1. Recognizing the Need for Spiritual Assistance

• Family/Faithful:

  • Recognize the signs of impending death (serious illness, deterioration, or terminal diagnosis).

  • Contact a priest as soon as possible to administer the last sacraments.

  • Keep a prayerful and peaceful environment around the dying person.

2. Contact a Priest for the Last Sacraments

• Faithful/Family:

  • Reach out to the nearest available priest and explain the situation.

  • Request that the priest come immediately to administer the last sacraments.

• Priest:

  • Prepare to bring the following:

    • Holy Oils (for Anointing of the Sick).

    • The Eucharist (for Viaticum, if possible).

    • Pastoral Care of the Sick rites book (for Anointing, Apostolic Pardon, and Prayers).

3. Administering the Last Sacraments

• If the person is conscious:

  • Confession (if possible):

    • Encourage the dying person to make a full and honest confession.

    • The priest administers absolution.

  • Anointing of the Sick:

    • The priest anoints the forehead and hands of the sick person with the holy oils, saying the prescribed prayers.

  • Viaticum (Holy Communion for the dying):

    • If the person can receive, the priest administers the Eucharist, often called the "food for the journey."

  • Apostolic Pardon (Plenary indulgence for the dying):

    • The priest gives the Apostolic Pardon, which remits all temporal punishment due to sin, allowing the soul to be purified for Heaven:

      • "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."

• If the person is unconscious:

  • Anointing of the Sick:

    • The priest anoints the person, even if unconscious, as the sacrament provides both spiritual and physical healing.

  • Apostolic Pardon:

    • The Apostolic Pardon can still be given if the person is unconscious.

  • Viaticum:

    • If the person is unable to receive Holy Communion, Viaticum is omitted.

4. Prayers for the Dying and Commendation of the Soul

• Family/Faithful:

  • Gather around the dying person and join the priest in prayer.

  • Prayers for the Dying:

    • The priest leads prayers for the dying, invoking the mercy of God and the intercession of the saints.

    • The Litany of the Saints, invocations of Mary, St. Joseph, and the Guardian Angels may be prayed.

    • Commendation of the Soul:

      • "Go forth, Christian soul, from this world, in the name of God the almighty Father, who created you, in the name of Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, who suffered for you, in the name of the Holy Spirit, who was poured out upon you. May you live in peace this day, may your home be with God in Zion, with Mary, the Virgin Mother of God, with Joseph, and all the Angels and Saints."

5. Encouraging Devotions for the Dying

• Family/Faithful:

  • While the priest administers the sacraments, family and faithful should continue praying. Suggested devotions include:

    • The Divine Mercy Chaplet: Pray this at the bedside of the dying, invoking God’s mercy.

    • The Rosary: The Sorrowful Mysteries or the Seven Sorrows of Mary are appropriate to pray for the person’s peaceful passing.

6. After Death

• Family/Faithful:

  • Once the person has passed, continue praying for their soul. Suggested prayers include:

    • Eternal Rest Prayer: “Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.”

  • Encourage family members to offer Masses and continue praying for the soul of the deceased.

• Priest:

  • Offer the final prayers, if the death occurs while the priest is present.

  • If possible, offer or arrange for the celebration of a Requiem Mass or a Mass for the Dead as soon as possible.

Adapted from Pastoral Care of the Sick: Rites of Anointing and Viaticum.