Mission leaders foster the creation of a mission-centered culture that permeates everything throughout the organization and enhances relationships with the institutional Church. They promote a strong Catholic identity and implement key mission activities within the organization to ensure the ministry flourishes well into the future. Mission leaders serve as a bridge between sponsors and local bishop(s) regarding discussion of ethical and moral decisions, advocacy issues affecting the poor and marginalized, and accountability for Catholic identity.

A. Distinguishes the unique roles of sponsors, bishops, boards and senior leaders for overseeing the ministry

TIER I: Understands the distinct roles of the various groups accountable for the healing ministry of Jesus

TIER II: Engages in dialogue and bridges relationships with ministry leadership and ecclesial stakeholders

TIER III: Facilitates discussions with bishops, sponsors and ministry leaders in understanding the complexity of health care and canonical issues

B. Promotes and assesses the Catholic identity of the organization and appropriately reports to sponsors and bishops

TIER I: Understands the core principles of Catholic identity

TIER II: Evaluates and deepens the Catholic identity of the organization

TIER III: Sets benchmarks for key ministry metrics relevant to Catholic identity

C. Builds trust and maintains excellent relationships with sponsors, bishops, pastors, local religious leaders and other Catholic ministries

TIER I: Forms mutually beneficial relationships with faith leaders who are committed to the future of Catholic health care

TIER II: Meets with bishop(s) and local faith leaders as directed

TIER III: Navigates and aligns complex relationships to address issues of common concern and clarifies distinct roles and responsibilities

D. Inspires others to participate in and advance the healing ministry of Jesus and models the charism of the founding community(ies)

TIER I: Articulates the founding heritage and legacy of the organization

TIER II: Identifies and promotes what differentiates Catholic health care in today’s evolving environment in light of the healing ministry of Jesus

TIER III: Ensures a coordinated approach to educating colleagues and the community regarding the healing ministry of Jesus and the heritage of the organization’s founders/foundresses

Related Resources

• CHA Ministry Identity Assessment 
• Health Progress article: Ministry Identity and How We Measure It
• Sponsorship: Sustaining the Ministry 
• Health Progress article: Demystifying Who and What Sponsorship Is 
• Health Progress article: Catholic Identity in New Sponsorship Models 
• Core Competencies of Sponsor
• Video: Mission Leader as Ecclesial Point Person – Ann Varner
• Video: Mission Leader as Ecclesial Point Person – Pete Guarisco Jr.