“Last Rites” are the combination of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick and Reception of Holy Communion. The last is called viaticum, when the Eucharist becomes “provisions for the wayfarer.” Each one of these sacraments, in its own way, presumes a cogent and responsive recipient. Waiting until a family member is unconscious or otherwise purely passive makes the reception of the Last Rites in their integrity impossible. Solicitation of the Last Rites springs from the desire of a devout Catholic to 1) confess, 2) be anointed and 3) receive Holy Communion. The parish priest, for his part, is then pleased to visit, often remembering or hearing of the individual’s dedication to Christ over the years and wanting to make these spiritual gifts available at this critical time of transition. Such an approach differs from the scenario where family members hastily seek to impose the anointing upon an unresponsive individual who never expressed the desire to receive all three sacraments as offered by the Church. An appointment for the Last Rites should be made while the individual is still sufficiently alert and able to respond. Although emergencies do exist, so often people wait until the last instant, press the parish priest to visit at a moment’s notice and then shame him if he can’t immediately drop everything he was doing to rush over. None of this should even have to be mentioned, but the practice of all three sacraments together has suffered sufficiently to make some commentary necessary. “Last Rites” do not mean last minute. Those caring for the sick or elderly person should make efforts to prepare that individual for the Sacrament of Reconciliation by assisting in an “examination of conscience,” so that there is something to confess. Common faults rise from the challenges of being confined, weak, ill and in pain, or enduring mental frustration, irritation and feelings of neglect. Some people are burdened by not having forgiven another for some old offense. There might be sins of a more serious nature that have never been confessed. Even past faults that still cause remorse, though already forgiven, may be added. You can find one examination here. While the Sacrament of Reconciliation is private, family members are welcome to be present afterwards for the anointing and reception of Holy Communion. A little table or other space can be prepared beforehand with a tablecloth and candles (being careful not to cause a fire) and other sacramentals like a crucifix and statue to make a place for the Eucharist when the priest arrives. Beyond that, St. Edwin Parish offers a simple anointing after the 8:00am Mass on the second Friday of the first month of each new quarter. You can find the exact dates on our Master Calendar, here. We welcome visitors who would like to bring a family member or friend to be anointed. Typically those who receive the sacrament are 65 and older and/or with some infirmity. Last Rites, received with care and foresight, provide maximum consolation and spiritual benefit to the faithful. They constitute one of the Church’s most special gifts to remove “the sting of death” and gracefully assist an individual preparing for that last step into eternity.

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