Who Can Administer Extreme Unction?

The rite can be performed in a home or a hospital by a priest, who prays over the person and anoints his or her head and hands with chrism (holy oil). The priest may also administer the sacrament of the Eucharist and can hear a confession if so desired.

Can a lay person administer extreme unction?

Only a priest or bishop can administer the sacraments of Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick, but a lay person may give a dying person Holy Communion as "Viaticum, the Last Sacrament of the Christian".

Who can administer anointing of the sick?

Because forgiveness of sins is among the effects of the Anointing of the Sick it is necessary that a priest (or bishop) administer the sacrament. Deacons and laity can pray for the sick and dying, but not to the same effect as this sacrament.

Marcus Vance

Marcus Vance

Cybersecurity & Digital Privacy Researcher

Marcus Vance is a cybersecurity auditor and technology writer dedicated to educating the public about online safety, data privacy regulations, enterprise security, and emerging cyber threats.