At his Mass of Christian Burial, we gave thanks last Saturday for the 101 years that Walter Pasela was given on this earth. Married for 62 years and father of 2 sons, James & David, Walter was a man of great faith, attending daily Mass in our chapel when he was well enough to do so. My last visit with him was in April when I heard his confession, anointed him and gave him Holy Communion at Vista Springs, where he was in assisted living. Walter served in the Army during World War II and was given military honors at the cemetery. He even taught himself Japanese! A good summary of his life was written in his obituary: “101 years of living, laughing, loving & hard work.” May Walter now Rest In Peace with his wife Mary. 

     In last week’s column, I requested that when someone in the hospital or nursing facility is in need of the Anointing of the Sick or the Last Rites, that you try to first contact the chaplain that is assigned to most of these institutions since it is their duty to provide this pastoral care to the people where they are assigned. If someone is at home and would like to be anointed or receive the last rites, then please reach out to me in the rectory office. There is a difference between these two rites of the Church. The Anointing of the Sick is one of the 7 sacraments, and is intended primarily for those who are either seriously ill or are advanced in age (your call, not mine!). It’s purpose is to pray that God’s healing may be given to the person according to God’s will (and healing can be physical, mental, emotional or spiritual). The last rites however are simply prayers that are offered for a person who is facing death (or even for someone who has already died). However, at one time, these two rites were combined into one and was called “Extreme Unction” (unction means to be anointed). This was during the time prior to the Second Vatican Council in the early 1960’s. Since the Church reformed its rites and liturgy at that time, it properly separated these two distinct rites as we have them today. But back then, one was given “Extreme Unction” (anointing) AND the last rites at the same time, shortly before death. But now that they are two distinct prayers, one should not really be anointed just prior to death as that is praying for their healing which will obviously not take place (although you could argue there is a spiritual healing that could be prayed for). But many priests still anoint a dying person before giving them the last rites or saying the prayers to prepare someone for death. The point I want to make is that the last rites, while fruitful, are not sacramental and therefore can really be prayed by anyone in the Church, including the family & friends who may be gathered around a dying person. You are of course free to call a priest to offer the last rites & pray with the family prior to someone’s death, but if one is not available, you can and should pray for that person yourself. Hopefully this offers a better understanding of these rites of the Church and gives you a better sense of when a priest, either a chaplain or parish priest, should be called. Of course you are always encouraged to call & ask about what would be appropriate if you or a loved one is in such a situation where prayers are desired. 

     Thanks to Will Robinson, a parishioner looking to complete his Eagle Project, we now have two birdhouses & a bird feeder by the statue of St. Francis of Assisi at the west front entrance of the church, as well as a birdhouse fixed to the tree in the shrine area. Will is a young man who graduated from our parish school, attended St. Ignatius High School (where his brother Colin, an altar server, will be attending this fall), and has worked here at the rectory during the summer months. I’m grateful for his project which shows a love of God’s creation.