“By the sacred anointing of the sick and the prayer of the priests the whole Church commends those who are ill to the suffering and glorified Lord, that he may raise them up and save them. And indeed she exhorts them to contribute to the good of the People of God by freely uniting themselves to the Passion and death of Christ.” [CCC 1499]
Anointing of the Sick: By appointment -- Please call the office - Holly at 712-226-4320
“LAST RITES” was the former way of referring to the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. Since Vatican II, the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick refers to the anointing with the Oil of the Sick, by a priest, persons suffering from serious illnesses.
Communion to the Sick is part of the Sacrament fulfilled by a Minister of Holy Communion [Ordinary = priest or deacon; Extraordinary = commissioned layperson]. When a person is nearing death the celebration of Viaticum [‘food for the journey’] is offered by a Minister of Holy Communion while the person is still able to receive Holy Communion.
When the person is nearing death, prayers for the dying maybe prayed over the person by any member of the faithful. A priest may be called to offer the Apostolic Pardon of all sins to the dying person.