Catholic Prayers & Rituals for the Dying
Nearing the end of life
Catholic prayers can bring comfort and peace to those at the end of life. The church has a very rich history of prayers for the dying and many prayers are appropriate. For example,. Prayers for a dying family member or friend, a person dying a cancer, prayer for happy death and others can be found here. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops here gives scripture and prayers for the dying, at death and for mourners.
The chaplet of Divine Mercy is a powerful prayer for the dying. Jesus revealed to St. Faustina Kowaska, “At the hour of their death, I defend as My own glory every soul that will say this chaplet; or when others say it for a dying person, the indulgence is the same. When this chaplet is said by the bedside of a dying person,… unfathomable mercy envelops the soul, and the very depths of My tender mercy are moved" (Diary, 811). Gentle Journey Services coordinates a team praying the Divine Mercy chaplet for the dying. You can request the chaplet be said for your loved one or join the prayer team.
Short texts
One or more of the following short texts may be recited with the dying person. They may be softly repeated two or three or more times. The scriptural reference is given after the text. (from Handbook of Prayers, James Socias, 8th edition)
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Who can separate us from the love of Christ? Romans 8:35
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Whether we live or die, we are the Lords. Romans 14:8
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We have an everlasting home in heaven. 2 Corinthians 5:1
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We shall be with the Lord forever. 1 Thessalonians 4:17
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We shall see God as he really is. 1 John 3:2
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We have passed from Death to life because we love each other. 1 John 3:14
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To you, Lord, I lift up my soul. Psalm 25:1
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The Lord is my light and my salvation. Psalm 27:1
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I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Psalm 27:13
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My soul thirsts for the living God. Psalm 42:2
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Though I walk in the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me. Psalm 23:4
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"In my Father's home, there are many dwelling places," says the Lord Jesus. John 14:2
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"Come, blessed of my Father," says the Lord Jesus, "and take possession of the Kingdom prepared for you." Matthew 25:33
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The Lord Jesus says," I go to prepare a place for you, and I will come again to take you to myself." John 14:2-3
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"I desire that where I am, they also may be with me," says the Lord Jesus. John 6:40
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Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit. Psalm 31:5
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Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. Acts 7:59
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Holy Mary, pray for me. St. Joseph, pray for me. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, assist me in my last agony.
At death
The Catholic rituals commonly offered to the sick and dying are the sacrament of reconciliation, the apostolic pardon, the sacrament of anointing of the sick, and viaticum. The grace of God is received through all sacraments.
Sacrament of reconciliation & apostolic pardon
​Through the sacrament of reconciliation (also called Confession or Penance), God has the power to forgive sins through the priesthood (the priest himself does not have this power).
At the conclusion of the sacrament of reconciliation with a dying person, the priest may give an apostolic pardon (also known as an apostolic blessing): “Through the holy mysteries of our redemption may almighty God release you from all punishments in this life and in the life to come. May he open to you the gates of paradise and welcome you to everlasting joy.”
Anointing of the sick
The sacrament of the anointing of the sick may be performed multiple times throughout life, whenever one is facing a health struggle and is seeking physical or spiritual strength.
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A priest prays over the person and anoints them with sacred oil, bringing forth God's presence and giving the recipient strength and hope.
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Viaticum
Viaticum is the final time the Eucharist is received in either form (body or blood). It can be brought to the person by a priest, deacon or trained lay person. Viaticum can be received multiple times.
Concerning viaticum, the Catechism of the Catholic Church (#1020) teaches that:
“The Christian who unites his own death to that of Jesus views it as a step towards him and an entrance into everlasting life. When the Church for the last time speaks Christ’s words of pardon and absolution over the dying Christian, seals him for the last time with a strengthening anointing, and gives him Christ in viaticum as nourishment for the journey, she speaks with gentle assurance:
Go forth, Christian soul, from this world in the name of God the almighty Father, who created you, in the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, who suffered for you, in the name of the Holy Spirit, who was poured out upon you. Go forth, faithful Christian!
May you live in peace this day, may your home be with God in Zion, with Mary, the virgin Mother of God, with Joseph, and all the angels and saints….
May you return to [your Creator] who formed you from the dust of the earth. May holy Mary, the angels, and all the saints come to meet you as you go forth from this life….
May you see your Redeemer face to face.”
As the time of death draws near
​When the condition of the dying person calls for the use of brief forms of prayer, those who are present are encouraged to pray the Litany of the Saints, given here as a printable PDF. Special mention may be made of the patron saints of the dying person or of the family or the parish.
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PRAYER OF COMMENDATION
When the moment of death seems near, the following prayer may be said:
I commend you, my dear sister (brother), to almighty God
and entrust you to your Creator.
May you return to him
who formed you from the dust of the earth.
May holy Mary, the angels, and all the saints come to meet you as you go forth from this life.
May Christ, who was crucified for you, bring you freedom and peace.
May Christ, who died for you, admit you into his garden of Paradise.
May Christ, the true Shepherd, acknowledge you as one of his flock.
May he forgive all your sins and set you among those he has chosen.
May you see your Redeemer face to face and enjoy the vision of God forever.
Amen.
This prayer may be followed by the Holy rosary or Hail Holy Queen
Additional practices
The Protestant prayer section has a list of contemporary Christian songs ​that could prove calming and meaningful to the dying Catholic and their family.
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The poems and books section has links to several poems that would be appropriate for many as a bedside reading.
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This INELDA blog (International End of life Doula Association) offers a brief summary of Catholic prayers, practices and traditions at the end of life, at death, after death, and funeral planning