Michael Brooks
Last Rites are a set of rituals and sacraments performed by a priest to prepare a Catholic individual for death and assure forgiveness of sins and entrance into heaven. Last Rites are typically performed during a person's final days or when they are in danger of dying due to sickness, old age, or a high-risk operation. They consist of three sacraments: Confession (Reconciliation), Eucharist (Communion), and Anointing of the Sick. The Apostolic Pardon is also an important component of the Last Rites, as it grants remission of sins and is offered by the priest or the dying person themselves if they meet the requirements. While it is preferable to administer the Last Rites while the individual is still conscious and able to participate, they are not meant to be given at the last moment, and it is recommended to request them as soon as possible.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can receive the last rites? | Any Catholic who has reached the age of reason and is dying |
| When should the last rites be administered? | When a person is dying, even if death is still months away |
| Who administers the last rites? | A priest |
| What do the last rites consist of? | Sacred Mysteries (sacraments) of Confession, Anointing of the Sick, and Eucharist |
| What is the purpose of the last rites? | Spiritual preparation and peace at the end of life, to assure forgiveness of sins and entrance into heaven |
| What happens if a Catholic dies before the last rites are administered? | The priest can choose to recite a prayer for their Pastoral Care of the Sick ritual book |
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What You'll Learn
Anointing of the Sick
The sacrament is performed by a priest, who uses oil blessed by the bishop during Holy Week to anoint the person's forehead and hands. The priest says:
> Through this holy anointing, may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up.
The last rites include Penance (confessing one's sins), Anointing of the Sick, and Viaticum (Holy Communion). The order of these three rites is important and should be given in that sequence.
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Last Rites for Children
The Last Rites in the Catholic Church are sacraments that are performed for those who are close to death. They include Penance (confessing one's sins), Anointing of the Sick, and the Viaticum. However, the Anointing of the Sick is not administered to children who are presumed to be innocent and sinless.
The Last Rites are typically not administered to children who have not yet reached the age of reason, which is considered to be around seven years old. Instead, they are given the Sacrament of Confirmation. This is because young children are believed to be mentally incapable of understanding right from wrong and are considered innocent.
Funeral Rites for Children
The Order of Christian Funerals provides liturgical rites and texts for Funeral Rites for Children, including the Funeral Liturgy with Mass in the presence of the body and Funeral Liturgy outside of Mass. There are also prayers and rites for use in a home, hospital, or funeral home with family and friends after the death of a child.
Pastoral Support for Families
It is important to provide pastoral care and support to parents and families following the death of a child. This can include staying in touch, making phone calls, sending notes of care, and providing resources to help them through their grief.
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Communion and Apostolic Pardon
The Apostolic Pardon is an indulgence given for the remission of temporal punishment due to sin. It is usually given by a priest as part of the Last Rites to those in danger of death. The Apostolic Pardon does not forgive sins by the act of absolution; it deals only with the punishment due for those sins that have already been sacramentally forgiven.
The Sacrament of Penance, or Reconciliation, which does forgive sins, is usually administered along with the Apostolic Pardon. The Church's ritual book on the Pastoral Care of the Sick uses the term "Apostolic Pardon" for what is called the "Apostolic Blessing with attached plenary indulgence" elsewhere. The Apostolic Blessing is as follows:
> "Through the holy mysteries of our redemption, may almighty God release you from all punishments in this life and in the life to come. May He open to you the gates of paradise and welcome you to everlasting joy."
The older form of the Apostolic Blessing is:
> "By the authority which the Apostolic See has given me, I grant you a full pardon and the remission of all your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, + and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."
The Last Rites, or the Celebration of Viaticum, are given to the dying to assure forgiveness of sins and entrance into heaven. Viaticum refers to Communion as "food for the journey." The Last Rites consist of Viaticum and the Commendation of the Dying, although confession and anointing of the sick may also be administered. The Commendation of the Dying is intended to "help sustain the union of the soul with Christ until it is brought to fulfillment after death." It expresses the desire for God's mercy and confidence in Christ.
The Apostolic Pardon is given at the conclusion of the anointing of the sick if the recipient is in danger of death. While confession forgives the eternal punishment for sin, the indulgence attached to the Apostolic Pardon forgives temporal punishment due to sin. The Apostolic Pardon is a great gift from the Church, bringing consolation and tranquility to the dying and their loved ones.
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Confession and Reconciliation
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 for those who are dying, including three sacraments: reconciliation (confession), the Eucharist (communion), and anointing of the sick.
During confession, an individual confesses their sins to a priest, who then grants absolution. The priest will pray for the forgiveness of the individual's sins, and the individual will make the sign of the cross and respond with "I am sorry for these sins and all the sins I cannot remember." The priest will then conclude with "Go in peace".
The Catholic Church teaches that individual and integral confession and absolution are the only ordinary ways in which a person conscious of mortal sins committed after baptism can be reconciled with God, the Church, and the Christian community. Mortal sins must be confessed, and venial sins may be confessed for devotional reasons. Canon law requires confession, purpose of amendment, and absolution from a priest for reconciliation with God and the Church, except in danger of death.
In preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, an individual should be honest about their sins, and may also discuss the circumstances and root causes of their sins with the priest. It is encouraged to write down sins or use a phone app to help with recollection. The priest is bound by confidentiality and cannot share what is said during confession.
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Last Rites for the Unconscious
Last Rites, or the Celebration of Viaticum, are given to those who are dying to assure forgiveness of sins and entrance into heaven. The three sacraments of Reconciliation (or Confession), the Eucharist (or Communion), and Anointing of the Sick are included in the Last Rites. The prayers of the Apostles' Creed and Our Father are also included.
If the recipient is a non-Catholic, unconscious, or unable to speak for themselves, the priest will lead them in an Act of Contrition. For practising Catholics who are able to speak, the priest will move on to Confession instead. The Sacrament of Confession is an essential part of the Last Rites, as it absolved the dying person of their sins. The priest will then lead them in the prayer of the Apostle's Creed, asking them to renew their Baptismal promises.
If a person is unconscious, there can be no confession of sins or Holy Communion. However, if a person is unconscious and receives the Last Rites but is unable to confess, they can still be cleansed of their sins, assuming their soul is properly disposed. In other words, assuming they have sorrow for their sins.
It is important to note that the Last Rites can be administered much earlier than when death is imminent. Many priests find it troublesome when families wait until the last minute before calling upon them. Therefore, it is recommended to request the Last Rites as early as possible to ensure the dying person receives them.
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Frequently asked questions
The Catholic last rites are a set of rituals for the dying, including the sacraments of confession, anointing of the sick, and Eucharist (Holy Communion).
Any baptised Catholic who has reached the age of reason and is dying can receive the last rites. The dying person does not have to be a member of the church offering the last rites.
The last rites are typically given during a person's final days. They can be given when a person is beginning to be in danger of death due to illness, old age, or a high-risk operation. It is recommended that the last rites are given earlier rather than later, and they should not be left until the person is unconscious.
Contact a local Catholic church, hospice, or hospital chaplain to request the last rites for your loved one. In emergencies, priests prioritise visits to those in immediate danger of death.
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