The Last Rites are the prayers and sacraments a church provides for a dying or gravely ill person. They may include confession, anointing with oil, Holy Communion, and a final commendation. Catholics call the central rite the Anointing of the Sick, while Episcopalians, Anglicans, and many Lutherans use "last rites" for these end-of-life ministries.
What Is Included in the Last Rites?
There is no single list followed by every church, but the pastoral shape is similar. The dying person may receive:
- confession and absolution, if the person is able to respond;
- the laying on of hands and prayer, sometimes with anointing of the forehead and hands;
- Holy Communion, known as Viaticum when received in preparation for death;
- a commendation of the dying person and, later, a committal at the funeral.
In Catholic practice, the sacramental core is the Anointing of the Sick, with Viaticum and reconciliation when possible. The rite may also include an Apostolic Pardon, a papal absolution for the dying, and a final prayer for the person's soul.
Which Churches Use This Phrase?
Catholic, Episcopal, Anglican, and many Lutheran churches provide end-of-life ministries of this kind, though their orders of service and preferred titles differ. Eastern Orthodox churches do not usually call the sacrament "Last Rites"; they call it Holy Unction, typically received several times during an illness. Other Protestant congregations may simply call the gathering a prayer service or a service of commendation. The phrase is a Christian one and is not a term used for Jewish worship.
What Happens When the Pastor Arrives?
A priest or pastor usually comes with a prayer book, oil for anointing, and Communion elements. The minister may ask whether the person wishes confession, prayer, or Communion; hear a brief confession; anoint the forehead and hands; share the sacrament; and read a commendation. The rite is brief, often taking less than half an hour, and family members may pray along. Ministers adapt the service to the person's condition: confession and Communion are not possible for someone who cannot respond, though prayer and anointing may still be offered.
Why Do Some Churches Say Anointing of the Sick?
Catholic sources used to group several ministrations under the phrase "Last Rites." Since 2016, Catholic documents in the United States have generally used Anointing of the Sick, noting the older name. The change made the connection to illness clearer; it did not remove Viaticum, prayer, or the commendation from Catholic care of the dying. Anglicans and Lutherans may say "last rites" in conversation even when their service book gives the gathering a more specific title.
What Should Visitors Do?
Keep quiet during prayers, follow the minister's directions, and offer to hold a hand or read a passage if asked. You do not need to be a church member to be present. If you are arranging the service in advance, tell the pastor which rites the family wants and ask about the order of the committal service and any funeral Mass. Churches can also help with planning a church funeral.