Last rites for non-practicing Catholic

[mek42]

Is there anything sinful about a lapsed Catholic setting themselves up to receive last rites in the event of their death? A ready example might be specifying Catholic on their dog tag when entering military service.

 

[FrDavid96]

Is there anything sinful about a lapsed Catholic setting themselves up to receive last rites in the event of their death? A ready example might be specifying Catholic on their dog tag when entering military service.

No. It isn’t sinful.

Everyone should have the opportunity to make themselves right with God before death. Soldiers putting Catholic on their dog tags gives them one last opportunity. The thing to keep in mind though is that they should not wait until it might be too late. Chaplains cannot be there for everyone in every situation—it’s just not possible, no matter how much they try and how much they want to be.

At the point of the Last Rites, every sinner, no matter how far he’s gone, has the opportunity for forgiveness and absolution and ultimately reconciliation with God and the Church; but that assumes that there will be a priest there at the moment. It also assumes that the person wants to be reconciled. The Last Rites cannot be given to one who doesn’t want them.

Lapsed Catholics should see a priest and make themselves right with God now, and not wait. Anything can happen.

To answer your question more directly, it’s not a sin to put “Catholic” on dog tags, but it is a sin to take God’s mercy for granted. It’s also gambling with ones soul on the line.

 

[tawny]

Is there anything sinful about a lapsed Catholic setting themselves up to receive last rites in the event of their death? A ready example might be specifying Catholic on their dog tag when entering military service.

Not at all. As Catholic we are given the right to receive any of the Sacrament when we received the Sacrament of Baptism.

 

[mek42]

Thanks! Just to clarify, Last Rites is a sacrament that includes Confession and must be administered to those who are alive and verbally responsive without too much altered mental status, and as such provides a state of grace.

In contrast, a Catholic funeral mass is performed in honor of the dead, is not a sacrament and does not impart grace.

Do I have this right?

Apologies for such a basic question - I’m unconfirmed and lapsed.

 

[Gorgias]

Thanks! Just to clarify, Last Rites is a sacrament that includes Confession and must be administered to those who are alive and verbally responsive without too much altered mental status, and as such provides a state of grace.

Confession should include the penitent’s explicit contrition, and would seem to require “verbal responsiveness” and “not too much altered mental status.” However, viaticum and anointing do not; they simply require that the person is alive.

In contrast, a Catholic funeral mass is performed in honor of the dead, is not a sacrament and does not impart grace.

A Catholic funeral Mass is a sacrament and does impart grace on those in attendance! However, a dead person cannot receive a sacrament, and so a Catholic funeral Mass does not impart sacramental grace upon the deceased. (Although it does provide an opportunity for those left behind to pray for the repose of the deceased’s soul.)

 

[FrDavid96]

Thanks! Just to clarify, Last Rites is a sacrament that includes Confession and must be administered to those who are alive and verbally responsive without too much altered mental status, and as such provides a state of grace.

In contrast, a Catholic funeral mass is performed in honor of the dead, is not a sacrament and does not impart grace.

Do I have this right?

Apologies for such a basic question - I’m unconfirmed and lapsed.

More or less.

Last Rites is not “a sacrament”
Here is what they are (note the plural, Last Rites)

1. Confession (Sacrament) at least absolution in an emergency
2. Anointing/Unction (Sacrament)
3. Apostolic Blessing (not a Sacrament)
4. Communion (Sacrament)

The Last Rites should be administered to one who is conscious, but if this isn’t possible, they can still be done (except for Communion, of course).

You have it right on the funeral Mass, except that it is not “in honor of” the dead, but to pray for the dead. Important distinction.

 

[bben15]

No at all, as long as they are absolved through the Sacrament of Penance before receiving Extreme Unction and the Eucharist. Otherwise, it is a mortal sin.