Events

Virtual Program

Mission Leader Seminar 2025 - Embracing Hope: Our Courageous Path Forward

A Four-Part Series on Catholic Health Ministry in Our Changing World 

September 9, 16, 23 and 30

As we navigate a year marked by profound change, Catholic health ministries are called to reflect, respond, and reimagine their role in service to those who are most vulnerable. Together, we will explore timely and critical issues at the intersection of faith, health care, and public life as we engage in meaningful dialogue, deepen our shared understanding, and embrace the hope that inspires our courageous path forward.

Session One: The State of the Ministry – An Open Conversation

This opening session will explore the shifting landscape of Catholic health care, helping us recognize where we stand and what lies ahead. By naming the tensions, possibilities, and responsibilities before us, we will begin a journey of collective discernment — grounded in mission and guided by hope.

Sr. Mary Haddad, RSM
President and CEO
CHA

 

Lillian Montoya
President and Chief Executive Officer
CHRISTUS St. Vincent Regional Medical Center

 

Kathy CurranKathy Curran, JD, MA
Senior Director, Public Policy
CHA

 


Session Two: Mission Scope – Managing Competing Expectations

Mission leaders face the challenge of balancing a wide array of priorities — spiritual care, ethics, formation, community outreach, DEI initiatives, among many others. This session will explore how to navigate these often-competing demands and the complexities they bring.

Peter Guarisco, MAPT
Senior Vice President, Chief Mission Integration Officer
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System, Inc.

 

Barbara Wilson, BSN, ACM-RN
Director of Mission Integration
Mercy Hospital, Oklahoma City

 

Patrice Farrell-DeLine, MHCM
Vice President, Ministry Formation and Spiritual Care
Intermountain Health Peaks Region

 


Session Three: Advocating for the Most Vulnerable – Ministry in a Time of Uncertainty

The call to bring the Gospel vision of justice and peace to life has always been at the heart of Catholic ministry. Amid today's sometimes divisive, chaotic social and political landscape, this session examines how we remain faithful to that call — working to heal, show compassion, and promote the well-being of all, with special attention to those experiencing poverty, who are underserved, and most vulnerable.

Sr. Ellen M. Dauwer, SC, Ph.D.
Board of Stewardship Trustee
CommonSpirit Health

 

Torres, Erica 150Erica Torres, Psy.D.
System Vice President of Mission Integration
PeaceHealth

 

Daniel DalyDaniel J. Daly, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Center for Theology and Ethics in Catholic Health

 


Session Four: An Enduring Ministry of Hope – From Francis to Leo 

In this final session, we will reflect on Pope Francis's theological and pastoral legacy and look ahead to Pope Leo's papacy. Inspired by the spirit of the Jubilee year, we will explore how to embrace hope and walk together on our courageous path forward as Catholic health ministries.

 

Diarmuid Rooney, M.S.Psych., M.T.S., D.Soc.Admin.Diarmuid Rooney, M.S.Psych., M.T.S., D.Soc.Admin.
Vice President, Sponsorship and Mission Services
CHA

 

Dennis Gonzales, Ph.D.Dennis Gonzales, Ph.D.
Senior Director, Mission Innovation and Integration
CHA

 

Jill Fisk, MATMJill Fisk, MATM
Director, Mission Services
CHA

 

Registration

Register
Date
Sep 9 - Sep 30, 2025
Time
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM EST Weekly
Registration Fee
CHA Members:
$95/$190
Non-Members:
$380
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Assembly 2026

Mark your calendar and plan to join leaders from across Catholic health care June 2 – 4, 2026 in St. Louis!