Pastoralia, Episode 7: Extreme Unction and Last Rites

Fr. Stephen McKenna

Fr. Stephen McKenna

On this month's episode of Pastoralia, we tackle a subject that is somewhat confusing to the laity and accompanies with it some degree of fear: Extreme Unction and Last Rites.

We will begin by having a deep discussion of what exactly this Sacrament is, what it is not, and understanding the difference between Extreme Unction and the Last Rites.

After we examine the nature of the Sacrament, then we will shift into what the necessity of it is, when a Catholic may ask for it, and what the requirements for requesting it encompass. Father will guide us through sick calls, proper etiquette and disposition during a "routine" sick call versus an emergency call where death is imminent.

Father will also discuss how to discern when it is appropriate to call a priest, dispel many myths that people usually have regarding this Sacrament and how frustrating it is for a Priest to have an individual or a family "hold back" and wait too long before calling and potentially risking the soul of the sick person who is in genuine need of the Sacraments. For those of you who have uttered the words I don't want to bother Father with this, this is an episode you really need to hear.

How should your home be ordered upon arrival of the Priest making the sick call? What

The Last Rites

The Last Rites

requisite components should be near the bed of the sick individual needing the Sacraments? What is the process and what actually occurs during the anointing? What items should one have on hand for a sick call? What items should one not have in the room during a sick call? Who is permitted to be in the room with the Priest? What should the atmosphere of the room be during a sick call between the sick, the Priest, and those present? How often can one receive the Sacrament of Extreme Unction or Last Rites? What type of oil is permitted for use in the Sacrament and how is it obtained?

If you are asking any of these questions, then this episode is for you.

This show dissects the subject of this Sacrament and Father provides us with a clear and focused understanding of the Sacrament, when to ask for it, and why we should do so confidently rather than feeling guilty for making the request.

Join us as Fr. Stephen McKenna, assistant pastor of St. Gertrude the Great Catholic Church in West Chester, Ohio (and pastor of many mission chapels), and host Joshua Gunsher as they conduct this month's episode of Pastoralia.


Original Air Date: October 3, 2014
Show Run Time: 1 hour 26 minutes
Show Guest(s): Father Stephen McKenna
Show Host(s): Joshua Gunsher
Season 3 Sponsor:
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Pastoralia℗ is a Production of the Restoration Radio Network. Copyright 2014. All Rights are Reserved.

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