Catholic Identity in Healthcare

​Catholic healthcare derives its convictions in the faith and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. It aims to reveal God's healing and reconciling presence to those who are sick and suffering. The Catholic Health Association’s “Shared Statement of Identity” outlines Gospel-based values expressed in the organizational documentation of Catholic health ministries.

In pursuing promising business arrangements, Catholic healthcare must remain vigilant and deliberate in upholding its core value commitments. Catholic healthcare needs to reposition itself as a sign of mercy and hope to minister to those suffering and in need. A reconstituted health system and its services should further one’s ability to reveal God’s healing and reconciling presence to the sick and suffering.

Pope Francis insisted on the preferential option for the poor in Catholic healthcare. Business decisions that are wrong ministerial decisions need not advance. Underserved communities, especially rural and inner-city areas, are as important as growth opportunities with prospective partners with significant revenues and positive margins.

The necessity of size and sustainability should never outweigh the commitment to fundamental values. This is necessary to realize a mission of revealing God’s healing and reconciling presence to the community's sick and suffering.

Paul Generale

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