Q. 967. {273} Should we wait until we are in extreme danger before we receive Extreme Unction?  A. We should not wait until we are in extreme danger before we receive Extreme Unction, but if possible we should receive it whilst we have the use of our senses.

Q. 968.  What should we do in case of serious illness if the sick person will not consent or is afraid to receive the Sacraments, or, at least, wishes to put off their reception?  A. In case of serious illness, if the sick person will not consent, or is afraid to receive the Sacraments, or, at least, wishes to put off their reception, we should send for the priest at once and let him do what he thinks best in the case, and thus we will free ourselves from the responsibility of letting a Catholic die without the last Sacraments.

Q. 969. {274} Which are the effects of the Sacrament of Extreme Unction?  A. The effects of Extreme Unction are:  1st, To comfort us in the pains of sickness and to strengthen us against temptations; 2d, To remit venial sins and to cleanse our soul from the remains of sin; 3d, To restore us to health, when God sees fit.

Q. 970.  Will Extreme Unction take away mortal sin if the dying person is no longer able to confess?  A. Extreme Unction will take away mortal sin if the dying person is no longer able to confess, provided he has the sorrow for his sins that would be necessary for the worthy reception of the Sacrament of Penance.

Q. 971.  How do we know that this Sacrament, more than any other, was instituted to benefit the body?  A. We know that this Sacrament more than any other was instituted to benefit the body (1) From the words of St. James exhorting us to receive it; (2) It is given when the soul is already purified by the graces of Penance and Holy Viaticum; (3) One of its chief objects is to restore us to health if it be for our spiritual good, as most of the prayers said in giving this Sacrament indicate.

Q. 972.  Since Extreme Unction may restore us to health, should we not be glad to receive it?  A. Since Extreme Unction may restore us to health, we should be glad to receive it, and we should not delay its reception till we are so near death that God could restore us only by a miracle.  Again, this Sacrament, like the others, gives sanctifying and sacramental grace, which we should be eager to obtain as soon as our sickness is sufficient to give us the privilege of receiving the last Sacraments.

Q. 973. {275} What do you mean by the remains of sin?  A. By the remains of sin I mean the inclination to evil and the weakness of the will which are the result of our sins, and which remain after our sins have been forgiven.

Q. 974. {276} How should we receive the Sacrament of Extreme Unction?  A. We should receive the Sacrament of Extreme Unction in the state of grace, and with lively faith and resignation to the will of God.

Q. 975. {277} Who is the minister of the Sacrament of Extreme Unction?  A. The priest is the minister of the Sacrament of Extreme Unction.