Baptized members of the Christian faithful who have reached the age of reason and who begin to be in danger due to sickness or old age may receive the sacrament of anointing. Participation in the rites is encouraged broadly.

• The elderly who are weakened, even though no notable illness is present, may choose to participate in the ritual.
• Those who face surgery due to serious illness.
• Those who suffer serious mental illness.

On certain rare occasions, Canon 844 allows Catholics to receive the sacraments of Penance, Eucharist and Anointing of the Sick from priests who belong to churches where the sacraments are valid, under these conditions:

• In cases of necessity or true spiritual advantage.
• There is no danger of error or indifferentism.
• If there is a physical or moral impossibility of receiving the sacraments from a Catholic priest.

Orthodox Christians may receive the sacraments from Catholic priests when they spontaneously ask for them and are rightly disposed, according to Canon 844.3. Other baptized non-Catholics may receive these sacraments under six conditions:

1. They cannot approach their own ministers.
2. They spontaneously request the sacrament.
3. They are rightly disposed.
4. They manifest Catholic faith regarding these sacraments.
5. They are in danger of death.
6. If there is another grave necessity in the judgment of either the diocesan bishop or the episcopal conference.