Communion of the Sick

Discussion in 'Sacraments, Sacred Rites, and Holy Orders' started by DadHocHypothesis, Dec 17, 2024.

  1. DadHocHypothesis

    DadHocHypothesis Member

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    The 1928 BCP gives a standard order for administering the Blessed Sacrament to the sick, basically just an abridged form of the full service: Collect, Epistle, Gospel, and then everything after "Ye who do truly." There's even a minimized version available for people whose time is very short indeed.

    After the order and the rubrics, it says this:
    How much of the order is the priest supposed to use when the sick person can't actually eat and drink? Does he need a relative or some second person available to commune, or does he only say certain sections, or does he not say any of it in this circumstance?
     
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  2. Botolph

    Botolph Well-Known Member

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    My view is that in all probability, in the case of someone who can't actually eat and drink, the chances are that the appropriate sacramental action would be some form of anointing or unction, rather than a communion of the sick.
     
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  3. Magistos

    Magistos Active Member Anglican

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    I am but a lay person, but that would be my understanding and expectation.

    My opinion and a ham sandwich together is worth the ham sandwich. :)
     
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  4. Shane R

    Shane R Well-Known Member

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    Yes, Botolph has given the usual prescription for the case.

    In the 1928 American BCP the pertinent sections of material are found on pages 308-320. This is probably the most adaptable portion of the book. The rubrics repeatedly allow the minister to pick and choose from the suggestions on offer. You'll notice that some of the material assumes the sick can participate. If that is not the case there are some passive forms as well. Anointing is optional and I know of a few low church bishops who never bless oil to distribute to the clergy.

    I suspect these services were intended for the chronically or terminally ill. I use them quite liberally and generally always have a bottle of oil in my travel kit. In fact, I am scheduled to anoint a cancer patient tomorrow.
     
  5. Shane R

    Shane R Well-Known Member

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    I ended up anointing 3 folks that day. Sometimes, one opens the door to several others.

    The last was an interesting case. She had recently found out she had the cancer. She hadn't told anyone but her kids yet. She has suffered from chronic illness for many years: multiple sclerosis and cirrhosis of the liver. She asked me if it was alright to refuse treatment for the cancer. She is ready to go. I told her yes and she got some peace from that. We shared communion and I anointed her and I blessed her.
     
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  6. Br. Thomas

    Br. Thomas Active Member

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    I am happy to read that you advised the last patient that it was okay for her to decline treatment. I consulted with our Canon on that very issue for myself. I have recurring cancer and treatment is a gamble and my other health issues may be exaggerated by cancer treatment, so I have left it in God's hands now, too. I pray for a comfortable death for your patient and for myself. God bless.
     
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