The fourth annual National Catholic Health Care Week takes place from Sunday, October 2 to Saturday, October 8, 2022.The week falls in October, the time of year when Hôtel Dieu, the first Catholic hospital in Canada, opened its doors. It falls soon after the feast day of St. Raphael, the patron saint of healing (in late September), and takes place during Thanksgiving, a well-recognized time of gratitude.
This year’s theme “Building Bridges” focuses on the commitment of Catholic health care providers to reach out, create connections, welcome all, address gaps and work collaboratively to improve the health and wellbeing of all Canadians—especially those most vulnerable in our society.“
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has given witness to the crucial importance of quality health care. It has, as well, made visible the sacrifice of those who serve in hospitals and other health care providers,” says Patrick Daly, President of the Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association (OCSTA), the provincial organization that represents Ontario’s 29 English Catholic school boards.“
Similarly to Catholic education in Ontario, we know that it was the goodness and sacrifice of Religious Sisters, other Religious orders and lay people who built the foundation of compassionate and high quality health care we enjoy in our province and country today. Then and today, those who serve in Catholic health care institutions give witness to the healing presence of Jesus Christ.”
The Courageous Gift of Catholic Health Care
During National Catholic Health Care Week, we invite you to reflect on and share the story of the courageous gift of Catholic health care. As Catholic health organizations across Canada, we are united in a 400-year healing mission and are inspired by a calling to care for all with compassion and humanity—body, mind and spirit. We are driven to improve health care for all Canadians, especially those at greatest risk, as innovators, advocates and strong partners across our health care system.
The Week is an invitation to learn more about the role, value and impact of Catholic health care in Canada and to be vocal, informed supporters of Catholic health care and the healing ministry of Jesus in Canada. The Courageous Gift statements—inspired to serve, together in care, passion for justice, and courage to lead—express the heart of our work, rooted in the Gospel and the legacy of our founding congregations. This year’s theme of Building Bridges focuses on our passion for justice.
Resources
Several resources are available on the CHAC website (chac.ca) including:
• A video on Catholic Health Care (less than three minutes)
• Daily Reflections and Prayers
• The Courageous Gift statements—with the four pillars
• Facts on Catholic health care in CanadaLearn more at chac.ca.
