The priest can do a number of things. Firstly, he can administer the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. This is a special sign of God’s love and care for the sick person. It consists of a series of special prayers and blessings on behalf of the patient which offer strength, encouragement and consolation. The priest will anoint the patient with holy oil as a sign of special blessing. This sacrament can only be administered by a bishop or priest.

Secondly, the priest will provide an opportunity for confession so that the sick person may be consoled and untroubled by past events which may cause anxiety.

The priest can offer Holy Communion if the patient is able to receive it. This strengthens the sick person spiritually and emotionally.

The priest will also bless the family and offer prayers with them for the patient.

In these ways the priest by his presence shows that the Christian family cares about the person who is ill. A sick person’s own prayer is also of special value to the Church because such a person is so near to Christ at such a time.