Why Catholic Health Care
Motivated By Our Commitment
Our highest calling and top priority is caring for our patients and communities. Every decision we make is guided by our vision and commitment to preserve access to the essential services of those who count on us. We take a “whole person” approach to care for the physical, mental and spiritual needs of our patients and residents. In addition, Catholic health care providers have a long history of caring for those who are poor, marginalized and vulnerable – and that tradition continues today.
Consider This
Catholic health care comprises more than 600 hospitals and 1,600 long-term care and other health facilities in all 50 states — and represents the largest group of non-profit health care providers in the nation.
What Makes Covenant Health Different
- We adhere to principles that include respect for the sanctity of the doctor-patient relationship and the decisions each patient makes in consultation with their care provider.
- We operate according to the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services, often called the ERDs or the Directives. They offer moral guidance on various aspects of health care delivery.
- We fundamentally believe life is profoundly sacred and must be treated with awe, respect and dignity
- We are guided by these five essential social responsibility principles:
-To promote and defend human dignity
-To care for the poor
-To contribute to the common good
-To exercise responsible stewardship
-To adhere to the Church’s moral teachings
Accessible to All
Our foundresses, the Sisters of Charity of Montreal, also known as the “Grey Nuns,” were committed to bringing health care to communities that were underserved more than a century ago. Based on their bold legacy and our ongoing mission, Covenant Health organizations continue to partner with organizations and invest in communities that need support, resources and expertise in order to ensure health care remains viable and accessible to all.
Covenant Health organizations provide compassionate, high-quality care to patients and residents of all faith backgrounds and beliefs, including patients and residents who do not identify with any religion.
Our spiritual care team maintains open and respectful relationships with clergy and faith leaders representing many different faiths and traditions. In addition to offering a listening and supportive presence to those who request it from them, members of our spiritual care team help to connect patients and residents with leaders from their faith tradition.
Joe Levesque, whose parents resided at Mary Immaculate Health/Care Services before they both passed shares, “I specifically chose MI because it was a Catholic, non-profit facility. Employees diligently work to care for the whole person and they truly believe in the facility’s mission. My mom felt loved by so many and the pastoral care she received brought her great peace in the final years of her life.”
Nichi Farnham, president of Bangor Nursing & Rehabilitation Center’s community-led board of directors, says, “Joining Covenant Health gave us greater access to operational resources and supplies, clinical expertise and best practices. Being formally acquired was very positive for our community and the residents we serve.”