* Q. 443. What is Extreme Unction?
A. Extreme Unction is the sacrament that, through the anointing with blessed oil by the priest and through his prayer, gives health and strength to the soul and sometimes to the body when we are in danger of death from sickness, accident, or old age.

 * In administering Extreme Unction, the priest anoints the eyes, the ears, the nostrils, the lips, the hands, and, if convenient, the feet of the sick person. If the priest judges there is not sufficient time for multiple anointings, he can administer this sacrament by a single anointing on the forehead.

 * While anointing the different senses the priest says the prayer: "Through this holy anointing, and His most tender mercy, may the Lord forgive you whatever sins you may have committed by sight" (by hearing, etc.).

 * > "And going forth, they preached that men should repent, and they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many sick people, and healed them" (Mark 6:12-13).

 * > "Is any one among you sick? Let him bring in the presbyters of the Church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he be in sins, they shall be forgiven him" (James 5:1415).

 * Q. 444. Who should receive Extreme Unction?
A. All Catholics who have reached the use of reason and are in danger of death from sickness, accident, or old age should receive Extreme Unction.

 * A person does not actually have to be dying in order to receive Extreme Unction. Ordinarily, those who are in danger of death should be advised of their condition. It is false mercy to keep them ignorant of the fact that they may soon face God, their just Judge. Those who are in danger of death should welcome the sacrament of Extreme Unction. It cannot harm them, and it often helps them physically.

 * Q. 445. What are the effects of the sacrament of Extreme Unction?
A. The effects of the sacrament of Extreme Unction are: first, an increase of sanctifying grace; second, comfort in sickness and strength against temptation; third, preparation for entrance into heaven by the remission of our venial sins and the cleansing of our souls from the remains of sin; fourth, health of body when it is good for the soul.

 * The remains of sin cleansed by Extreme Unction are the spiritual weakness and indifference caused by original or actual sin.

 * Extreme Unction does not always restore or improve the health of the body. Nor does Extreme Unction effect miraculous cures. But just as God produces spiritual effects through the sacraments, so He often produces the bodily effects of better health through Extreme Unction.

 * See Scripture, question 443, James 5:14-15.

 * Extreme Unction

 * This picture shows a sick person to whom an Apostle is administering the sacrament of Extreme Unction. Above, an angel holds a banner with the words that St. wrote to the early Christians:

 * > "Is any one among you sick? Let him bring in the presbyters of the Church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord... . The Lord will raise him up, and if he be in sins, they shall be forgiven him." (St. James 5:14-15)

 * Another angel points to heaven with his hand and holds a crown in the other.

 * The Death of a Just Man and the Death of a Sinner

 * This picture shows the death of a just man and the death of a sinner. On top is the just man on his bed of agony, resigned and receiving the last consolations of religion. His guardian angel watches over him and encourages him. His relatives are praying for him. Jesus Christ and the Holy Virgin watch him from heaven and extend their arms towards him. The demon, full of rage and shame, flees to hell.

 * At the bottom, the dying sinner refuses the priest with contempt. His guardian angel covers his face and departs in sorrow. Before leaving, the priest shows him the crucifix one more time. His relatives are full of dismay and dread. Jesus Christ appears to him and shows him the Cross on which He died to save him and before which He will judge him. The demons surround his bed and wait for the moment when he will breathe his last breath so they can take possession of his soul.

 * Q. 446. When does Extreme Unction take away mortal sin?
A. Extreme Unction takes away mortal sin when the sick person is unconscious or otherwise unaware that he is not properly disposed, but has made an act of imperfect contrition.

 * Q. 447. How should we prepare ourselves to receive Extreme Unction?
A. We should prepare ourselves to receive Extreme Unction by a good confession, by acts of faith, hope, charity, and, especially, by resignation to the will of God.

 * > "My son, in thy sickness, neglect not thyself: but pray to the Lord and he shall heal thee. Turn away from sin and order thy hands aright: and cleanse thy heart from all offense" (Ecclesiasticus 38:9-10).

