The anointing of the sick is administered to bring spiritual and even physical strength during an illness, especially near the time of death. It is most likely one of the last sacraments one will receive. A sacrament is an outward sign established by Jesus to confer inward grace. In more basic terms, it is a rite that is preformed to convey God's grace to the recipient, through the power of the Holy Spirit.
The essential rite of the sacrament consists in the priest laying hands on the sick, anointing him with blessed oil 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."
Only priests (including Bishops) can administer the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, since, when the Sacrament was instituted during Christ's sending out of His disciples, it was confined to the men who would become the original bishops of the church.
