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A sacrament is an outward sign established by Jesus Christ to convey God’s grace to the recipient through the power of the Holy Spirit

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Let’s begin by turning to the Catechism of the Catholic Church section 1511 which says: “The Church believes and confesses that among the seven sacraments there is one especially intended to strengthen those who are being tried by illness, the 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.
It is alluded to indeed by Mark, but is recommended to the faithful and promulgated by James the apostle and brother of the Lord. (Council Of Trent 1551).
The sacrament’s name has change over time. It was called extreme unction (the last anointing), and was typically referred to as the “last rites.”

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What is the Biblical basis for the sacrament and when and how did Jesus authorize the curing of the sick?
Turning to the Gospel of Mark in chapter 6:7 we see Jesus sending out the apostles two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits.
In verse 13 we read, “¹³They drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.
Jesus had shared His priestly authority with the apostles and authorized them to cure the sick.

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1526 "Is any among you sick? Let him call for the presbyters of the Church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil
in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven" (James 5:^14-15).

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1528 The proper time for receiving this holy anointing has certainly arrived when the believer begins to be in danger of death because of illness or old age.
1529 Each time a Christian falls seriously ill, he may receive the Anointing of the Sick, and also when, after he has received it, the illness worsens.

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1530 Only priests (presbyters and bishops) can give the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, using oil blessed by the bishop, or if necessary by the celebrating presbyter himself.
1531 The celebration of the Anointing of the Sick consists essentially in the anointing of the forehead and hands of the sick person (in the Roman Rite) or of other parts of the body (in the Eastern rite), the anointing being accompanied by the liturgical prayer of the celebrant asking for the special grace of this sacrament.

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There are three sacraments that both heal and save.
Baptism
Anointing of the Sick
Sacrament of Reconciliation/confession.

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Our Lords Compassion for the sick.
Remember many of Jesus miracles reported in the Bible involved curing the ill and suffering.

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It unites the sick person to the sufferings of Christ.
Strengthens the person with courage and peace to endure the sufferings of disease or old age.
Forgives all sins for the person who has true sorrow but is unable to confess.
Sometimes the grace of the sacrament restores health if it is appropriate for the salvation of the person.

1401 When, in the Ordinary's judgment, a grave necessity arises, Catholic ministers may give the sacraments of Eucharist, Penance, and Anointing of the Sick to other Christians not in full communion with the Catholic Church, who ask for them of their own will, provided they give evidence of holding the Catholic faith regarding these sacraments and possess the required dispositions.

Where the person is incapable of sustained mental effort without serious prejudice to his failing powers, the priest need give himself no scruple about being satisfied with incomplete, or less specific, forms of accusation. The law of integrity is not to be rigorously urged under such circumstances. Even when nothing but the most general acknowledgment of one's sinful condition can be obtained, it is incontrovertible that in the premises this is a valid substitute for a more detailed confession. (http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04660c.htm#section4)

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When anointing the forehead the Priest says:
“Through this holy anointing, may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit.”
Anointing the hands the priest says,
“May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up.”
Eastern Churches continue to anoint other parts of the body.

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The Sacrament of Penance, Reconciliation, or Confession.

When Holy Communion/Eucharist is received it is called Viaticum.

Viaticum loosely translated from the Latin means food for the journey.

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Use a small table covered with a white linen cloth.
If Holy Communion is to be received, candles should be burning.
The priest usually will bring holy water.

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Often times parishes will have “Healing Services” that will include the “Anointing of the Sick.”
Such services will include all members of the parish who wish to avail themselves of the grace given by the sacrament.

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