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What is the Difference Between Anointing of the Sick and Last Rites?
At times even some "seasoned Catholics" get stumped by the question. Many of us get confused and believe it is the same thing just a different way of naming it. Well, there is a difference and it is important for us to know these differences so that we can better understand and take full advantage of this Sacrament and this Apostolic Blessing (Last Rites).
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Anointing of the Sick
Most of usually think of asking for this anointing only when we are nearing death through sickness or old age. However, if this is the case, we would be missing out on the opportunity for God to heal and help us at times when we might need Him the most - when we are having surgery, dealing with a physical, mental, emotional, or even spiritual affliction. It is during these difficult times that we need the Holy Spirit's gifts of strength, faith, peace, and courage. It is during these times, as well, that we should seek to receive this God given sacrament.
"The Lord himself showed great concern for the bodily and spiritual welfare
of the sick and commanded his followers to do likewise…
since then the Church has never ceased to celebrate this sacrament
for its members by the anointing and prayer of its priests,
commending those who are ill to the suffering and glorified Lord…"General Introduction to the Pastoral Care of the Sick
This sacrament (like all sacraments) is a community celebration. It is for those with sickness whether it be physically, mentally or spiritually. Anointing is not a sacrament for those only who are at the point of death but is intended for those asking for the healing touch of Christ. Today we are all aware that tensions, fear and anxiety not only affect our mind but our body as well. Anyone wishing to receive the Sacrament of Anointing is welcome to remain after Mass for this special blessing. The parish typically holds an Anointing of the Sick opportunity annually. Elderly people and people whose health is seriously impaired are urged to come and celebrate together in this Eucharistic liturgy. The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is an action of the community whereby all members are concerned for one another. St. Paul tells us, "as one member suffers, all suffer, and as one member shares in the joy of the Sacrament, all share in the joy of the Sacrament." The group, coming together for communal anointing, is a great sign of a concerned community celebrating a joyful Sacrament. The parish typically holds Anointing of the Sick Masses annually.
We pray for those that are sick or are in need of healing whether it be physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually. This sacrament of healing derives from the ministry of Jesus and has been practiced in the Church from its earliest days as we find recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. It calls upon the power of the Holy Spirit, the prayer of the believing community, the ministry of the ordained, and the baptismal faith of the individual presented for anointing. This sacrament carries the promise of the strengthening presence of God who says to the sick, "Be not afraid. I am with you." Further, when the Anointing is celebrated in a Eucharistic Liturgy, our communion in the Body of Christ is both affected and witnessed. "You are not alone," Christ speaks through his Body, both in sacrament and in the people of God.
Reasons to ask for the anointing include: having a chronic illness, mental or emotional illness, the infirmity of old age, impending surgery, a condition of permanent or temporary disability, diagnosis of serious ill health.
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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.
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The Oil of the Sick
The oil used in administering the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is called Oil of the Sick. It is one of the three Holy oils blessed by the bishop of the diocese at his cathedral on Holy Thursday morning, the other two Holy Oils being Holy Chrism and the Oil of Catechumens, which is used in Baptism.Oil of the Sick is pure olive oil—nothing being added except the blessing of the bishop. Its appropriateness as part of the outward sign of Anointing of the Sick is evident from the healing and strengthening effects which are characteristic of olive oil.
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Last Rites - Last Blessing
The Last Rites, on the other hand, are the last rites a person receives on this earth. The Last Rites can include three Sacraments: Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, and Eucharist or viaticum, which means “food for the journey.” These may be administered at one visit or on separate occasions, and although a lay person may administer viaticum, Reconciliation and Last Rites must be done by a priest.
If a person close to death is not able to communicate or swallow, the Last Rites may consist of only the Sacrament of Anointing. Since death is close, the priest may include special prayers for the dying.
After the administration of the sacrament of anointing, the last rites, which is an apostolic blessing that gives a plenary indulgence to the dying person, is performed. The apostolic blessing is given along with the anointing and that is considered last rites, since it is, most likely, the last time the person will receive this sacrament.
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"Loving and merciful God,
we entrust our brother/sister to your mercy.
You loved him/her greatly in this life;
now that he/she is freed from all its cares,
give him/her happiness and peace forever.
Welcome him/her now into paradise,
where there will be no more sorrow,
no more weeping or pain,
but only peace and joy
with Jesus, your son."
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