Roger,
Read the instructions with the gasket! Most of the rubber one piece gaskets use NO SEALER OF ANY KIND!
Silicone is WAY over rated. I can not tell you how many engines I have taken apart because someone put silicone all over a timing cover, pan gasket or even intake and valve covers.
The stuff breaks of inside the engine and plugs up
oil drain backs , pick up screens, rads and on and on.
If you are installing the gasket on your back ask your wife or girl friend for a bit of thread. Tie the gasket to the pan by way of a few holes. When you get the pan up in place trim the threads off and install the rest of the bolts. Works every time.