In establishing a plan of accomplishments for the first year of Catholic Health East, articulation of the Catholic identity of the system was listed as a priority. The 1998 Transition Plan lists as an objective: "Define ongoing Catholic identity through retention of the uniqueness of the special charisms of the three founding members." The following text seeks to establish that identity in terms of the charisms of the sponsors, and in terms of the biblical and faith-based roots of the ministry itself.

"Holy Memory, Faithful Action" sets out the relationship and influence of the founding sponsors, the biblical tradition that gives impetus and direction to the healing ministry, those characteristics that mark a ministry performed in fidelity to the Catholic tradition, and the implications of this identity in our strategic directions of sponsorship, stewardship, strategic positioning and innovation. All of these aspects are fundamental to an understanding of the Catholic identity of Catholic Health East. Identity implies more than adherence to laws or formulas. Identity expresses who we are in light of origins, characteristics, actions.

This document is intended for use by sponsors, trustees and all leaders in Catholic Health East. Included in its format are questions for reflection and discussion at the end of each major section. These questions invite readers to reflect upon the text in terms of personal experience (what does this mean for me?) and in terms of the life of the organization (how does this reflect our common experience?). Both aspects are fundamental to understanding identity. It is necessary to know who I am in order to know who we are.

Identity is always a work in process. It is the people who both receive the memory we share and enact those memories in our common and daily work who shape and enhance our identity. Consciousness of our role is both gift and task. Ultimately, the Catholic identity of Catholic Health East rests among us. Hopefully this document will help us to claim who we are.

Juliana Casey, IHM, STD
Executive Vice President
Mission Integration
Catholic Health East

• Introduction
• Catholic Health East -- Its Origins and Roots
• The Biblical Roots of Catholic Health East
• Catholic Health East within the Catholic Tradition -- The Marks of the Church
• Implications
• Conclusion

Catholic Health East, 3805 West Chester Pike, Suite 100
Newtown Square, PA 19073 | 610.355.2000
Copyright © 2007, Catholic Health East. Contact us at info@che.org.