What are the essential elements of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick?

• A. Only for the priest
• B. Anointing with the oil of the infirm; prayers by the priest; the laying on of hands; administered to the seriously ill or those facing grave danger of death.
• C. Baptism first, then anointing
• D. The sacrament replaces baptism.

Answer: (B)

The essential elements focus on the concrete signs that make the grace of the sacrament visible and effective for someone who is seriously ill or facing grave danger of death. The rite centers on the anointing with the oil of the infirm, the laying on of hands, and the prayers spoken by the priest. The oil provides the tangible, healing sign; the laying on of hands expresses the invocation of the Holy Spirit and the community’s intercession; and the priest’s prayers request grace, strength, peace, and, if needed, forgiveness of sins. This sacrament is administered to the seriously ill or those in grave danger of death, not restricted to clergy alone, and it is not contingent on Baptism occurring first nor does it replace Baptism.