James v.14
The Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament of healing received in the midst of illness or difficulty. While it is often called “Extreme Unction” or “Last Rites” it is not the case that one must be on one’s deathbed to receive sacrament of Anointing, and it may be given multiple times in the course of an illness, depending on its gravity or the gravity of its progression. When Anointing is given at the end of a person’s life, it is often in the form of the anointing of the seats of the senses, a way by which the sacrament communicates the entire forgiveness of sins and prepares a soul for its journey ahead. Moreover, while Confession (and/or a period of spiritual conversation, prayer, counsel and encouragement), Eucharist, and Anointing can form part of a pastoral visit to someone in hospital or hospice, not every pastoral visit features or requires Anointing.
In the context of this Sacrament, it should be noted that part of what used to be known as the Ars Moriendi (the Art of Dying) is making appropriate preparations for death—this isn’t about being morbid, but about facing up to the fullness of what it means to be human and making a commitment to love and care for our family, friends, and loved ones during what will be a difficult time. Indeed, the whole of the Ars Moriendi is about making a beginning, as early as possible, to live a life characterized by virtue—principally by the virtue of love—living in communion with God and God’s church, and in fellowship with your neighbor. The Art of Dying well is really the Art of Living well.
Information is available if you’d like to discuss funeral preparations (yours or a loved one’s).
