What ministry can the church provide him/her?
What is the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick and who should receive it?
Who can perform the anointing?
When are there opportunities to receive the Anointing of the Sick?
What is "Extreme Unction" or the "Last Rites" and does the church still do that?
When should a person receive Anointing of the Sick?
What is Viaticum and when should a person receive it?
Can someone from the church pray with us before death or right after death?
When and how should I notify the parish about his/her death?
Who can help us with the preparations needed after someone dies and with planning the funeral?
Should I notify the parish that someone has become home-bound, hospitalized or in a nursing home?
What ministry can the church provide him/her?
The church is committed to maintaining connection with and ministering to the sick of our community. Ministry can consist of visitation to:
Arrange a visit to someone who is homebound, in a nursing home, or in the hospital.
What is the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick and who should receive it?
Information on the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick
The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick can be administered to baptized Catholics who are seriously ill in mind, body or spirit, in addition to persons reaching advanced age (pastoral judgment is applied here). The sacrament may be repeated if the illness persists or worsened.
Who can perform the anointing?
Only an ordained priest is qualified to administer the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.
When are there opportunities to receive the Anointing of the Sick?
How should I arrange for the Anointing of the Sick at home / hospital / nursing home, or at the parish?
^TOP
What is "Extreme Unction" or the "Last Rites" and does the church still do that?
“Extreme Unction” or the “Last Rites” were terms given to anointing and (if the patient could physically receive) the giving of Communion to a person in imminent danger of dying. These terms (“Extreme Unction” and “Last Rites”) are no longer used, but anointing and Communion are still very much part of Catholic ministry to the sick & dying.
When should a person receive Anointing of the Sick?
The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick can be administered by a priest to any baptized Catholic who is seriously ill and has not died. If death may have occurred but can not be verified, a conditional administration of the sacrament is permitted.
What is Viaticum and when should a person receive it?
Viaticum is a term used for Communion administered, with or without the Anointing of the Sick, to a person who is dying. Administering Communion may be done by a priest, a deacon, or a lay minister (Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion).
Can someone from the church pray with us before death or right after death?
The Church can be a source of much comfort for those who are soon to lose a loved one, or who have just lost a loved one.
In the time leading up to death, the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is a wonderful expression of the presence of Christ among us as our loved one is preparing to pass from this life to the next. See our sacrament page for the Anointing of the Sick.
In the time just after someone has died, there is a prayer rite that can be provided to provide comfort to the family and friends in their immediate time of loss. This can be led by a priest, deacon or lay person.
To receive assistance from a priest or deacon or a lay minister, please contact the parish office.
^TOP
When and how should I notify the parish about his/her death?
When a friend or family member has died, please get in contact with the parish office as soon as possible. This will alert the priests and staff, add prayers to parish Masses for the deceased and family, and facilitate the beginning of planning the church services related to the funeral and burial.
Who can help us with the preparations needed after someone dies and with planning the funeral?
The parish priest will meet with the family and assist them in coordinating with the funeral home, arranging for a date & time for vigil services (wake), funeral Mass and Committal Rites. A funeral meal provided by the parish, to follow the funeral Mass and Committal, is offered to the family and all who attend.
^TOP
Should I notify the parish that someone has become home-bound, hospitalized or in a nursing home?
By notifying the parish office that someone has become home-bound, hospitalized or in a nursing home, the parish community can pray for the person. Also, regular visits are made to the hospital, and nursing homes and homes of the homebound by our pastoral care ministers.
If an urgent visit is needed, contact the parish office to arrange for someone to visit and minister to the ill person and family.
^TOP