Last Rights for Non-Catholics?

[Delgadoajj]

Question:

Is it possible for a baptized, non-catholic to receive the sacrament of last rights from a catholic priest? If so, what are the requirements that must be met? Must this person specifically ask for the sacrament; what if the person is in a coma, can a family member request a priest to administer the sacrament on the person who is sick?

I just want the right answer to this, not opinions.

Thank you,

Jorge.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Delgadoajj:

Question:

Is it possible for a baptized, non-catholic to receive the sacrament of last rights from a catholic priest? If so, what are the requirements that must be met? Must this person specifically ask for the sacrament; what if the person is in a coma, can a family member request a priest to administer the sacrament on the person who is sick?

I just want the right answer to this, not opinions.

Thank you,

Jorge.

It is possible, however the person must have indicated this to the priest and generally not have access to a minister of their own faith.

 

[Deacon_Ed]

Br. Rich is correct, but I would add that such a person must also have the same belief in the sacrament that we have and that a minister of his faith must not be available. In general, this would limit access to this sacrament to a member of the Anglican Communion (Episcoplians in the United States), the Orthodox and some Lutherans. Since none of the mainline Protestant Churches have the same understanding it would almost certainly eliminate them (with, as I said, the exception of High Church Lutherans who generally hold the view as Catholics).

Deacon Ed

 

[headman13]

Deacon Ed:

Br. Rich is correct, but I would add that such a person must also have the same belief in the sacrament that we have and that a minister of his faith must not be available. In general, this would limit access to this sacrament to a member of the Anglican Communion (Episcoplians in the United States), the Orthodox and some Lutherans. Since none of the mainline Protestant Churches have the same understanding it would almost certainly eliminate them (with, as I said, the exception of High Church Lutherans who generally hold the view as Catholics).

Deacon Ed

Thanks, Deacon Ed. I think that’s quite true. As a [admittedly very High Church Lutheran] pastor, I cannot imagine refusing to minister to any dying person who requested the witness of the Gospel. It would be a wonderful witness and opportunity to share the Good News with them. If the person knows enough to request the ministrations of the Church, a caring pastor will figure out how to address their needs. I think, actually, it says as much about the Church, Priest/Pastor, as it does about the one receiving the RITE. I never fail to be moved when giving the “Final Blessing” to someone who is going to be with the Lord; of course they are usually members of my parish, but what a blessing to be called to anyone’s side. I just saw “the Shoes of the Fisherman” with Anthony Quinn, where the new “Pope Cyril” “goes walk about” and during that time prays with a dying Jewish man. Very moving. The “Last RITES” are now the “Annointing of the Sick” are they not?

 

[Delgadoajj]

Thanks, everyone, but how would this work for someone who is a Baptist?

Jorge.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Delgadoajj:

Thanks, everyone, but how would this work for someone who is a Baptist?

Jorge.

If the person or family of the person cannot reach a Baptism minister.

A Catholic Priest is available. He may use his judgement and after speaking with the person and determining what their belief and faith in the Sacraments and teachings of the Catholic Church are. The person asks for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Confirmation or even the Eucharist. The priest may, if the person is at the point of death, may administer one or more Sacraments. If not at the point of death the priest may decide to return later, after consulting with the Bishop and receiving specific permission.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

headman13:

Thanks, Deacon Ed. I think that’s quite true. As a [admittedly very High Church Lutheran] pastor, I cannot imagine refusing to minister to any dying person who requested the witness of the Gospel. It would be a wonderful witness and opportunity to share the Good News with them. If the person knows enough to request the ministrations of the Church, a caring pastor will figure out how to address their needs. I think, actually, it says as much about the Church, Priest/Pastor, as it does about the one receiving the RITE. I never fail to be moved when giving the “Final Blessing” to someone who is going to be with the Lord; of course they are usually members of my parish, but what a blessing to be called to anyone’s side. I just saw “the Shoes of the Fisherman” with Anthony Quinn, where the new “Pope Cyril” “goes walk about” and during that time prays with a dying Jewish man. Very moving. The “Last RITES” are now the “Annointing of the Sick” are they not?

A lot of confusion on this one. “Last Rites” is actually three Sacraments together. It is now Sacramental Confession, Anointing of the Sick and The Eucharist (viaticum).

 

[zekeandj]

Br. Rich is correct, but I would add that such a person must also have the same belief in the sacrament that we have and that a minister of his faith must not be available. In general, this would limit access to this sacrament to a member of the Anglican Communion (Episcoplians in the United States), the Orthodox and some Lutherans. Since none of the mainline Protestant Churches have the same understanding it would almost certainly eliminate them (with, as I said, the exception of High Church Lutherans who generally hold the view as Catholics).

Deacon Ed

Actually this is not true, many Protestant believe that when someone is sick you should call the church elders, lay on hands and annoint them with oil (According to the Book of James Ch 5). We simply do not belive that a priest has to do it. We only depart in agreement on who must perform this act. I am glad to hear that most would not turn away anyone from this gift.

 

[ericka1701]

Actually this is not true, many Protestant believe that when someone is sick you should call the church elders, lay on hands and annoint them with oil (According to the Book of James Ch 5). We simply do not belive that a priest has to do it. We only depart in agreement on who must perform this act. I am glad to hear that most would not turn away anyone from this gift.

Ah… but in the bible passage there you point out, the term “elder” actually means priest. So, yes, only a validly ordained priest may perform the Anointing of the Sick.

 

[1ke]

Question:

Is it possible for a baptized, non-catholic to receive the sacrament of last rights from a catholic priest? If so, what are the requirements that must be met? Must this person specifically ask for the sacrament; what if the person is in a coma, can a family member request a priest to administer the sacrament on the person who is sick?

I just want the right answer to this, not opinions.

Thank you,

Jorge.

Remember, “Last Rites” is not just a blessing-- which of course a priest could give to anyone, Catholic or not and in a coma or not.

Last Rites are specifically the three Sacraments of Anointing, Reconciliation, and Eucharist.

A non-Catholic can only receive the Sacraments under the guidelines spelled out in Catholic Canon Law. This includes that they specifically ask for them, have knowledge/disposition that indicates they accept the Catholic understanding of these Sacraments, or are a member of a separated Church that has valid Sacraments, and/or sevearl other stipulations.

So, under normal circumstances, no a non-Catholic would not receive “last rites” from a Catholic priest, but if a non-Catholic has a deathbed conversion to Catholicism then yes, they could. Or if this non-Catholic was an Orthodox who did not have access to an Orthodox priest. Or some similar circumstance.

 

[FrDavid96]

Question:

Is it possible for a baptized, non-catholic to receive the sacrament of last rights from a catholic priest? If so, what are the requirements that must be met? Must this person specifically ask for the sacrament; what if the person is in a coma, can a family member request a priest to administer the sacrament on the person who is sick?

I just want the right answer to this, not opinions.

Thank you,

Jorge.

Jorge,
Canon 844 addresses this. Certain conditions must first be met:

It must be physically or morally impossible for the non-Catholic to approach a minister of his own faith.

There must be danger of death or other “grave necessity” which usually means a time of war, persecution or natural disaster.

The non-Catholic must express belief in the Sacrament (which makes it impossible if the person is not conscious), and must request it.

The diocesan bishop must be consulted.

So ultimately the answer to your question is that unless those conditions of canon 844 have all been met, and such would happen in very rare circumstances indeed, it’s not possible for a Catholic priest to administer the Last Rites (or any of the Sacraments which make up the Last Rites) to a non-Catholic (Orthodox and Polish National Catholics are exceptions.)