The Diocese of El Paso is setting up a hotline for people who need to contact a priest during the coronavirus, but can’t due to restrictions. The hotline will be available to the sick twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, and will be answered by diocesan representatives who will then direct the caller to a priest, El Paso Times reported Thursday.
El Paso County reported 44 coronavirus-related deaths Dec.10, the highest on record, for a total of 1,121 deaths related to the virus – and another 600 still under investigation, presumed to be caused by the virus, according to ABC 7.
Bishop Mark Seitz of El Paso said he believes the hotline, along with priests on full time Covid ministry assignment and virtual pastoral visits, will help the Church be more effective in its pastoral care ministry to the sick, especially those struggling with Covid-19.
Covid-19 patients will be directed to a priest who is trained to minister to those who have the virus.
The three priests made available for this new ministry have been exempt from their previous church duties for the time being. Those three priests are Rev. Michael Lewis from St. Mark’s, the Rev. Ivan Montelongo from St. Raphael’s and the Rev. Miguel Perez from St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
The hotline has been needed partially because priests have to meet special protocols to administer the sacraments during the coronavirus. The hotline can help priests and patients make arrangements, and comfort those who are lonely and ill.
The diocese that includes El Paso and nine surrounding Texas counties has a population of 858,546 and 79% of residents — 686,037 people — are Catholic, according to the diocese.
Areas of Catholic Herald business are still recovering post-pandemic.
However, we are reaching out to the Catholic community and readership, that has been so loyal to the Catholic Herald. Please join us on our 135 year mission by supporting us.
We are raising £250,000 to safeguard the Herald as a world-leading voice in Catholic journalism and teaching.
We have been a bold and influential voice in the church since 1888, standing up for traditional Catholic culture and values. Please consider donating.