The Mission Foundation

The Catholic health ministry is founded upon social justice teachings that respect the human dignity of each person, acknowledge the importance of the common good, have special concern for low-income and other vulnerable persons, and call for responsible stewardship of resources.

We recognize that Jesus, while on Earth, had a special affection for the poor and vulnerable persons. As we carry on His ministry, our Catholic Church calls us to provide service and advocacy for people whose social condition puts them at the margins of society. We do this because we believe that all persons — the healthy and the sick, the rich and the poor, the well-educated and those with little education — are children of the same loving God. We believe we are "our brothers' keeper."

Because of this, the Catholic health ministry has a long-standing commitment to ensure that every patient has access to quality care, regardless of ability to pay. Every year, Catholic hospitals provide care to thousands of patients who cannot afford health care coverage and contribute to the overall health and well being of their local communities through outreach services and programs that specifically address identified community needs.

The obligation to reach out — beyond our walls, and even globally — to those in need and improve community health flows directly from Catholic health care's identity. Mission-driven organizations provide community benefits because they are committed to:

• Promote and defend human dignity
• Care for persons living in poverty and vulnerable populations
• Promote the common good
• Steward resources