Dear Catholic Exchange:
I was given an extreme unction crucifix for my conversion into the Catholic Faith this Easter. I was told by a Catholic friend of mine that the empty vial was for oil and that I could give an anointing to a very sick person if a priest was not immediately available. I thought that only the priest could perform this anointing. I would appreciate your guidance.
Robert Grand
Dear Robert,
Peace in Christ!
The Code of Canon Law says that only a priest has the power to celebrate this sacrament: “Every priest and a priest alone validly administer the anointing of the sick” (canon 1003 §1).
The Church also addressed this issue in Some Questions Regarding Collaboration of the Non-Ordained Faithful in Priest’s Sacred Ministry, (eight Vatican congregations and other agencies, 1997). This document says:
“In using sacramentals, the non-ordained faithful should ensure that these are in no way regarded as sacraments whose administration is proper and exclusive to the Bishop and to the priest. Since they are not priests, in no instance may the non-ordained perform anointings either with the Oil of the Sick or any other oil.”
Your concern is what happens if a priest is not present and a person passes on without the benefit of this celebration? We should remember that the Sacraments do not work like magic. Sacraments are the ordinary means by which God administers grace, but the Church has always maintained that we must surely rely on His mercy. However, when, through no fault of our own, the sacraments are not available to us, God’s mercy is not bound. The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that, while God ordinarily brings salvation through the Sacraments, the first of which is baptism, “he himself is not bound by his sacraments” (no. 1257, italics in original).
I refer you to the example of the thief on the cross, who when he asked Jesus to remember him, Jesus assured him of paradise (Lk 23:42-43). Also, read Psalm 145, especially verses 8-21 to learn of God’s abundant mercy and unfailing compassion.
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United in the Faith,
Amy Barragree
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