What’s the difference?
Anointing of the Sick
Most of us 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.
How can we decide if we should ask to be anointed? A good or reasonably sure judgment is sufficient for deciding on the seriousness of an illness. For example:
A person may be anointed before surgery, whether or not a serious illness is the reason for the surgery.
Elderly people may be anointed if they have become notably weakened even though no serious illness is present.
Anyone who is sick may be anointed if they have sufficient use of reason to be strengthened by this sacrament.
And if you are still unsure, contact the Parish Office! We can help!
Last Rites
Last Rites often happens in conjunction with or following after the administration of the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. Last Rites centers around the reception of Viaticum, Communion given when death is near. Last Rites may also be accompanied by an apostolic blessing that gives a plenary indulgence to the dying person.
Rev. Mark J. Gantley explains the Apostolic Blessing, "The Apostolic Pardon (or blessing) is an indulgence given in situations of danger of death, usually after the absolution of the sacrament of penance. The focus is on the remission of temporal punishment due to sin."
