New Every Morning Anglican Fellowship
Visitation of the Sick · Communion of the Sick
Job Aid 6 · Priest and Deacon · BCP pp. 308–324 · Canon 11.11
PRIEST may: pronounce Absolution; anoint; lay on hands; give last rites; consecrate for Communion of the Sick. DEACON may: lead prayers; read Scripture; say Commendatory prayers; administer Communion from reserved sacrament (if authorised). DEACON may NOT: absolve; anoint sacramentally; lay on hands for healing; consecrate.
THE ORDER FOR VISITATION OF THE SICK (BCP pp. 308–320)
1. Opening sentences and antiphons [at the bedside; peace and greeting]
2. Psalm 23 or other appointed psalm [said or sung quietly]
3. Scripture reading [one of the appointed passages; or as the sick person needs]
4. Exhortation [BCP pp. 309–311; examine the conscience, encourage faith, seek reconciliation]
5. Kyrie and Lord's Prayer [minister and sick person together]
6. Collects for the sick [several forms provided BCP pp. 311–313; choose as appropriate]
7. Laying on of Hands [PRIEST only; BCP p. 313]
8. Anointing [PRIEST only; oil on forehead; form at BCP p. 320]
9. Absolution [PRIEST only: "I absolve thee from all thy sins, In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." [BCP p. 313]]
10. Communion of the Sick [see below; PRIEST must consecrate unless reserved sacrament is used]
11. Commendatory Prayers [if death is near; ANY minister may say these [BCP p. 317]]
⚠ The rubric at BCP p. 308: "The Minister shall not omit a convenient time to give warning to every sick person of the danger of death." The DEACON must summon the PRIEST when a parishioner is seriously ill.
THE COMMENDATORY PRAYERS — KNOW THESE BY MEMORY [BCP p. 317]
"Into thy hands, O merciful Saviour, we commend the soul of thy servant N., a sheep of thine own fold, a lamb of thine own flock, a sinner of thine own redeeming. Receive him into the arms of thy mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light. Amen."
COMMUNION OF THE SICK (BCP pp. 320–324)
1. If a priest is present [a shortened form of Holy Communion may be celebrated at the bedside [BCP p. 320]]
2. If using reserved sacrament [the deacon (if authorised by the bishop) may bring Communion; the priest has already consecrated]
3. Deacon administers from reserved sacrament [saying the full administration formula; priest has not just consecrated]
4. Deacon may NOT consecrate [under any circumstances; if there is no reserved sacrament and no priest, Communion cannot be given]
5. Post-Communion prayer [BCP p. 323; brief thanksgiving]
⚠ Canon 11.11: no sacrament may be denied to a PENITENT person in immediate danger of death — even if under ecclesiastical discipline. Summon the priest. If no priest: baptise (if unbaptised); pray the Commendatory prayers.
DEACON'S CHECKLIST AT THE SICKBED
• Have I summoned the priest?
• Does the sick person desire absolution? → Priest must come; do not delay
• Does the sick person desire Communion? → Priest or reserved sacrament
• Is the person in immediate danger of death? → Canon 11.11 applies; no sacrament may be withheld
• Is the person unbaptised? → Emergency Baptism [JA5]
© 2026 · The Reverend P. A. Ternahan, M.A. Hum. · The Continuing Anglican Tradition of the 1928 Book of Common Prayer