The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, traditionally referred to as Extreme Unction or Last Rites, was previously most commonly administered to the dying, for the remission of sins and the provision of spiritual strength and health. In modern times, however, its use has been expanded to all who are ill or are about to undergo a serious operation, and the Church stresses a secondary effect of the Sacrament: to help a person recover health. Like Reconciliation and Holy Communion, to which it is closely linked, the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick can be repeated as often as is necessary. If you know that you're going into hospital, then it is a good idea to receive the Sacrament from your priest before going. Not that this makes much difference for Fr. Chris as he is also the Catholic hospital chaplain for the Royal Berkshire Hospital.

The modern celebration of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick recalls the early Christian use, going back to biblical times. When Christ sent His disciples out to preach, "They cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them" (Mark 6:13). James 5:14-15 ties physical healing to the forgiveness of sins: “Is there anyone sick among you? Let them bring in the priest of the Church, and let the priest pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick person: and the Lord shall raise them up: and if they have committed any sins, they shall be forgiven them.”

Following this biblical understanding, the Catechism of the Catholic Church notes that: The Anointing of the Sick "is not a Sacrament for those only who are at the point of death. Hence, as soon as anyone of the faithful begins to be in danger of death from sickness or old age, the fitting time for them to receive this Sacrament has certainly already arrived."

The essential rite of the sacrament consists in the priest laying hands on the sick, anointing them with blessed oil (usually olive oil blessed by a bishop), and praying "Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up. Amen."

When circumstances permit, the Church recommends that the Sacrament take place during Mass, or at least that it be preceded by Confession and for this reason only priests (including bishops) can administer the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.

Received in faith and in a state of grace, the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick provides the recipient with a number of graces, including the fortitude to resist temptation in the face of death; a union with the Passion of Christ, which makes their suffering holy; and the grace to prepare for death, so that they may meet God in hope rather than in fear. If the recipient is not able to receive the Sacrament of Confession, Anointing also provides forgiveness of sins and may, if that be God’s will, restore the recipient's health.

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