 * Also, read Luke 22:41-42; and John 21:15-17.

 * Q. 448. Who can administer Extreme Unction?
A. Only a priest can administer Extreme Unction.

 * Q. 449. When is it advisable to call the priest to visit the sick?
A. It is advisable to call the priest to visit the sick in any serious illness, even though there is no apparent danger of death, as it is the duty of the priest to visit the sick and to administer to them the sacraments they need.

 * The following preparations should be made in the home when the priest visits the sick to administer Holy Communion or the last sacraments: first, in the room of the sick person there should be a small table covered with a clean linen cloth. On the table there should be a crucifix, two blessed candles lighted, holy water, and a spoon; second, if the priest is bearing the Holy Eucharist, he should be met at the door with a lighted candle. The candle-bearer should genuflect and precede the priest to the sickroom, where all present should kneel. After the priest has sprinkled the room with holy water, if the sick person's confession is to be heard, all should leave the room and return and kneel when the confession is finished.

 * See Scripture, question 443, James 5:14-15.

 * Q. 450. In case of sudden or unexpected death, should a priest be called?
A. In case of sudden or unexpected death a priest should be called always, because absolution and Extreme Unction can be given conditionally for some time after apparent death.

 * We are not certain of the moment when the soul leaves the body; the soul may remain united to the body for some time after apparent death. The sacraments of Penance and Extreme Unction can be administered conditionally for several hours after signs of life have ceased, because of the possibility that the soul may still be united with the body.

 * Q. 451. What is Holy Orders?
A. Holy Orders is the sacrament through which men receive the power and grace to perform the sacred duties of bishops, priests, and other ministers of the Church.

 * The distinction between clergy and laity is of divine origin, for first, Christ chose the twelve apostles from among His disciples; and in a special way deputed and consecrated them for the exercise of spiritual ministrations; and second, the apostles, who could not mistake the will of Christ, administered the sacrament of Holy Orders by consecrating bishops and by ordaining priests and deacons.

 * A bishop is a priest who has received the fullness of Holy Orders, which gives him the power of administering the sacrament of Holy Orders, and makes him the ordinary minister of the sacrament of Confirmation.

 * The other orders of ministers of the Church below those of priest are the major orders of deacon and subdeacon, and the four minor orders of acolyte, exorcist, lector or reader, and porter.

 * Before a man receives Holy Orders he is constituted a member of the clerical state through the ceremony of tonsure in which hair is cut from his head in the form of a cross while he recites a verse from the to signify that he has dedicated himself to the service of God.

 * A cardinal is a priest or bishop belonging to the group that has been especially selected to advise and assist the Pope in the government of the Church. Cardinals have the right of electing a new Pope after the death of the reigning Pontiff. Formerly even laymen were elevated to the cardinalate.

 * An abbot is a priest who exercises over a religious community of men jurisdiction which is similar in some respects to that exercised by a bishop over his diocese.

 * A vicar general is a priest appointed by a bishop to help him in the government of his diocese, and for this purpose he shares the bishop's power of jurisdiction.

 * > "And having taken bread, he gave thanks and broke, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body, which is being given for you; do this in remembrance of me.' In like manner he took also the cup after the supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which shall be shed for you' " (Luke 22:19-20).

 * > "And the plan met the approval of the whole multitude, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip and Prochorus and Nicanor and Timon and Parmenas and Nicholas, a proselyte from Antioch. These they set before the apostles, and after they had prayed they laid their hands upon them" (Acts 6:5-6).

 * > "Take heed to yourselves and to the whole flock in which the Holy Spirit has placed you as bishops, to rule the Church of God, which he has purchased with his own blood" (Acts 20:28).

 * > "I commit to thee this charge, my son Timothy, that according to the prophecies once made concerning thee, thou mayest fight the good fight by means of them, having faith and a good conscience" (1 Timothy 1:18-19).

