Which Catholic sacrament is intended to confer grace upon gravely ill individuals?

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

Answer: (A)

The main idea being tested is that Anointing of the Sick is the Catholic sacrament meant to confer grace on gravely ill individuals. In Catholic practice this rite is specifically for people facing serious illness, old age, or danger of death. During the rite, a priest lays hands on the person and anoints with the Oil of the Sick, accompanied by prayers for healing and comfort. This grace joins the sufferer with Christ’s Passion, strengthens them to endure illness, provides spiritual healing, and, if needed, forgives sins and prepares the person for what lies ahead. Physical healing may occur if it’s God’s will, but the primary aim is grace and spiritual support in the face of illness, sometimes administered more than once if the illness worsens or changes.

Baptism, by contrast, is the initiation into the Church and the washing away of original sin, not something aimed specifically at a gravely ill person. Confirmation strengthens the grace received at Baptism, typically affirming faith as the recipient grows, rather than addressing illness directly. Penance (Reconciliation) focuses on the forgiveness of sins after baptism.