Australian Catholic Church Practice Exam

The essential elements of Anointing of the Sick are the anointing with the Oil of the Sick on the forehead and on the hands, the prayers of the Church for healing, strength, and grace, and the ministry of a validly ordained priest. The oil signifies healing and spiritual strength given by the Holy Spirit, while the prayers request God’s grace for the person’s illness, their perseverance, and preparation for whatever lies ahead. The minister is normally a priest (a bishop or priest can perform it), with the accompanying nuance that in extraordinary circumstances a deacon may participate with proper permissions in some rites, especially when a priest isn’t available. The recipients are those who are seriously ill, the elderly, or those facing major surgery, rather than all Catholics regardless of circumstance.