1. What should I do before going to a non-Catholic hospital?
Before going to the hospital, I should go to Confession, receive Holy Communion, and, if necessary, the Sacrament of Extreme Unction.
I should also inform the Priests in my parish in which hospital I will be and about how long I expect to be in the hospital.
2. What should I do when I enter the hospital?
When I enter the hospital, I should tell the nurses on the floor that I am a Catholic, and whether I received the Last Sacraments or not, and, if I did not receive them, that they should send for a Priest in case of danger of death.
3. What should an expectant mother do in a non-Catholic hospital?
An expectant mother in a non-Catholic hospital should inform the doctors and nurses that she is a Catholic and that, if there is any danger to the life of the baby, they should send for a Priest right away.
In case of a real emergency, however, the doctor or nurse should baptize the baby, even in the womb, if necessary.
4. What should be done in the case of a miscarriage?
If there is a miscarriage, the whole substance from the womb should be put into water right away, and the words: “I baptize thee in the Name of the Father”, and so on, should be said by the one baptizing.
It should be remembered the water has to flow over the skin of the fetus or embryo. Consequently, it is sometimes necessary to break the protective membranes enclosing the body.
5. While in a non-Catholic hospital, how should I arrange to receive the Sacraments?
I should have a member of my family see the Priest in whose parish the hospital is located and make arrangements for the Priest to give me the Sacraments.
This Priest should be informed as to whether I have already received the Last Sacraments before coming to the hospital.
6. How should I prepare to receive Holy Communion?
On the evening before the Priest comes, I should prepare a table beside the bed by spreading a clean hand towel on it, and then place a glass of water, a spoon, a few pieces of cotton and a crucifix on the towel.
I should also inform the other patients in my room that the Priest is coming and ask them to be decently dressed and respectfully silent when he arrives.
7. What should I do when the Priest brings me Holy Communion?
Several minutes before the Priest arrives, I should say some prayers to prepare myself for receiving Jesus in Holy Communion.
Out of respect to the Blessed Sacrament, I should remain silent and not speak to the Priest, unless, of course, it is necessary.
8. What should I do after the Priest leaves?
After the Priest leaves, I should spend ten or fifteen minutes praying as well as possible under the circumstances.