For Non-Catholics:
What to Do in the Event of Impending Death

Handling the Dying Person Who Is Not Catholic

1. Layperson Contacts the Priest

• Layperson: Recognize the imminent death and call a priest, explaining the situation clearly (that the person is not Catholic and outlining their religious background, if known).

• Priest: Arrives and assesses the situation compassionately, asking key questions to determine how to proceed.

2. Assess the Baptismal Status

• Priest (to family or dying person, if conscious):

  • “Is the person baptized?”

A. If Yes (Baptized Christian, but not Catholic)

• Step 3A:

  • Priest: Offers to provide spiritual assistance and explains what the Catholic Church can offer.

    • “Would you like to receive the Anointing of the Sick and other sacraments?”

  • If the person desires to receive sacraments:

    • Priest:

      • Administers Anointing of the Sick.

      • Offers Confession (if the person desires).

      • If possible, provides Viaticum (the last Holy Communion).

      • Prays with the person, including the Apostolic Pardon if appropriate.

  • If the person does not desire sacraments but is open to prayer:

    • Priest:

      • Offers prayers for healing and comfort, such as the Lord’s Prayer, Psalm 23, or the Divine Mercy Chaplet.

      • Encourages the person to trust in God’s mercy and love.

      • Prays for their peace and a holy death.

• If the person does not desire any spiritual assistance:

  • Priest: Respects their wishes but offers private prayer for the dying person from a distance or prays silently.

B. If No (Not Baptized)

• Step 3B:

  • Priest (if conscious): “Would you like to be baptized?”

  • If the person expresses a desire for baptism:

    • Priest:

      • Administers Baptism (even in extremis, a simple form of baptism suffices: pouring water and saying, "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit").

      • If time allows, follows with the Anointing of the Sick and Viaticum (if desired).

      • Offers the Apostolic Pardon, which grants a plenary indulgence at the hour of death.

  • If the person does not desire baptism but is open to prayer:

    • Priest:

      • Offers prayers, asking for God’s mercy and care.

      • If appropriate, prays with the family and includes prayers for a peaceful passing.

  • If the person does not desire spiritual assistance:

    • Priest: Respects their decision, while praying privately for their peace.

3. Assess the Openness to Catholic Beliefs

• Priest (to the family or person, if conscious): “Would the person like to receive prayers according to the Catholic tradition?”

A. If Yes (Person Open to Catholic Beliefs)

• Priest:

  • Offers the Anointing of the Sick (if the person is baptized).

  • If unbaptized but open to receiving sacraments, the priest proceeds with Baptism.

  • Prays over the person, offering the Apostolic Pardon (plenary indulgence).

  • Encourages the person to unite their suffering with Christ for the salvation of souls.

  • Leads the Divine Mercy Chaplet or Rosary (if the family or person requests it).

B. If No (Person Not Open to Catholic Beliefs or Uncertain)

• Priest:

  • Gently respects their beliefs but offers general prayers, invoking God’s love and mercy.

  • “Would you be open to a simple prayer asking for God’s peace?”

  • If accepted, prays for the person’s peace and well-being without using overtly Catholic language (e.g., praying to God the Father, for comfort, and for peace).

  • If declined, the priest remains present if possible, providing comfort and private prayer.

4. After Death: Prayers for the Deceased

• Priest (after the person passes): Offers prayers for the repose of the soul of the deceased, even if the person was not baptized.

  • If the family requests it, the priest may offer prayers for the family’s comfort and encourage the family to continue praying for the soul of the deceased.