is always to call for emergency medical services. Once the person is stable or being transported, the family should contact the nearest parish or the hospital chaplain to request a priest. Many hospitals have an on-call Catholic priest specifically for sacramental emergencies.
If the sick person is unconscious or unable to speak, the priest should still be called immediately. The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick can be administered to the unconscious, and it imparts the forgiveness of sins if the person was contrite before losing consciousness. While the person cannot receive Reconciliation or Viaticum, the Anointing still offers profound spiritual grace.
In the difficult event that the person appears to have just died, the priest should still be called without delay. The Church teaches that the sacraments are for the living, but the exact moment of death is not always medically or spiritually certain. If the priest has a reasonable doubt about whether death has occurred, he may administer the Anointing of the Sick conditionally.
This conditional anointing is offered if the apparent death has occurred within a short window, usually 20 to 30 minutes, or slightly longer in cases of sudden, traumatic death. If the priest determines the person is certainly dead, he will not administer the sacrament but will instead offer specific prayers for the deceased and comfort the family. Families should contact the parish or emergency line, clearly stating the urgency of the situation.
Practical Steps for Family Preparation
Once a priest has been called and is on the way, the family can prepare the space to facilitate the rite. This simple preparation helps create a respectful and prayerful atmosphere for the sacrament. The most important requirement is a small, stable surface to serve as an altar.
A small table or nightstand should be prepared and covered with a clean white cloth, if available. On this surface, the family can place a crucifix and one or two lit candles, which serve as signs of reverence. While the priest usually carries his own materials, it is helpful to have a small bowl of water and a clean towel nearby.
These items allow the priest to purify his hands before and after the anointing with the holy oil. Having these items ready demonstrates the family’s care and respect for the rite. The focus should be on ensuring a quiet environment, free from electronic distractions, so the sick person can concentrate on the prayers.