Can a non-Catholic Christian receive last rites?

[BRB1]

Dad had a stroke, things don’t look good.

He is Christian, but has been in poor health and not sound of mind for last 6 years.

I’m newly Catholic, but never able to present dad with Catholic understandings.

What are my options, …beyond asking our high priest Christ, to absolve him of any unconfessed mortal sins [which I have already done]. And, my asking Mary to ‘pray for us sinners’ in the hour of our death.

 

[Holly3278]

I would have a priest go to visit him if he is ok with that. Is your dad baptized? If not, the priest could baptize him, confirm him, and then give him Last Rites.

 

[BRB1]

I would have a priest go to visit him if he is ok with that. Is your dad baptized? If not, the priest could baptize him, confirm him, and then give him Last Rites.

Yes, Trinitarian baptism.

He was never anti-Catholic. He just never realized the Catholic church was superior to his Protestant faith.

 

[StCsDavid]

First off, sorry to hear about your father. I will pray for him, today.

Definitely have the priest visit with him. Even if he cannot perform last rites, he can give him a blessing.

 

[BRB1]

Could Dad be brought into FULL COMMUNION with the Church, based upon my knowledge that his intentions would be to trust my/mom’s judgements … to make the call for him ?

 

[1ke]

Could Dad be brought into FULL COMMUNION with the Church, based upon my knowledge that his intentions would be to trust my/mom’s judgements … to make the call for him ?

No. Your father would have to manifest intent to become a Catholic. You could not consent on his behalf.

As to your original question, a non-Catholic can only receive the Sacraments such as Reconciliation, Anointing, and the Eucharist under the specific guidelines specified in Canon Law one of which is that they request the sacrament.

You should talk to your priest for guidance.

 

[FrDavid96]

Dad had a stroke, things don’t look good.

He is Christian, but has been in poor health and not sound of mind for last 6 years.

I’m newly Catholic, but never able to present dad with Catholic understandings.

What are my options, …beyond asking our high priest Christ, to absolve him of any unconfessed mortal sins [which I have already done]. And, my asking Mary to ‘pray for us sinners’ in the hour of our death.

The Sacraments of Confession, Communion and Unction (Anointing) which make-up of the Last Rites can only be conferred on non-Catholic Christians in very extreme circumstances (like war, persecution or natural disaster), with the prior permission of the local bishop, if the person requests it, if that person does not have access to a minister of his own faith, and if he expresses belief in the Catholic understanding of the Sacraments. Your father might be received into the Church if he requests it—that would be the first option. The priest can pray with him, for him, and give a blessing, but Last Rites just isn’t possible unless those conditions are met.

 

[mikeledes]

Can a non-Catholic/ Protestant receive Last Rites? I ask because I have a friend who is a recent convert to Catholicism and has a Protestant father who is seriously ill and he’s concerned about his spiritual welfare.

Thanks and God Bless,
Michael

 

[PhilotheaZ]

If your friend’s father desires to be received into the Catholic Church and receive the Catholic sacraments, a Catholic priest can administer those sacraments when the man is on his death bed.

If he has no desire to become Catholic, it would be better to call a minister of his own faith.

The “last rites” normally include the sacraments of Confession, Anointing of the Sick, and Holy Communion (Viaticum).

 

[passus]

It is not acceptable, except in grave or dire circumstances to administer these sacraments to a non-Catholic and it doesn’t sound as though these are extraordinary circumstances. What usually happens is the priest will baptize, confirm, and then administer anointing of the sick in a situation like that if the man expresses faith in and understanding of the sacraments.

Refer your friend to his parish priest and encourage him to pray for the soul of his father.

God bless.