About this Event
Called to Care: Building a Culture of Life Through Accompaniment
Human Dignity Formation Day & "White Mass" for Health Care Professionals
Offered by the Archdiocesan Gospel of Life Ministry and co-sponsored by Blessed Solanus Casey Guild of the Catholic Medical Association and the Knights of Columbus.
Join Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron, Fr. Jason Brooks, LC, healthcare professionals, clergy, parish leaders, Knights of Columbus members, and ministry leaders for a day of prayer, formation, and fellowship centered on the dignity of every human person.
Grounded in the celebration of the “White Mass” for Health Care Professionals, this event will explore how the Church accompanies individuals and families through life's most vulnerable moments and how parish communities can respond with compassion, collaboration, and hope.
The Morning Reflection and Breakouts includes lunch and a special presentation after lunch by Fr. Edward Foley, OFM Cap., Vice-Postulator for the Cause for Canonization of Blessed Solanus Casey, titled: “Blessed Solanus Casey: His Life, the Cause and the Quest for the Next Miracle.”
Whether you serve in healthcare, ministry, parish leadership, or simply desire to deepen your understanding of the Gospel of Life, you will leave encouraged, inspired, and equipped to help build a culture of life in your community.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
- Health care professionals and students
- Knights of Columbus members
- Parish leaders and staff
- Clergy and religious
- Respect Life and Gospel of Life advocates
- Walking with Moms in Need leaders and volunteers
- Migrant and Refugee Ministry leaders and volunteers
- Catholic educators and ministry leaders
- Anyone interested in promoting human dignity and accompaniment
WHAT TO EXPECT
Human Dignity Formation
Explore practical ways to accompany individuals and families facing difficult life circumstances while promoting the dignity of every human person from conception to natural death.
Building a Culture of Human Dignity Through Collaboration
Representatives from Respect Life Ministry, Walking with Moms in Need, Migrant and Refugee Ministry, health care ministries, and other parish and community initiatives will gather to share ideas, resources, and practical approaches for promoting human dignity through a consistent ethic of life.
White Mass for Health Care Professionals 11:00 a.m.
The "White Mass" is a special opportunity for those working in medicine and health care to gather in prayer, renew their vocation of healing, and receive the support of the Church.
Featured Lunch Presentation
Learn about the Cause for Canonization of Blessed Solanus Casey, whose life of humble service, compassion, and accompaniment continues to inspire Catholics today.
Fellowship and Networking
Connect with parish leaders, health care professionals, and others committed to building a culture of life.
COST
$20 (includes light breakfast and lunch)
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
8:30 a.m. Registration & Hospitality
9:00-10:45 Morning Formation Sessions
11:00 a.m. "White Mass" for Health Care Professionals
12:00 p.m. Lunch
Presentation on the Cause for Canonization of Blessed Solanus Casey
1:30 p.m. Conclusion
Healing the Wounded: Hope and Healing after Abortion
Through personal testimony, trauma-informed insights, pastoral reflection, and the healing ministry of Project Rachel, this breakout will explore how Christ invites each person into deeper healing, mercy, and restoration. Participants will hear from Mary Lockwood, Eileen Craig, Kathleen McNulty Wilson, and Fr. Jason Brooks, L.C., as they reflect on accompaniment, healing after trauma and loss, and the hope that flows from God's unfailing love.
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Healing the Wounded: Hope and Healing after Abortion
Explore the Church's ministry of mercy and healing after abortion, and how parishes can become places of hope and restoration.
Welcoming the Stranger: Accompaniment, Belonging, and Parish Response
Learn how accompaniment fosters belonging and helps parishes respond to the needs of immigrants, newcomers, and moms in need.
Honoring Life to its Natural End: Authentic Catholic Compassion at the End of Life
FEATURED SPEAKERS
Sr. Mary Rebecca Koterba, R.S.M., M.D., a Religious Sister of Mercy of Alma, brings a remarkable blend of medical, pastoral, and leadership experience to her ministry. A board-certified physician and surgeon with more than three decades of medical practice, she has served in hospital leadership, medical education, and Catholic family services, including as Executive Director of Catholic Family Service for the Diocese of Saginaw. Today, she serves the Archdiocese of Detroit as Delegate for Consecrated Life in the Office of Clergy and Consecrated Life. Drawing on her vocation as a religious sister, physician, and leader, Sr. Mary Rebecca offers a unique perspective on compassionate care, human dignity, and accompanying others through life's challenges.
Welcoming the Stranger
Join Bill O'Brien, Executive Director of Strangers No Longer, and Carolina Aguilar-Garibay, Parish Engagement Coordinator for Walking with Moms in Need at Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan, as they explore how individuals and parish communities can respond to Christ's call to welcome, accompany, and support those in need. Drawing from their work with immigrant families, vulnerable mothers, and local parish communities, they will share practical ways to foster a culture of encounter, hospitality, and hope. Participants will also hear from a local parish that partnered across its community to put these principles into action, creating meaningful opportunities to welcome, accompany, and serve those most in need.
Honoring Life Until Its Natural End
How can we accompany those facing serious illness, aging, and the end of life with faith, compassion, and respect for their God-given dignity?
Join Louis Brown, Executive Director of the Christ Medicus Foundation, and Michael Arthur Vacca, Director of Ministry, Bioethics and Membership Experience for CMF CURO, as they explore Catholic teaching on human dignity, end-of-life care, ethical decision-making, and compassionate accompaniment. Drawing on their experience in health care policy, bioethics, religious freedom, and Catholic health ministry, they will offer practical guidance for navigating difficult decisions with faith and hope.
The session concludes with reflections from Fr. Jeff Allan, Board Certified Hospital Chaplain at Henry Ford Health, offering a pastor's perspective on faith, hope, and accompaniment at the end of life.
Luncheon Speaker: Fr. Ed Foley, OFM, Vice Postulator for the Cause of Blessed Solanus Casey.
QUESTIONS?
Kathleen Wilson
[email protected]
313-237-4691
For Medical Professionals - Dr. Brad Merrelli
[email protected]
248-709-8154
Event venue & nearby stays
Sacred Heart Major Seminary, 2701 Chicago Boulevard, Detroit, United States
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