RC Health Hotline for the sick, suffering and families in T&T

By Kaelanne Jordan
mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org

In a world where many face the trials of illness, ageing, and grief alone, the Archdiocese of Port of Spain’s Catholic Health Hotline offers a compassionate and spiritual safety net.

Established with the core mission of bringing the Church’s love, mercy, and compassion to those most in need, this 24-hour service ensures that no one is ever left without the support of the Church, regardless of where they are.

“The hotline isn’t just for the Anointing of the Sick—it’s so much more. It was born out of love, pure and simple. Love for the sick, the suffering, and their families,” explained Azania Durham, the Catholic Health Hotline Administrator Lead.

She said it aims to provide spiritual care during the darkest moments of life, whether one is in the hospital, nearing the end of life, or struggling with emotional or spiritual distress.

Durham emphasised that the hotline lets people know that “the Church is here for them every step of the way until God’s will has been fulfilled.”

The Catholic Health Hotline is designed to cater to a wide range of needs: prayer, and support, home visits, hospital visits, aged home visits, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Holy Communion, and, of course, the Anointing of the Sick.

Durham added, “This hotline is not just a service; it’s a lifeline. Whether it’s providing a listening ear, bringing the Sacraments to your bedside, or simply offering the warmth of prayer, the Church is here to walk alongside you.”

All services are “paid in full” by the blood of Jesus and this Hotline is an initiative of Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon.

One of the key features of the Catholic Health Hotline is its deep connection to the broader mission of the Catholic Church: to care for the spiritual and emotional well-being of God’s people. Durham notes that the hotline is a “living testament” to the Church’s commitment to being a constant presence in the lives of its members.

Available 24/7, it ensures that individuals facing illness or loss are never “abandoned in their hour of need.” “It’s more than a service—it’s a ministry of love,” Durham adds.

For many in remote or underserved areas, the hotline ensures that spiritual care reaches them where they are. In partnership with local priests, deacons, and prayer ministers, the Catholic Health Hotline is expanding its network to reach even more people.

As Durham explains, “To cater to parishes in remote areas, we work closely with the priests, deacons, clergy, and prayer ministers from the different vicariates. As the demand grows, we are exploring ways to expand this network and welcome volunteers to assist with these efforts.”

The hotline operates through a simple and compassionate process, ensuring that every caller is greeted with warmth and empathy. Upon reaching out, callers are asked a brief set of questions that help the team understand their needs, such as their location, urgency, and type of request.

“These are not meant to overwhelm or pressure the caller; rather, they help us understand the caller’s situation and how best to support them. It’s important to remember that there is no pressure to answer every question. Many callers are unable to provide all the details and that’s perfectly fine,” Durham said.

From there, the hotline staff works swiftly to ensure that “the right care is delivered.” Durham emphasised, “Once we have this information, our team takes action, locating the next available clergy member – whether a priest, minister or another spiritual leader – who can meet your needs as soon as possible,” Durham said.

She told The Catholic News given the limited number of priests locally, the hotline aims to balance the community’s needs with the available resources. “As the 24-hour Catholic Health Hotline is still in its early stages, we are focusing on developing the service to ensure we can meet the demand,” she said.

However, one of the ongoing challenges the hotline faces is a lack of awareness. Many families are unaware of the service until it’s too late, sometimes only finding out about it moments before or after their loved one passes.

Durham shares a heart-wrenching example: “One of the most heartbreaking situations involved newborns who passed away before the priest could reach them, simply because the family didn’t know about the hotline in time.” This underscores the importance of spreading the word, as Durham urges, “By sharing this information, you could be the one to bring a moment of peace and comfort to someone in their greatest time of need.”

Given the limited number of priests available in the region, the Catholic Health Hotline is continually striving to balance the needs of the community with its available resources. In times of high demand or when a priest is not immediately available, Durham assures, “We may consider providing communion and prayer to offer comfort and support.”

She highlighted its important to note that only a priest can perform the Sacrament of Reconciliation or administer the Anointing of the Sick.

Durham explained the Catholic Health Hotline truly embodies the Church’s call to “love one another as I have loved you” (Jn 13:34). “It reminds us that the Church is not confined to a building but is a living, breathing community that accompanies its members in their joys, sorrows and everything in between.”

It serves as a tangible reminder that as Christ promises in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Through this 24-hour hotline, the Catholic Church reaffirms its role as a source of hope, comfort, and peace for those facing life’s greatest challenges.

Looking ahead, Durhan spoke of plans to involve parish priests, prayer groups, and Eucharistic Ministers from different vicariates to assist as demand grows. The hotline’s prayer teams, she said, are also “actively involved” in visiting homes and providing Communion, especially to the homebound.

Need spiritual support for you or a loved one? Call the 24-hour Catholic Health Hotline at (868) 281-2480. The hotline is available day or night. Anyone interested in volunteering can also contact the hotline.