viaticum

Viaticum is the sacrament of the dying. In viaticum the dying person is united with Christ in his passage out of this world to the Father. When the minister has brought holy communion, the rite may begin with the renewal of the dying person’s profession of faith.

Profession of Faith

℣. Do you reject sin so as to live in the freedom of God's children?

℟. I do.

℣. Do you reject the glamor of evil and refuse to be mastered by sin?

℟. I do.

℣. Do you reject Satan, father of sin and prince of darkness?

℟. I do.

℣. Do you believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth?

℟. I do.

℣. Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary, was crucified, died, and was buried, rose from the dead, and is now seated at the right hand of the Father?

℟. I do.

℣. Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting?

℟. I do.

℣. This is our faith. This is the faith of the Church. We are proud to profess it in Christ Jesus our Lord.

℟. Amen.

Viaticum is then celebrated in the same manner as Communion of the sick (p. 308), but after giving communion, the minister says:

May the Lord Jesus Christ protect you and lead you to eternal life.

℟. Amen.

The concluding prayer follows:

God of peace, you offer eternal healing to those who believe in you; you have refreshed your servant N. with food and drink from heaven: lead him/her safely into the kingdom of light. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

℟. Amen.