Which sacrament is performed on those who are dying?

• A. Baptism
• B. Eucharist
• C. Anointing of the Sick
• D. Confirmation

Answer: (C)

Anointing of the Sick is the sacrament for people who are seriously ill or near death. In this rite, a priest or bishop anoints the person’s forehead and hands with blessed oil while praying for grace, strength, consolation, and, if needed, forgiveness of sins. The oil symbolizes healing and the presence of the Holy Spirit, and the person receives spiritual nourishment to help them face suffering and prepare for eternal life. If possible, the Eucharist may be given as viaticum—the dying person’s last Holy Communion—along with the anointing, but the central act specifically for those at the end of life is the Anointing of the Sick. Baptism is for initiating into the faith, not specifically tied to dying, and Confirmation is about strengthening grace received in baptism, not a dying situation; the Eucharist can be given to the dying as viaticum, but the rite meant specifically for those who are dying is the Anointing of the Sick.