Page "Priest" Paragraph 40

The most significant liturgical acts reserved to priests in these traditions are the administration of the Sacraments, including the celebration of the Holy Mass or Divine Liturgy ( the terms for the celebration of the Eucharist in the Latin and Byzantine traditions, respectively ), and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, also called Confession.

The sacraments of Anointing of the Sick ( Extreme Unction ) and Confirmation or Chrismation are also administered by priests, though in the Western tradition Confirmation is ordinarily celebrated by a bishop.

In the East, Chrismation is performed by the priest ( using oil specially consecrated by a bishop ) immediately after Baptism, and Unction is normally performed by several priests ( ideally seven ), but may be performed by one if necessary.

In the West, Holy Baptism may be celebrated by anyone and Matrimony may be witnessed by a deacon, but most often these normally are administered by a priest as well.

In the East, Holy Baptism and Marriage ( which is called " Crowning ") may be performed only by a priest.

If a person is baptized in extremis ( i. e., when in fear of immediate death ), only the actual threefold immersion together with the scriptural words () may be performed by a layperson or deacon.

The remainder of the rite, and Chrismation, must still be performed by a priest, if the person survives.

The only sacrament which may be celebrated only by a bishop is that of Ordination ( cheirotonia, " Laying-on of Hands "), or Holy Orders.