 * > "This saying is true: If anyone is eager for the office of bishops, he desires a good work. A bishop then, must be blameless, married but once, reserved, prudent, of good conduct, hospitable, a teacher, not a drinker or a brawler, but moderate, not quarrelsome, not avaricious. He should rule well his own household, keeping his children under control and perfectly respectful. For if a man cannot rule his own household, how is he to take care of the church of God? He must not be a new convert, lest he be puffed up with pride and incur the condemnation passed on the devil. Besides this he must have a good reputation with those who are outside, that he may not fall into disgrace and into a snare of the devil "Deacons also must be honorable, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for base gain, but holding the mystery of faith in a pure conscience. And let them first be tried, and if found without reproach let them be allowed to serve. In like manner let the women be honorable, not slanderers, but reserved, faithful in all things. Deacons should be men who have been married but once, ruling well their children and their own households. And those who have fulfilled well this office will acquire a good position and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 3:1-13).

 * > "Do not neglect the grace that is in thee, granted to thee by reason of prophecy with the laying on of hands of the presbyters. Meditate on these things; give thyself entirely to them, that thy progress may be manifest to all. Take heed to thyself and to thy teaching, be earnest in them. For in so doing thou wilt save both thyself and those who hear thee" (1 Timothy 4:14-16).

 * > "Let the presbyters who rule well be held worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching" (1 Timothy 5:17).

 * > "Do not lay hands hastily upon anyone, and do not be a partner in other men's sins" (1 Timothy 5:22).

 * > "For this reason I admonished thee to stir up the grace of God which is in thee by the laying on of my hands" (2 Timothy 1:6).

 * > "For this reason I left thee in Crete, that thou shouldst set right anything that is defective and shouldst appoint presbyters in every city, as I myself directed thee to do. They must be blameless, married but once, having believing children who are not accused of impurity or disobedience. For a bishop must be blameless as being the steward of God, not proud, or ill tempered, or a drinker, or a brawler, or greedy for base gain; but hospitable, gentle, reserved, just, holy, continent; holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, that he may be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to confute opponents" (Titus 1:5-9).

 * > "For every high priest taken from among men is appointed for men in the things pertaining to God, that he may offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to have compassion on the ignorant and erring, because he himself also is beset with weakness, and by reason thereof is obliged to offer for sins, as on behalf of the people, so also for himself. And no man takes the honor to himself; he takes it who is called by God, as Aaron was" (Hebrews 5:1-4).

 * > "For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices." (Hebrews 8:3).

 * > "Now I exhort the presbyters among you-I, your fellow-presbyter and witness of the sufferings of Christ, the partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed in time to come-tend the flock of God which is among you, governing not under constraint, but willingly, according to God; nor yet for the sake of base gain, but eagerly; nor yet as lording it over your charges, but becoming from the heart a pattern to the flock. And when the Prince of the shepherds appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

 * > "Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the presbyters. And all of you practice humility towards one another; for, 'God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble' " (1 Peter 5:1-5).

 * Q. 452. What are some of the requirements that a man may receive Holy Orders worthily?
A. That a man may receive Holy Orders worthily it is necessary: first, that he be in the state of grace and be of excellent character; second, that he have the prescribed age and learning; third, that he have the intention of devoting his life to the sacred ministry; fourth, that he be called to Holy Orders by his bishop.

 * Some of the preliminary signs of a vocation to the priesthood are: first, that the boy or young man be capable of living habitually in the state of grace; second, that he be attracted to the priesthood and manifest this attraction by frequent confession and Communion, by a virtuous life, and by a love of serving Mass.

 * Those who are called by God to be priests ordinarily receive no special revelation to this effect. God expects all to use the gifts of reason and of grace in determining their state of life.

 * Without a special dispensation no one may be ordained a priest until he is twenty-four years of age. Ordinarily the prescribed learning consists of four years of high school, four years of college, and four years of theology completed in a seminary.

