Last Rites vs Anointing of the Sick: What Catholics Should Know When a Loved One is Dying (Ep. 5)

What are the Last Rites — and when should you call a priest before a loved one dies? In this episode, Fr. Shenan Boquet walks through Catholic spiritual care at the end of life: the Anointing of the Sick, Confession, Viaticum, the Apostolic Pardon, and the Last Rites.

Fr. Boquet answers the questions Catholic families actually face when caring for someone who is seriously ill or dying — and why the single most important step is contacting the parish *long before* the final hours.

In this episode:

• What the Anointing of the Sick is, when it can be received — and received again
• The difference between the Anointing of the Sick and the Last Rites
• What Viaticum is
• The Apostolic Pardon and its plenary indulgence
• Whether a person with dementia can receive the sacraments
• How to help a lapsed Catholic — or a loved one who has fallen away — prepare for death
• Spiritual care for baptized non-Catholic Christians and the unbaptized
• Why families should contact their parish priest *before* a loved one reaches the final moments
• What priests may do in an emergency — a heart attack, a serious accident
• The role of priests, family, and friends in accompanying the dying

Fr. Boquet emphasizes that Catholic end-of-life care is not only about the final hours. It is about accompanying a person through illness — helping them receive the sacraments, reconcile with God and others, and prepare to meet Christ. Death is part of our earthly journey, but Catholics do not face it alone. The Church offers real spiritual care and sacramental grace for the sick, the dying, and their families.

Resources:

Download HLI’s FREE Catholic guide to ethical end-of-life care: End of Life Decisions: A Catholic Guide for Patients & Families

USCCB Article: Caring For Loved Ones At Life’s End | USCCB

Article on Indulgences: What are Indulgences? | Human Life International

Previous Episodes in This Series:

Episode 1: Watch our discussion of ordinary vs. extraordinary care and nutrition/hydration at the end of life here: What Guides Catholic End-of-Life Decisions? A Foundation for Every Family (Ep. 1) | Human Life International

Episode 2 covered ethical pain management at the end of life. You can watch this discussion here: Can Catholics Use Morphine for Pain Management? | End of Life Ethics (Ep. 2) | Human Life International

Episode 3 covered practical application of ordinary vs. extraordinary care: When Can Catholics Stop Life Support? Ventilators, Pacemakers & Feeding Tubes (Ep. 3) | Human Life International

Episode 4 discussed living wills, DNR orders, and questions to vet hospice providers: What You Need to Know About DNRs, Hospice & Advance Directives (Ep. 4) | Human Life International