Sacramental Emergency Guide

Someone Is Dying: What To Do Now

1. 1

   Call emergency services if there is immediate medical danger.

   Life-saving medical care comes first.

2. 2

   Call the person's parish or the nearest Catholic parish.

   Say clearly that someone is in danger of death.

3. 3

   Ask for a priest for someone in danger of death.

   Keep the request brief and direct.

4. 4

   Ask about Confession, Anointing of the Sick, Viaticum, and prayer for the dying.

   The priest or parish can tell you what is possible.

5. 5

   If in a hospital, ask staff to contact the Catholic chaplain.

   Use the hospital's own chaplain system if available.

6. 6

   Keep the room calm and prayerful.

   A peaceful atmosphere helps everyone.

7. 7

   Place a crucifix, Rosary, or sacred image nearby if appropriate.

   These signs can help focus the heart on Christ.

8. 8

   Pray simply and encourage trust in Jesus.

   Do not overload the moment with too many words.

9. 9

   Do not wait until the final moments if serious illness is present.

   Calling early often makes sacramental care more possible.

10. 10

    Continue praying after the priest leaves.

    The family's prayer remains an act of love and hope.

Need Anointing of the Sick

Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament for Catholics who are seriously ill, in danger of death, facing major surgery, suffering serious decline, or carrying the burden of grave illness. It gives grace, peace, courage, forgiveness when appropriate, and spiritual strength.

• Contact a priest early.
• Do not wait until the person is unconscious if it can be avoided.
• Ask if Confession and Viaticum are also possible.
• If danger of death is present, ask about the Apostolic Pardon.
• If in a hospital, ask for the Catholic chaplain.

Need Confession Urgently

If you need Confession urgently, contact a priest or parish directly. If you are in danger of death, say that clearly when calling. If Confession is not immediately available, make an act of contrition, resolve to go as soon as possible, and trust God's mercy.

• Call your parish.
• Check nearby parish Confession times.
• Call a parish office and ask if a priest is available.
• In a hospital, ask for a Catholic chaplain.
• Make an act of contrition while you wait.
• Go to Confession as soon as possible.

If you struggle with scrupulosity or repeated fear, do not repeatedly self-diagnose online. Speak with one trusted confessor.

Need a Priest: Who To Contact

What Is Viaticum?

Viaticum is Holy Communion given to a Catholic who is near death. The word means food for the journey. It is one of the Church's most beautiful gifts to the dying, uniting the person to Jesus in the Eucharist as they prepare to pass from this life.

• Viaticum is Holy Communion near death.
• It is ideally received while the person is conscious and able.
• It may be given with Confession and Anointing when possible.
• It points to Christ as the soul's strength and hope.
• Families should contact a priest early.

What Is the Apostolic Pardon?

The Apostolic Pardon, also called the Apostolic Blessing with plenary indulgence, is a special blessing given by a priest to a Catholic in danger of death. It entrusts the dying person to the mercy of Christ and is often asked about together with Confession, Anointing of the Sick, and Viaticum when possible.

• It is given by a priest.
• It is for someone in danger of death.
• It is connected to a plenary indulgence at the hour of death.
• Families should ask about it when calling for a priest.
• If a priest cannot arrive, do not despair; entrust the person to God's mercy.

How To Contact a Parish After Hours

1. Call the parish office number.
2. Listen for an emergency line or priest emergency option.
3. Check the parish website for sacramental emergency instructions.
4. Try nearby Catholic parishes.
5. If in a hospital, ask staff for the Catholic chaplain or priest on call.
6. Search for your diocese and priest emergency or hospital chaplain.
7. Leave a clear voicemail with your name, callback number, location, and urgent sacramental need.
8. Keep your phone available for return calls.