 * The sacred ministry of the priesthood can be exercised either as a diocesan priest under a bishop, or as a member of a religious community under a religious superior. Priests of religious orders make the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Diocesan priests bind themselves to chastity for life and make a solemn promise of obedience to their bishop.

 * > "And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: This is the law of the Levites: From twenty-five years old and upwards, they shall go in to minister in the tabernacle of the covenant" (Numbers 8:23-24).

 * > "For the lips of the priest shall keep knowledge, and they shall seek the law at his mouth: because he is the angel of the Lord of hosts" (Malachias 2:7).

 * > "Let women keep silence in the churches, for it is not permitted them to speak, but let them be submissive, as the Law also says" (1 Corinthians 14:34).

 * > "Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. For I do not allow a woman to teach, or to exercise authority over men; but she is to keep quiet" (1 Timothy 2:11-12).

 * > See also Scripture, question 451, Hebrews 5:1-4.

 * Holy Orders

 * The center of this picture shows St. Peter

 * The power to carry out the ecclesiastical functions came from the Apostles to us by an uninterrupted succession of bishops that will continue until the end of time.

 * The episcopacy is not an order; rather, it is the fullness of the priesthood. It confers upon those who receive it the power to administer all the sacraments, in particular Confirmation and Holy Orders. There are seven different orders in the Church: four minor orders and three major orders. The four minor orders are those of porter, lector, exorcist, and acolyte.

 * The function of the porter is to open and to shut the doors of the church. At the top far left, a bishop is conferring the order of porter. He has the candidate touch the keys of the church while pronouncing the words which give him the custody of the keys.

 * Immediately to the right, a bishop is conferring the order of lector, whose function is to read aloud the Old and New Testaments in the church. He has him touch the Missal while pronouncing the words which give him the power to read the word of God.

 * In the third scene, a bishop is conferring the order of exorcist, whose function is to drive the demon from the bodies of the possessed. He has the candidate touch the book of exorcism, giving him the power to impose hands upon the possessed.

 * In the right comer, a bishop is conferring the order of acolyte, whose function is to serve the sacred ministers at the altar. He has the candidate touch a candlestick and candle and then the empty cruets and gives him the power to light the candles of the church and to give the wine and water during the Mass.

 * In the lower left corner, a bishop is conferring the order of subdeacon, whose functions are to serve the deacon at the altar and to sing the Epistle. He has the candidate touch the paten and the book of the Epistles, giving him the power to read it in the church. The sub-deacon is obliged to keep perpetual chastity and to recite the Divine Office every day.

 * In the lower right comer, a bishop is conferring the order of deacon, whose functions are to serve the priest at Mass, to sing the Gospel, to preach, and to baptize. The bishop imposes his hands upon the candidate while saying, ''Receive the Holy Spirit that you may have the strength to resist the demon and his temptations."

 * In the center of the lower panel, a bishop is ordaining priests. A priest's function is to say the Holy Mass, to preach, and to administer the sacraments. The bishop imposes his hands upon each candidate, as do all the priests who are present, anoints his hands with Holy Oil, has him touch a chalice containing some wine, and touch a paten with a host. At the same time, the bishop says to him, "Receive the power to offer sacrifice to God and to celebrate the Mass for the living and the dead."

 * Q. 453. What are the effects of ordination to the priesthood?
A. The effects of ordination to the priesthood are: first, an increase of sanctifying grace; second, sacramental grace, through which the priest has God's constant help in his sacred ministry; third, a character, lasting forever, which is a special sharing in the priesthood of Christ and which gives the priest special supernatural powers.

 * > "The Lord hath sworn, and he will not repent: 'Thou art a priest forever according to the order of Melchisedech' " (Psalm 109:4).

 * > "On behalf of Christ, therefore, we are acting as ambassadors, God, as it were, appealing through us" (2 Corinthians 5:20).

 * > See Scripture, question 451, Luke 22:19-20; Titus 1:5-9; and Hebrews 5:1-4.

 * Q. 454. What are the chief supernatural powers of the priest?
A. The chief supernatural powers of the priest are: to change bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and to forgive sins in the sacrament of Penance.

