Catholic Last Rites and Anointing of the Sick: What Families Should Know
By CRYSTAL BAI •
The short answer: Catholic 'last rites' (officially called the Sacraments of the Sick) include three sacraments: the Anointing of the Sick, Viaticum (final Communion), and sometimes Apostolic Pardon (a final blessing). These can be administered by a priest when someone is seriously ill — they are not limited to the final moments of life. The earlier a priest is called, the better.
What Are 'Last Rites'?
The term "last rites" is common but technically imprecise. The Catholic Church refers to the sacramental care given near death as the "Sacraments of the Dying" or "Rites for the Sick." They consist of three components:
- Anointing of the Sick — a sacrament of healing and grace administered by a priest, not limited to death
- Viaticum — reception of Holy Communion as spiritual food for the journey (from the Latin for "provision for a journey")
- Apostolic Pardon (Blessing) — a final blessing that may be given with a plenary indulgence
When to Call a Priest
Families sometimes wait until the final moments to call a priest, fearing the anointing will "finalize" death. This is a misunderstanding — the Anointing of the Sick is appropriate for anyone who is seriously ill, undergoing surgery, elderly and weakened, or facing any condition that poses serious risk to life. Calling a priest early allows the dying person to participate fully while still conscious.
The Anointing of the Sick
The anointing is performed with blessed oil (holy oil or oil of the sick), anointed by the priest on the forehead and hands. The anointing is accompanied by prayer for healing, strength, and peace. In Catholic theology, this sacrament provides grace, forgiveness of sins, and (when appropriate) healing of body and soul.
Viaticum: Final Communion
Viaticum is the reception of Holy Communion near death — specifically as spiritual provision for the passage from this life to the next. If the dying person cannot swallow, a tiny particle of the consecrated host may be placed on the tongue or lip. Even a Eucharistic minister (lay minister) can bring Viaticum in some circumstances.
Catholic Funeral Rites
After death, the Catholic Order of Christian Funerals includes three stages: the Vigil (wake service), the Funeral Mass, and the Rite of Committal (at the grave or cremation site). The body is typically present for the Funeral Mass. Cremation is permitted in the Catholic Church (since 1963) but burial or entombment of the cremated remains is required — scattering ashes is not permitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should last rites be given?
Last rites (Anointing of the Sick, Viaticum, and final blessing) should be administered as early as possible when someone is seriously ill — not only in the final minutes. Calling a priest early allows the person to receive the sacraments while still conscious and able to participate.
Can a lay person give last rites?
No. The Anointing of the Sick and Apostolic Pardon can only be administered by a priest. However, a Eucharistic minister (lay minister) can bring Viaticum (Holy Communion) to someone who is unable to attend Mass.
Does Catholic last rites mean someone is about to die?
No. The Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament for anyone who is seriously ill, facing surgery, or elderly and weakened. It is not reserved for the final moments of life. Receiving anointing does not hasten death.
Is cremation allowed in the Catholic Church?
Yes. The Catholic Church has permitted cremation since 1963, provided it is not chosen for reasons that reject the resurrection of the body. However, burial or entombment of the cremated remains is required — scattering ashes is not permitted.
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