Over 11,000 phone calls have been received since the hotline started on Monday, November 16, 1998. Issues discussed by callers have included marriage, divorce, annulment and abortion.
Priests are prepared to listen, offer spiritual advice and resources.
While the sacrament of penance cannot occur over the phone, priests can provide support, reassurance and direction . The Archdiocese wants people to know that, like the prodigal son, they are welcome home. In fact, the Holy Father has called for the Church to reach out to people as never before with new evangelization efforts. This hotline is part of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia s response to the Holy Father s call. People are searching for answers.