Ethan Walker
The seven sacraments of the Catholic Church are Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony. The Last Rites, also known as the Commendation of the Dying, are the final sacraments received by a Catholic before death. The Last Rites incorporate the sacraments of Penance, Anointing of the Sick, and Eucharist, as well as prayers such as the Apostles' Creed and Our Father. The Last Rites are intended to provide spiritual strength and comfort to the dying, ensuring they are in a state of grace and will go to heaven.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Sacraments | 7 |
| Name of the Sacraments | Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony |
| Other Names for the Last Rites | Commendation of the Dying, Continuous Rite of Penance, Anointing, and Viaticum, Rite for Emergencies |
| Last Rites for Non-Catholics | Act of Contrition, Apostles' Creed, and Baptism |
| Last Rites for Practicing Catholics | Confession, Apostles' Creed, Anointing of the Sick, and Eucharist |
| Purpose of Anointing | Healing, physically and spiritually |
| Who Can Administer the Sacraments? | Priest |
| Who Receives the Sacraments? | Catholics |
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What You'll Learn
Anointing of the Sick
The Anointing of the Sick is one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church. It is also one of the last rites, which are the final sacraments a Catholic will receive. The sacrament is administered by a bishop or priest, who uses oleum infirmorum ('oil of the sick'), an olive oil or another pure plant oil blessed by a bishop, to anoint the patient's forehead and perhaps other parts of the body while reciting certain prayers.
The Anointing of the Sick is usually postponed until someone is near death. It has been thought to be exclusively for the dying, though it can be received at any time. It can be given to those who are afflicted with serious illness or injury, those who are awaiting surgery, the weakened elderly, or to ill children who are old enough to understand its significance. A person can receive the sacrament as many times as needed throughout their life, and a person with a chronic illness might be anointed again if the disease worsens.
The Anointing of the Sick gives comfort, peace, courage, and, if the sick person is unable to make a confession, even forgiveness of sins. The Catholic Church sees the effects of this sacrament as giving grace for the state into which people enter through sickness. Through the sacrament, a gift of the Holy Spirit is given, that renews confidence and faith in God and strengthens against temptations to discouragement, despair, and anguish at the thought of death and the struggle of death. It prevents the believer from losing Christian hope in God's justice, truth, and salvation.
The Anointing of the Sick is also known as Extreme Unction, which means "final anointing", implying it was administered only to those near death. Other names include holy oil or unction of the sick; the unction or blessing of consecrated oil; the unction of God; and the office of the unction. In Eastern Christianity, it is technically known as euchelaion (prayer-oil).
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Penance
The Sacrament of Penance, also known as the Sacrament of Reconciliation or Confession, is one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church. It is a ritual in which the faithful are absolved of sins committed after baptism and are reconciled with God, the Church, and the Christian community.
The Sacrament of Penance is a deeply rooted tradition in the Catholic Church, enduring countless attacks over the centuries. It is a means for Catholics to obtain forgiveness for their sins and reconcile with God, the Church, and their community. During the sacrament, individuals confess their mortal sins, and may also confess venial sins for devotional reasons. According to Catholic doctrine, only bishops and priests can grant absolution during the Sacrament of Penance.
The ritual is based on the belief that sin is a deliberate rejection of good and an offence against God, reason, truth, and conscience. Mortal sins are considered more severe, as they destroy charity and violate God's law. On the other hand, venial sins are less serious, as they do not completely destroy charity but still offend and wound it.
During the Sacrament of Penance, individuals privately recount their sins to a priest, who acts as a healer. The priest may then assign acts of penance, such as specific prayers or acts of restitution, to be completed after the confession. A prayer of contrition is offered, and the penitent is urged to refrain from repeating the confessed sins.
The Sacrament of Penance is not just about confessing sins but also about internal conversion, prayer, and works of charity. It is an opportunity for self-reflection and taking responsibility for one's sins, both in thought and action. Through this sacrament, Catholics can deepen their relationship with God and receive forgiveness, reestablishing themselves as God's children and restoring peace with the Church and their neighbours.
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Viaticum
The Eucharist may be administered in the form of consecrated bread and wine, or just wine alone if the dying person cannot take solid food. In the Latin Church, Viaticum is currently administered in the form of bread only. In the past, it was sometimes placed in the mouth of a person who had already died if they were unable to swallow due to a parched throat.
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Last Rites
The Last Rites in the Catholic Church are the final prayers and rituals performed for those close to death. They are reserved for the living, and as such, they are for the dying and not the deceased. The Last Rites offer a final chance for absolution of sins and preparation for entering heaven. They can be requested by a Catholic facing imminent risk of dying or by their family members.
The Last Rites are not a single sacrament but a combination of sacraments and rites. They include the Sacraments of Confession, Anointing of the Sick, and Eucharist, with the prayers of Apostles' Creed and Our Father. The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, also known as Extreme Unction or Final Anointing when received during the Last Rites, is usually postponed until someone is near death. However, it can be received at any time. If administered to someone near death, it is accompanied by the sacraments of Penance and Viaticum. The order of these three sacraments is important and should be given in the sequence of Penance, Anointing of the Sick, and Viaticum. Penance is administered first to the dying because the forgiveness of sins, especially mortal sins, is necessary for Catholics to attain a state of grace and a full relationship with God.
In the Eastern Orthodox Church and Eastern Catholic Churches following the Byzantine Rite, the Last Rites consist of the Sacred Mysteries (sacraments) of Confession and the reception of Holy Communion. Following these sacraments, when a person dies, there are a series of prayers known as The Office at the Parting of the Soul From the Body. This includes a blessing by the priest, the Lord's Prayer, and Psalm 50.
In the Lutheran Churches, the Last Rites are formally known as the Commendation of the Dying. The priest opens in the name of the triune God, includes a prayer, recites the Lord's Prayer, and reads from one of the psalms. The dying individual is then anointed with oil and receives the sacraments of Holy Absolution and Holy Communion.
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Holy Communion
The Eucharist is the third of the sacraments of initiation, coming after Baptism and Confirmation. It is usually celebrated around the age of seven or eight, after a child's first confession (the sacrament of Reconciliation). During the mass, the priest consecrates bread and wine, which are transubstantiated into the body and blood of Christ. The congregation then shares in the sacred meal, reflecting on Christ's Last Supper with his disciples.
The Eucharist is a deeply spiritual experience for Catholics. They believe that receiving the body and blood of Jesus Christ is a profound expression of their unity and belief in the Catholic Church. The Eucharist is also associated with dying and is part of the Last Rites. Catholics are encouraged to receive the Eucharist at least once a year, preferably during Eastertide.
The act of receiving Holy Communion is a sacred ritual. Catholics are required to fast for at least an hour beforehand and to make an outward sign of reverence, such as bowing their heads. The consecrated host can be received on the tongue or in the hand, and it can be received under one kind (the Sacred Host or the Precious Blood) or both.
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Frequently asked questions
Marriage is one of the seven holy sacraments of the Catholic Church and the last sacrament an individual Catholic can choose for themselves.
The seven sacraments of the Catholic Church are: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony.
Viaticum, also known as Holy Communion, is the last sacrament of the Christian.
The last sacrament of someone's life is the Last Rites, which incorporates the sacraments of Confession, Anointing of the Sick, and Eucharist.
The last sacrament of the sick is the Anointing of the Sick, formerly known as Extreme Unction.
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