Catholic identity: realized in conversation

Catholic literature leaders must constantly engage the Catholic tradition, because it provides the framework for everything we do. The way they can do this is through conversation--discussion about the profound values and philosophical and theological assumptions that are at the heart of our ministry. Yet many healthcare boards and senior managers do not engage in such conversations. This is a serious omission, with potentially serious consequences. Too often mission and pastoral care values are regarded as separate from the business aspects of a healthcare organization. If we are to understand and integrate our mission into our healthcare work, this must change. The entire organization must make a commitment to foster an understanding of Catholic identity through conversation. As important as the dialogue is, some Catholic healthcare leaders let obstacles prevent them from delving into Catholic identity. They may not understand it, or they may be deterred by our cultural tendency to regard religion as personal, not part of the business realm. Some may be embarrassed, uncomfortable with abstraction, or reluctant to spend the time required. To encourage the conversation among Catholic healthcare leaders, we may take a lesson from our counterparts in Catholic education, who struggle with the same questions. A model Catholic university, where Catholic values are incorporated at all levels, may be a model for Catholic healthcare.     

How to approach Catholic identity in changing times. Catholic Health Association of the United States

The Catholic healthcare ministry is at a challenging moment in its history. Not only is the ministry called to continue to be authentic to its own self, but the ministry also has the opportunity to communicate the richness and universality of its values to others. In response to our members' genuine concerns, the Catholic Health Association of the United States (CHA) has prepared this document to support our members in the expression of their Catholic identity in new forms of healthcare service.     

Strong Catholic identity key to effective health care apostolate

Catholic health care facilities must define what it means to be human and what it means to be Catholic before confronting current moral and ethical issues.     

Pluralism, loss of identity: critical issues in Catholic health care

Trustees, administrators, and staff members must keep in mind the obligations of their Catholic institutions to bear prophetic witness to Christian principles. The Catholic health care facility presents a counterculture in a depersonalized world.     

Catholic identity, Catholic integrity. A shared faith allows religious and laity to live out their commitments in one another's company

This article is adapted from an address to participants in the Catholic Identity Project, Fordham University, New York City, in April 1991. The project engaged leaders in a process to enable institutional ministries in higher education, health, and social services to maintain their Catholic identity. Proceedings and commentary of the symposium that was part of the project's second phase will be available in spring 1992 from Msgr. Charles J. Fahey, Third Age Center, Fordham University.