Urgent Pastoral Care
Pastoral Emergency
If you need a priest urgently, please call our emergency number. Someone is always on call.
24-Hour Pastoral Emergency Line
If a person is in danger of death and requires the Anointing of the Sick or Last Rites, please call immediately:
01234 567 999This line is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including Christmas and Easter.
This line is for genuine pastoral emergencies only
Please use the emergency line exclusively for situations where a person is dying or in immediate danger of death and requires the ministry of a priest. For all other enquiries — including appointment requests, Mass intentions, events, and general pastoral matters — please use the main contact form or call the office during normal hours on 01234 567 890.
What Constitutes a Pastoral Emergency?
A pastoral emergency in the Catholic tradition is any situation in which a person requires the ministry of a priest urgently — particularly when death is imminent or possible. The Church teaches that the sacraments of Anointing and Viaticum (Holy Communion for the dying) are of the greatest importance for a person approaching death, as they prepare the soul for its final journey to God.
Anointing of the Sick
The sacrament administered to those who are seriously ill, facing a major operation, or in danger of death due to illness or injury. The priest anoints with holy oil and offers prayers for healing of body and soul.
Last Rites / Viaticum
When a person is actively dying, the priest administers the last rites — including final Confession (if possible), Viaticum (Holy Communion as food for the last journey), and Anointing. This is a sacrament of extraordinary peace and grace.
Apostolic Pardon
Immediately before death, the priest can impart a plenary indulgence (the Apostolic Pardon) for the dying person. This does not require the person to be conscious.
After Death
If a person has already died, a priest can still pray over the body and offer prayers of commendation for the soul. While the Anointing can only be given to the living, these prayers are a source of great comfort to families.
How the Emergency Rota Works
Madonna Ministry maintains a 24-hour emergency rota shared between Father [Name] and our neighbouring parishes. When you call the emergency number, you will be connected to the duty priest for that period.
The duty priest will always be within a reasonable distance and will aim to reach you within 30–45 minutes of your call in most circumstances. If there is any delay, they will inform you.
Please have the following ready when you call:
- ✦The full name of the person requiring the priest
- ✦Your address, including postcode
- ✦A telephone number the priest can call on arrival
- ✦A brief description of the situation (e.g. hospital, care home, home address)
- ✦Whether the person is conscious and able to participate in the sacraments
In Hospital?
Most NHS hospitals have an on-call hospital chaplain available 24 hours a day. The hospital's switchboard can connect you to the chaplaincy team at any hour. Catholic hospital chaplains are specifically trained to administer the Anointing of the Sick and Last Rites.
You may also call our emergency line and we will co-ordinate with the hospital chaplaincy to ensure a Catholic priest reaches your loved one.
For Non-Emergency Pastoral Matters
Parish office hours are Monday to Friday, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm. Father is available after all weekend Masses for brief conversations. For longer pastoral meetings, please contact the office to make an appointment.
General Contact Information