Do we need confession before anointing of the sick?

[mickipegram]

Do I have to go to Reconciliation before I receive the communal anointing of the sick?

 

[Fr.Charles_Grondin]

Yes, the Church does say that anyone who is able to confess before receiving the Anointing of the Sick is to confess before receiving it.

1964 Roman Ritual:

According to the general practice of the Church, this above all must be observed–if there is time and the condition of the sick person permits, the sacraments of penance and holy Eucharist are to be administered to him before he is anointed.

The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy:

1. In addition to the separate rites for anointing of the sick and for viaticum, a continuous rite shall be prepared according to which the sick man is anointed after he has made his confession and before he receives viaticum.

Catechism:

1532 The special grace of the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick has as its effects:

• the forgiveness of sins, if the sick person was not able to obtain it through the sacrament of Penance;