Anointing of the Sick

"Offering Last Rites for the dying is one of the greatest gifts that the Church can give people at the end of life. This is a great consolation, not only for the dying, but also for their families. Here, I explicate what the Last Rites consist of and when it is appropriate to have them done. 

The Last Rites essentially consist of three sacraments. 

1. The priest offers sacramental reconciliation. 
2. The priest does the anointing of the sick. This sacrament forgives sins, but it also heals - it heals the soul of the effects of sin. 
3. The priest gives Holy Communion if the person can receive. This is called Viaticum - food for the journey. 

Finally, the priest prays the Apostolic Blessing. As the prayer says, this releases one from all punishment due to sin in this life and the life to come. Essentially, it consists of the offering of a Plenary Indulgence at the end of one’s life. 

The best time to receive the Last Rites is when the person is still conscious, able to speak, and can receive Holy Communion. It is not good to wait until the very end because the person may die before the priest is able to get there to offer the sacraments. While there are many things to consider at the end of life, it is important not to neglect the spiritual needs."

- Fr. Travis Stephens, PhD