 * > "He therefore said to them again, 'Peace be to you! As the Father has sent me, I also send you.' When he had said this, he breathed upon them, and said to them, 'Receive the Holy Spirit; whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them; and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained' " (John 20:21-23).

 * > See Scripture, question 451, Luke 22:19-20.

 * Q. 455. Why should Catholics show reverence and honor to the priest?
A. Catholics should show reverence and honor to the priest because he is the representative of Christ Himself and the dispenser of His mysteries.

 * In showing reverence and honor to the priest one shows reverence and honor to Christ Himself, for the priest in a very true sense is "another Christ." In this country it is the custom to honor priests by addressing them with the title "Father." The custom of tipping the hat to the priest is praiseworthy. The proper way to address a bishop and an archbishop is "Your Excellency;" a cardinal, "Your Eminence." The Pope is addressed as "Your Holiness."

 * > "With all thy soul fear the Lord, and reverence his priests" (Ecclesiasticus 7:31).

 * > "Pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers into his harvest" (Matthew 9:38).

 * > "He who receives you, receives me; and he who receives me, receives him who sent me" (Matthew 10:40).

 * > "And Jesus drew near and spoke to them saying, 'All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and behold, I am with you all days, even unto the consummation of the world' " (Matthew 28:18-20).

 * > "He who hears you, hears me; and he who rejects you, rejects me; and he who rejects me, rejects him who sent me" (Luke 10:16).

 * > "You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and have appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain" (John 15:16).

 * > "Now I exhort you, brethren, through our Lord Jesus Christ, and through the charity of the Spirit, that you help me by your prayers to God for me" (Romans 15:30).

 * > "Let a man so account us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God" (1 Corinthians 4:1).

 * > "On the contrary, let us conduct ourselves in all circumstances as God's ministers, in much patience; in tribulations, in hardships, in distresses; in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults; in labors, in sleepless nights, in fastings; in innocence, in knowledge, in long-sufferings; in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in unaffected love; in the word of truth, in the power of God; with the armor of justice on the right hand and on the left; in honor and dishonor, in evil report and good report; as deceivers and yet truthful, as unknown and yet well known, as dying and behold, we live, as chastised but not killed, as sorrowful yet always rejoicing, as poor yet enriching many, as having nothing yet possessing all things" (2 Corinthians 6:4-10).

 * > "Obey your superiors and be subject to them, for they keep watch as having to render an account of your souls; so that they may do this with joy, and not with grief, for that would not be expedient for you" (Hebrews 13:17).

 * Q. 456. Who is the minister of the sacrament of Holy Orders?
A. The bishop is the minister of the sacrament of Holy Orders.

 * IMPORTANT TRUTHS ABOUT EXTREME UNCTION AND HOLY ORDERS

 * There is no occasion in life when a person stands more in need of God's assistance and consolation than when his soul is about to take its flight into eternity. Remorse for the past, fear of what may lie before him, the last efforts of the devil to lead him into sin combine with his bodily weakness and pain to make those last hours on earth a time of dreadful anguish. Considering the tender mercy of Our Saviour, we should expect that He would have established a special means of aiding the souls of His faithful followers in that dread hour. Our holy faith tells us that Christ did this, by instituting the sacrament of Extreme Unction for those who are in danger of death from sickness or accident or even old age. There is no reference in the Gospel to the establishment of such a sacrament by Our Lord, though one may say that it was foreshadowed in the anointing of the sick by the apostles in the course of Christ's ministry (Mark, 6: 13). However, St. speaks plainly of this sacrament, saying: "Is any one among you sick? Let him bring in the presbyters of the Church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he be in sins, they shall be forgiven him" (James: 5:14, 15).

 * This sacrament is called "Unction" because it is conferred through the anointing or unction of the sick person; it is called "Extreme" or "Last" because it is usually given toward the end of a person's life, and also because it is the last of several unctions that the Christian receives in the course of his life, since he previously received anointings in Baptism and Confirmation, and, if he is a priest or a bishop, at Ordination.

