Sick Call or "Last Rites" kits are part of the rich history of  Catholic and other Christian denominations.I'll concentrate on the Catholic-oriented sets since they constitute by far the largest number, and they are the ones I know best. For more information about Sick Calls sets see my Ebay  page here:  ficspriest: about me

 In the days when most people died at home and hospitals stays were far less frequent it would be expected that sooner or later a seriously ill person would need to be visited by a priest at home in order to receive the Sacraments. These would include Communion, Viaticum (Communion for the Dying), Confession (Penance), and the Sacrament of the Sick (Extreme Unction or the "Last Rites" anointing. Although the priest would always have the essentials with him, Catholic families have been encouraged to have ready certain articles to help prepare for the event.In the late 1800s manufacturers (primarily in Europe and North America) responded by selling kits for just such occasions.

      Most kits were designed to ornamental or devotional when not in use, with the essential (candles, holy water, and crucifix) and non-essential (cloths, cups, bowls, plates, spoon, etc.) being hidden away.

Sick Call Sets on Ebay

The magic of Ebay is that any of us can collect a full variety of such items for our own. Over the years I have been able to collect hundreds of Sick Call sets, and below is my personal view of how they can be categorized. With lots of patience and perseverance you can collect a wide variety without spending a fortune.

Unfortunately I am only allowed ten pictures for this guide. If you give me a positive response I will make more specific guides with lots of pictures. See my About Me page: ficspriest: about me

The Crucifix Sets

Pictured above is a crucifix form of a sick call set, by far the most common form of kits since the 1930s. As you can see the crucifix slides off the front, fits in a slot, and also holds two candles and a small bottle of holy water. I estimate about 40 different variations on this basic form. New ones in the stores go fro about 30  to 100 dollars; with patience on Ebay you should be able to easily get one for less than 10 dollars. Used sets go for as little as 2 dollars. If your goal is simply to have a sick call set in your home, this is by far the easiest and cheapest model you will find.

Ornate Wall Sets

               From the early 1900s we have this shadow-box style of sick call sets. The bottom compartment opens up to show storage of the sick call articles. These sets are not at all rare on Ebay, and with some patience you can get one for a little as 20 dollars or so. The typical statue on the inside is the Pieta (as pictured), but you will find a variation with the Holy Family inside (somewhat rare). The candle holders may be inside on the pull down door, or mounted on the outside as pictured above. The rarer candle holders are more ornate metal with little angels mounted on the wood. The most common words inscribed are "Blessed by Thy Holy Name"; less common are "Ladamus Te" ("We Praise Thee"). The picture on the bottom frame is almost always The Last Supper, rarely you will find a picture of the Sacred Hearts.

    These sets are extremely fragile; I would offer to pay extra for an "extra special" packing job. Insurance is a must. I will fit in as many pictures as I can below of other wall hanging sets.

Ornate Box Sets   

These kits tend to be more special on the inside than out. With lots of storage space they usually have a lot more items than the other sets, including a whole assortment of crucifix/candelabras that are sometimes sold alone as Sick Call sets.

Buying tips: Look for the quality of the wood, the inside lining (hard to get in good shape!) and the number of items inside. Don't be surprised to find medals, plastic bottles, and other items not found in the original set.

Table Top Sets

Some of the more magnificent sets are found in this category. The one pictured above is common, but to find one completely intact (large crucifix, candle holders, box in rear full of items) is rare.

Statue Sets

Miscellaneous Sets

This "book" opens up to display a wonderful sick call set.

Sets Carried by the Priest Himself

Many Ebay sets are mislabeled as belonging to the priest because 99% of sets were made for families to keep on hand. Some, however, where designed just for priests who wanted to have everything with him on his visits. True priest sets have handles or fit into suit pockets; how else would he be able to carry it around?

A Frequently Asked Question

I have been asked several times if an item is truly a sick call set. As best as I can tell, a true sick call set would include the following:

1. A crucifix (not just a plain cross)

2. A receptacle for holy water (often a palm branch) or holy water bottle

3. candles/holder

We often see devotional items that are not true---or at least complete--sick call sets. These would include things like crucifixes with candles (but no holy water receptacle), or a holy water font with a crucifix (but no candle holders). Such things may be worth devotional items, but are not sick call sets.

Other things that may be included, but that are not absolutely critical for a sick call set:

1. plates/bowls for holding bread or cotton

2. bottle for storing the holy water

3. cloths

4. cotton

5. instructions for preparing for a sick call/calling the priest

6. spoon(s)

7. ladle

8. brush/sprinkler for the holy water (often a palm branch)

9. matches

10. prayer book

11. cup for drinking water

12. lemon

13. salt

for more information please see my About Me Ebay page: ficspriest