Prayers for the dying

The Downloads Page has been updated to include a leaflet produced by the Guild of Catholic Doctors. It includes prayers for the dying and prayers to be said immediately after someone has died.

The prayers should be led by the priest if he is present - he would also give the sacrament of anointing, viaticum, and the apostolic blessing with the plenary indulgence. However, the prayers in this leaflet can be very helpful for the family and for the dying person to repeat again after the priest has gone, or if a priest cannot be had.

If a person is involved in an accident or has suddenly fallen into a life-threatening condition in hospital, and a priest is needed ugently, it is usually best to ask the staff to call the Catholic priest on duty. There is usually a "bleep" or "pager" system.

However, if a person is ill for some time, do not put off calling the priest: as soon as a person begins to be in danger of death, it is the right time to call the priest so that the person can make a good Confession, receive the Sacrament of Anointing and Holy Communion, and receive the Apostolic Blessing and plenary indulgence.