HCWEOM 68-78: Viaticum Administered by an EM

Viaticum by an extraordinary minister looks like the ordinary form. Lots of Catholics don’t see this rite, and if they do, they sometimes don’t live to tell about it.

There is an introduction (68) followed by a brief instruction (69):

My brothers and sisters:

Before our Lord Jesus Christ passed from this world to return to his Father, he gave us the sacraments of his body and blood. This is the promise of our resurrection, the food and drink for our journey as we pass from this life to join him. United in the love of Christ, let us ask God to give strength to our brother/sister.

Next is a period of silence followed by the penitential rite (70). A brief Scripture reading is proclaimed (71). Then the minister leads in a profession of faith (72), question format. A litany for the sick person (73) precedes the Lord’s Prayer (74), the Communion Rite (75-77) and a concluding prayer (78).

Very similar to the short form, except for the instruction, the profession of faith, and that optional litany. It makes sense to explain viaticum to others present. A lay person would probably need to explain what she or he was doing. The baptismal renewal also makes sense as death approaches. Any experiences out there of viaticum by a lay minister?

With the next post we’ll begin an examination of the worship of the Eucharist outside of Mass. You’ll see the rite draws upon Eucharisticum Mysterium (which you can review in our archives here).

About catholicsensibility

Todd lives in Minnesota, serving a Catholic parish as a lay minister.
This entry was posted in HCWEOM, post-conciliar liturgy documents, Rites. Bookmark the permalink.

2 Responses to HCWEOM 68-78: Viaticum Administered by an EM

  1. Anne says:

    A lay Catholic hospital chaplain administered viaticum to my mother. My sisters and I were present. Since this was a stressful time for us I can’t recall all the details of the rite. I do remember the comfort and calm that we all experienced. My mother passed on shortly after.

  2. FrMichael says:

    God bless the Catholic hospital volunteers who provide Viaticum and ministry of presence (and comfort) at the end of life. It’s sad, though, when a priest isn’t present to administer the Apostolic Blessing and final anointing. The fault for that, in my experience, generally lies with the priests who are too difficult to contact in time of emergency.

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