 * This sacrament is intended to comfort the soul in the distress that normally accompanies weakened bodily powers; hence, it can be given only to one who is in danger of death from some cause actually afflicting his body. It cannot be given to one in danger of death from some cause that has not yet brought about serious bodily weakness-for example, to a soldier on his way to a dangerous battle or to a criminal about to be executed. From this standpoint Extreme Unction differs from the Holy Eucharist as Viaticum which is intended for everyone in danger of death, whatever may be the cause.

 * The sacrament of Extreme Unction, worthily received, confers noticeable strength of soul and courage on the sick person, so much so that even non-Catholics are astonished at the beneficial effects of this sacrament on the sick. Sometimes it produces restoration to bodily health; however, this effect can be expected only if the sacrament is given before the person comes so near to death that nothing but a miracle can save him. Therefore, Catholics should be glad to receive Extreme Unction whenever there is any danger of death from sickness or accident or old age; above all, they should rid themselves of the erroneous notion that once a person has received the last sacraments he is sure to die. Moreover, in every Catholic household there should be available all that is necessary for the ceremonies of the last sacraments-particularly, two blessed wax candles, a crucifix, holy water, and some cotton.

 * The sacrament of Holy Orders is mentioned in the Sacred Scriptures, especially in the Epistles of St. Paul to Timothy, in which the apostle refers to the ceremony by which he communicated the priestly power to Timothy: "I admonish thee to stir up the grace of God which is in thee by the laying on of my hands" (II Timothy, 1: 6). Down through the centuries this ceremony has been used to transmit the powers that Our Lord gave to His apostles, to make men priests and bishops. The ceremony of ordination nowadays is more elaborate than in the early Church, yet the rites of laying-on of hands has always been used. We now know with certainty, by reason of a declaration of Pope Pius XII, that the ceremony by which the power and the grace of the orders of deacon, priest and bishop are conferred, is the imposition of the bishop's hands with the prayers that immediately follow. And so, the priests and bishops of today have received their supernatural powers from an unbroken chain of ordination ceremonies going back to the apostles, who received them from Christ Himself.

 * It is truly a wonderful privilege to be a priest; and any Catholic boy or young man who thinks that he has the qualifications for this sacred calling and a desire to serve God in this ministry should pray fervently that God may guide him aright in his choice of a state of life, and lead him to the priesthood if it be His holy will. However, no one should enter the priesthood for any human motive-for example to please his parents- but only out of the highest motive, to sanctify his own soul and to work faithfully for the spread of God's kingdom on earth.

 * RESOLUTION:

 * Resolve to pray every day, particularly to St. Joseph, the patron of a happy death, that you will be granted the grace to receive the last sacraments when the hour of your death draws near.

 * Complete Exercises For Lesson 34

 * STUDY HELPS

 * A. WORD SELECTION.

 * (Select the word or phrase in the parentheses which most exactly and most completely fills out the sentence.)

 * Ordinarily a person receiving Extreme Unction is anointed on (three ... .six ... seven) parts of the body.

 * When the priest administers Extreme Unction with a single anointing he generally anoints the sick person's (lips ... hands ... forehead).

 * To receive Extreme Unction a person must be (in probable danger of death ... very close to death ... certainly dying).

 * Extreme Unction takes away mortal sin (when the sick person would be sorry for it if he were conscious ... when the sick person has made a bad confession ... when the sick person is unaware that he is not properly disposed but has made an act of imperfect contrition) .

 * There are (two ... four ... six) minor orders.

 * A man becomes a member of the clerical state (by receiving 'the clerical tonsure ... by becoming a subdeacon ... by becoming a priest).

 * The priest in a diocese who shares the bishop's jurisdiction is called the (dean ... vicar general ... chancellor).

 * Without a special dispensation a man may not be ordained to the priesthood until he is (twenty-one ... twenty-two ... twenty-four) years old.

