"By the sacred anointing of the sick and the prayer of the priests the whole Church commends those who are ill to the suffering and glorified Lord,
that he may raise them up and save them."  (CCC 1499)

Guidelines for the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick

• This sacred anointing of the sick was instituted by Christ our Lord as a true and proper sacrament of the New Testament. (CCC 1511)
• The sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is given to those who are seriously ill by anointing them on the forehead and hands with duly blessed oil - pressed from olives or from other plants - saying, only once: "Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up." (CCC 1513)
• the first grace of this sacrament is one of strengthening, peace and courage to overcome the difficulties that go with the condition of serious illness or the frailty of old age.(CCC 1520)
• Only a priest or bishop may administer Anointing of the Sick.
• In order to receive the Sacrament of Anointing, the faithful are advised to receive the Sacrament of Penance first, especially if they are conscious of serious sin.
• Those whose health is seriously impaired by sickness or by old age may receive the Sacrament.