What Catholics call 'the last rites' is not a single rite but the Church's whole care for a person who is dying: the Sacrament of Penance, the Anointing of the Sick, and above all Viaticum, Holy Communion received as food for the journey from this life to the Father. The Catechism (1524-1525) calls Viaticum the sacrament of those departing, and says that Penance, Anointing and the Eucharist as Viaticum together form, at the end of Christian life, the sacraments that prepare for our heavenly homeland. This guide explains what each part is, so that a family knows what to ask for and a sick person knows what to expect.

What you need

• A priest, called in time; a deacon or an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion may bring Viaticum if no priest is available, but only a priest can hear a confession and anoint
• A small table by the bed with a cloth, a crucifix, a candle, and a glass of water
• The family gathered, so far as possible, and a quiet room
• The sick person's baptismal promises: the rite asks them to renew them, and it helps to know the words of the Apostles' Creed

When to pray it

As soon as death appears to be approaching: when hospice care begins, when the doctors speak of days or weeks rather than months, or when a sudden decline makes death likely. Viaticum may be received even if the person has already received Communion that day.

Steps

1. 1

   Step 1: Understand what the last rites are

   The Church's book, Pastoral Care of the Sick: Rites of Anointing and Viaticum, provides for the dying a continuous rite in which Penance, Anointing and Viaticum are celebrated together, and a separate rite of Viaticum for a person who has already been anointed. The heart of it is Viaticum, from the Latin for provisions for a journey: the Body of Christ given to a Christian who is leaving this life, in the words of the Catechism the seed of eternal life and the power of resurrection. Around it the Church places the forgiveness of sins, the strengthening of the Anointing, the renewal of baptismal promises, the apostolic pardon, and the prayers that commend the dying person to God.

2. 2

   Step 2: Call the priest in time

   Do not wait for the final hours. Canon 921 says the Christian faithful who are in danger of death from any cause are to be nourished by Viaticum, and that while the danger lasts it is fitting for it to be given repeatedly, on different days; canon 922 adds that Viaticum is not to be delayed too long, and that those with the care of souls are to be vigilant that the dying receive it while they are fully conscious. Telephone the parish or the hospital chaplain, say clearly that the person is dying and would like confession, the Anointing and Viaticum, and give the address and the best time. A deacon or an extraordinary minister may bring Viaticum if no priest can come, but only a priest can absolve and anoint, so ask for a priest first.

3. 3

   Step 3: Make a confession

   If the dying person is able, the rite begins with the Sacrament of Penance, celebrated privately: the family steps out, the sick person confesses as much as they can, prays an Act of Contrition▾, and receives absolution. A person who can no longer speak but can show sorrow, by a gesture or a squeeze of the hand, can still be absolved. If confession is not possible, the priest leads a penitential act in which everyone prays the Confiteor▾. Where a person has lived long apart from the Church, this is often the moment of reconciliation they have been waiting for; a family member's gentle encouragement beforehand is a great kindness.

4. 4

   Step 4: Receive the Anointing

   If the person has not already been anointed during this illness, or if the illness has become much more serious, the priest lays his hands on their head in silence and anoints the forehead and hands with the oil of the sick, saying: 'Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit.' All answer: 'Amen.' 'May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up.' 'Amen.' In the continuous rite the Anointing comes before Viaticum, so that the person is strengthened in body and soul before receiving the Lord.

5. 5

   Step 5: Renew your baptismal promises and receive Viaticum

   The rite of Viaticum asks the dying person to renew the promises of Baptism, answering 'I do' to the questions of the Apostles' Creed▾: Do you believe in God, the Father almighty? Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord? Do you believe in the Holy Spirit? The priest or minister then shows the Host and says, 'Behold the Lamb of God...', and all answer, 'Lord, I am not worthy...'. The dying person receives, and the minister adds the words proper to Viaticum: 'May the Lord Jesus Christ protect you and lead you to eternal life.' 'Amen.' A moment of silence follows; the Anima Christi▾ is a fitting prayer for it. If the person can receive only a small fragment, or only the Precious Blood, that is Viaticum in full.

6. 6

   Step 6: Receive the apostolic pardon

   In the rite of Viaticum the priest may impart the apostolic pardon, a plenary indulgence for the hour of death which the Church attaches to the sacraments of the dying. One of the forms the rite gives is: 'Through the holy mysteries of our redemption, may almighty God release you from all punishment in this life and in the life to come. May he open to you the gates of paradise and welcome you to everlasting joy.' All answer: 'Amen.' The dying person need only be sorry for their sins and willing to receive it; no further action is asked of someone at the point of death.

7. 7

   Step 7: Pray the prayers of commendation

   When death is near the Church prays the Commendation of the Dying: short texts of Scripture that the dying person may repeat inwardly, a litany of the saints, and the prayer 'Go forth, Christian soul, from this world, in the name of God the almighty Father, who created you...'. These prayers may be led by a priest, a deacon, or any member of the family; the Commendation of the Dying on this site gives them in full. Keep praying quietly even when the person no longer responds, since hearing is often the last sense to go. After death, pray together: 'Eternal rest▾ grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.'

Tips

• Ask for Viaticum by name. Families often ask only for the Anointing; the priest will bring both, but Viaticum is the sacrament proper to the dying.
• The one-hour Eucharistic fast does not bind the sick, the elderly, or those caring for them, so a person may receive even after eating.
• If the person can no longer swallow the Host, a small fragment or the Precious Blood may be given; if they cannot receive at all, the priest will still anoint and pray the commendation.
• Where a priest cannot reach the person in time, the Church still provides: the Church grants a plenary indulgence at the moment of death to a Catholic who is properly disposed and has been in the habit of praying during life, and a crucifix or cross is recommended for it.