 * The proper way to address a bishop is (Holy Father ... Your Excellency ... Bishop).

 * The ordinary minister of the sacrament of Holy Orders is (a bishop ... An archbishop ... a cardinal).

 * B. PROBLEMS AND EXERCISES.

 * (Answer the questions orally or write them as your teacher may direct):

 * As a rule, what is the first anointing we receive? The second? The last? In how many sacraments are Holy Oils used?

 * Oswald, a newspaper reporter and a Catholic, watched the priest administer the last rites to a victim of an automobile smashup. He claims that the priest did not anoint the dead man's eyes, ears, etc., but dipped his thumb in the oil-stock, made a small sign of the cross on the victim's forehead, and then wiped it off with a small piece of cotton he had with him. Explain to the reporter what happened and why.

 * Agnes says that Father Augustine anointed her grandmother yesterday. There seems to be nothing physically wrong with the venerable lady, now in her 82nd year. She doesn't leave the house, as a rule, but she isn't in bed, she walks around the house, reads the papers and her prayer book, sews, and does a little of the housework too. Agnes is puzzled by what Father Augustine did. Explain the case to her.

 * Andrew, in the eighth grade, is seriously ill with a blood-stream poisoning. He wants to receive the Last Sacraments; but his mother is frightened out of her wits by his request, and hesitates to send for the priest. She finally yields to his request, but only on condition that Andrew make his confession and receive Holy Communion. She doesn't want him to say a word about being anointed. What do you think of her attitude?

 * Five Catholic boys go for a swim in a neighborhood pond. One of them, Wilfred, drowns. and Christian recover his body two hours later, and immediately begin first-aid efforts to revive him. Edmund goes to get a doctor. Should Gerald bother about getting a priest? Why?

 * In serious accidents, crowds quickly gather, and then stand by idly. Should Catholics in the group concern themselves to find out if the victim is a Catholic? Why? If there is reason to believe that the accident victim is a Catholic, should they bother themselves to go for a priest, even if the person is considered dead? Why?

 * Vergil, a Catholic, in a fit of despondency takes his own life. Harold, a Catholic neighbor, suggests that someone send for the priest right away; his wife Cora says that there's no use of sending for a priest when a person commits suicide. What is your opinion? Explain.

 * Can dead people receive any sacrament? Explain your reply.

 * What is the ceremony of the first tonsure? How many of the sacred orders have been received by the bishop of your diocese? By your pastor? By a subdeacon?

 * Where are the future priests of your diocese being trained? Where do they receive their high schooling? Their college course? Their special training in theology?

 * Stanislaus, an altar-boy, was helping the pastor decorate the altar when two clergymen entered the sacristy. The pastor addressed one of them as "Your Excellency" and the other as "Your Eminence." To what ranks of the clergy did these two belong?

 * Dolores had the great privilege of seeing her brother Francis ordained to the holy priesthood. Among the ceremonies she witnessed were the following: Francis prostrated himself on the ground while the Litany of the Saints was chanted, the bishop imposed his hands on the head of Francis and then recited some prayers, the bishop anointed the young man's hands with blessed oil, then the bishop placed in his hands a chalice and a paten with bread and wine. During which of these ceremonies did Francis become a priest?

 * After the ordination, Francis said to his sister: "This morning I received two great supernatural powers." Which powers?

 * During the Holy Year, Anna visited Rome with her parents and, with number of other Americans, had an audience with the Pope. When the Pope passed along the line of kneeling people he spoke to Anna, asking her from what part of the United States she came. What title should Anna have given the Pope when she answered him?

 * Kenneth was out walking with Cyril, a Protestant friend, when they met the pastor coming out of the church, evidently going on a sick-call. Kenneth tipped his hat; the priest bowed slightly but did not stop to talk. Later, Cyril asked Kenneth why he had shown to the priest this sign of respect. Kenneth replied: "First, because he represents Jesus Christ; second, because he was carrying the Blessed Sacrament to a sick person." Can you give Cyril a further explanation?