Pastoral Care of the Dying

The Church’s official prayers for accompanying the dying

We are all called to stand beside the faithful in their final moments—with the presence and prayers of the Church—encouraging them in faith, commending them to God’s mercy, and entrusting them to the loving arms of the Father.

Pastoral Care of the Dying contains the official rites and prayers to be led by a priest, deacon, or any baptized Christian, offering the Church’s compassion and hope at the bedside of the dying.

This compact booklet includes:

• Commendation of the Dying – Scripture readings, a special form of the Litany of the Saints, and prayers after death and for grieving family and friends.
• Celebration of Viaticum – The Church’s “last Eucharist,” to be administered by a priest, deacon, or, in their absence, an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion.
• Prayers for the Dead – Official prayers for ministers attending those who have passed into eternal life.

Pastoral Care of the Dying is a convenient resource for those privileged to accompany the dying—uniting them to Christ’s final victory over death through the Church’s beautiful and timeless prayers.