What are the last rites?
In ordinary speech, last rites means whatever a priest does for a dying person. The Church's own arrangement has three parts, in order. First is the sacrament of Penance, where the person is able to make a confession. Then comes Anointing of the Sick. Last is the Eucharist, received as Viaticum.
Viaticum comes from the Latin for provision for a journey. The Catechism calls Communion received at this point "the seed of eternal life and the power of resurrection." It also says that "the Eucharist should always be the last sacrament of the earthly journey."
That order has a practical result families often miss. Anointing normally comes before Viaticum. And Viaticum requires the person to be able to receive Communion. So waiting until someone is clearly dying often means waiting until Viaticum is no longer possible.
Only a priest can hear a confession or anoint. A deacon or a properly appointed lay minister can bring Viaticum.
If death has already occurred, anointing is not given. But a priest will still come to pray with the family and lead prayers for the dead. Calling is worth doing either way.
Sources
Want the full picture? Read our complete explanation: Last Rites, Viaticum, and Calling a Priest
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