Fr. Charles W. Gusmer (1938-2021) was a teacher and scholar world-renowned for his work on the pastoral care of the sic. He received his doctorate in sacred theology from the Theological Faculty in Trier and taught at Immaculate Conception Seminary, Seton Hall University, New Jersey.

• ContentsIntroduction   ixThe TraditionCHAPTER ONEThe Tradition of Anointing the Sick with Oil   2New Testament   5First 800 Years: Rite for the Sick   11Carolingian Turning Point   21The Scholastics: Sacrament of the Dying   28Council of Trent to Vatican II  33Ecumenical Epilogue   37The ReformsCHAPTER TWOThe Reformed Rites for the Sick   51Pastoral Care of the Sick   53Visits to the Sick (Chapter 1)   57Visits to a Sick Child (Chapter 2)   59Communion of the Sick (Chapter 3)   62Anointing of the Sick (Chapter 4)   66Special Questions   76CHAPTER THREEThe Reformed Rites for the Dying   99The Church’s Prayer for the Dying   101The Tradition of the Viaticum   106Pastoral Care of the Dying   112Celebration of Viaticum (Chapter 5)   114Commendation of the Dying (Chapter 6)   119Prayers for the Dead (Chapter 7)   125Rites for Exceptional Circumstances   (Chapter 8)   127Present and FutureCHAPTER FOURTheological Dimensions of Sickness and Healing   139The Total Human Person    139The Mystery of Suffering and Evil   145Jesus’ Ministry to the Sick   148The Church’s Ministry to the Sick and Dying   154CHAPTER FIVEPastoral Praxis   172The Overall Pastoral Climate   172Liturgical Celebration: Is It Worship?    185APPENDIX ALiturgical History of the Sacrament of Anointing   195APPENDIX BRite for Sending Special Ministers of Communion Forth from Mass   197APPENDIX CPope Addresses Communal Celebration   199Bibliography   203Index   213