Commendation of the Spirit

[sacristan1]

I am an EMHC and I regularly take Communion to the sick and dying. My question is this:
In the event I have been called to the bedside of a person who is very ill and when I arrive I see that death is imminent and a priest is not available, is it appropriate for an EMHC to say the prayers commending the spirit to God. I was in this position just last week and it was obvious the lady was not going to make it through the day. The family was there and was happy with an EMHC-----the lady had received the Final Sacrament a few days prior. I administered Communion (Viaticum) to her, however, was not sure of the Commendation of the Spiirit since I felt this should be done by a priest and at the time was not sure I could do it. I did say this prayer silently while holding my hands over her hands. She was awake and looking into my eyes. The family seemed to be content and left. I felt I should have been able to do more for her spiritually. She went very peacefully just a half-hour after receiving Communion. Is there anything more I should have done???

 

[benedictgal]

I don’t know if this would necessarily apply, but,in 1997, the Congregation for Clergy wrote a document regarding the collaboration between the ordained clergy and the laity. This sectin pertains to the ministry to the sick:

The Apostolate to the Sick

§ 1. In this area, the non-ordained faithful can often provide valuable collaboration. (102) Innumerable works of charity to the sick are constantly provided by the non-ordained faithful either individually or through community apostolates. These constitute an important Christian presence to sick and suffering of the greatest importance. The non-ordained faithful particularly assist the sick by being with them in difficult moments, encouraging them to receive the Sacraments of Penance and the Anointing of the Sick, by helping them to have the disposition to make a good individual confession as well as to prepare them to receive the Anointing of the Sick. In using sacramentals, the non-ordained faithful should ensure that these are in no way regarded as sacraments whose administration is proper and exclusive to the Bishop and to the priest. Since they are not priests, in no instance may the non-ordained perform anointings either with the Oil of the Sick or ony other oil.

§ 2. With regard to the administration of this sacrament, ecclesiastical legislation reiterates the theologically certain doctrine and the age old usage of the Church (103) which regards the priest as its only valid minister. (104) This norm is completely coherent with the theological mystery signified and realized by means of priestly service.

It must also be affirmed that the reservation of the ministry of Anointing to the priest is related to the connection of this sacrament to the forgiveness of sin and the worthy reception of the Holy Eucharist. No other person may act as ordinary or extraordinary minister of the sacrament since such constitutes simulation of the sacrament. (105)

I would check with your pastor or with the Chancery on what should be done in the event the situation repeats itself.

 

[AJV]

I am an EMHC and I regularly take Communion to the sick and dying. My question is this:
In the event I have been called to the bedside of a person who is very ill and when I arrive I see that death is imminent and a priest is not available, is it appropriate for an EMHC to say the prayers commending the spirit to God. I was in this position just last week and it was obvious the lady was not going to make it through the day. The family was there and was happy with an EMHC-----the lady had received the Final Sacrament a few days prior. I administered Communion (Viaticum) to her, however, was not sure of the Commendation of the Spiirit since I felt this should be done by a priest and at the time was not sure I could do it. I did say this prayer silently while holding my hands over her hands. She was awake and looking into my eyes. The family seemed to be content and left. I felt I should have been able to do more for her spiritually. She went very peacefully just a half-hour after receiving Communion. Is there anything more I should have done???

Yes, I think you can. From the Rite for the Commendation of the Dying

When a priest or deacon is unable to be present because of other serious pastoral obligations , he should instruct the laity to assistr the dying by reciting the prayers contained in this chapter or other prayers; texts of these prayers should be made readily available to them.

Additionally

When the moment of death seems to be near, **someone **may say some of the following prayers which are in accordance with the Christian disposition for death

and then follow various prayers of commendation.

 

[sacristan1]

Thank you all so much for your help. God takes care of us and his Church by sending us the answers we need whether directly or through wonderful people like you. Thank you…Thank you!!!
My Pastor has just today provided me with a book entitled “Ritual for Laypersons” which also says we can and it provides the prayers that we should use. I wish I had this book last week, but we do what we can and the Holy Spirit gives us the information we need when we are ready for it in his time, not ours.

God Bless all of you.