"It is Fr Gatt’s Christmas gift to the community. He gives his ear to hearing pleas for help from the poor, the disabled and marginalised instead of spending his free time at Christmas lounging with friends. Help offered includes home visits and food parcels. Those needing further counselling can be referred to appropriate professionals."

"Fr Gatt received more than 80 calls from sad and hurt people, including several callers considering suicide.

People spoke to him of problems including alcohol, drugs and broken homes.

Other callers could not cope with the financial pressures of the season.

"It is a stressful time," Fr Gatt said.

His services include visitation and food parcels. He also refers people to services such as doctors, lawyers and psychologists, and other support agencies such as Lifeline and Anglicare.

"People need to know that there is always someone to turn to in a difficult time or crisis. It's hard work but I enjoy it because I'm helping people."

"For some people Christmas time can be a painful reminder of their loneliness and personal problems,” Father Gatt said.

"As in previous years people need to know there is always someone to turn to in a difficult time or crisis time, even in a moment of despair."

Father Gatt said people experiencing family breakdown, financial difficulties, drug issues and people contemplating suicide had used the Help-Line in past years.

People needing further counselling will be referred to appropriate professionals.