Mission Moments

Monthly mission moments to reflect and pray on weekly.

Statue of St. Francis of Assisi Statue of St. Francis of Assisi

Reflection:

Finding Hope in the Darkness, Advent 2025
CHA resource, used with permission

The season of Advent offers us an opportunity to take time and reflect on the many ways in which God's love is present within our healthcare ministry. On life's journey, we will often encounter times of concern, uncertainty, and fear. Illness is one of those life experiences that can create a sense of emotional darkness and despair. However, we believe that the light of faith can bring a deep sense of healing and hope and restore well-being.

The words, "don't worry, we will take good care of you," resonate with me when I think about our caregivers and their dedicated and compassionate care. I have often heard these words expressed to patients and families as they seek health services. The worries and anxieties associated with illness often create a deep longing for guidance and healing through this stressful life experience. These realities provide the opportunity for caregivers to realize that they are instruments of God's healing love.

Advent reminds us that the darkness of illness gives way to the light of hope through our healing ministry of care.

Michael W. Doyle, M.Div., (Retired) Vice President of Mission
Mercy, CHA Ministry Identity Assessment Reviewer

Pause

How have you experienced the healing presence of God within your ministry of care? How might you recognize a co-worker as a light of hope to others?

Pray

God, who is hope, shine Your light in our darkness so that we may continue to build Your kingdom. Let us be reflections of Your brilliance, always working to make Your goodness known. In Your Holy Name we pray, Amen.


Winter scene with snow, frozen branches and a bright sun

Monthly Mission Module
January 2026

In January, we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany, which is the commemoration of when the Magi journeyed to see baby Jesus and offer him the well-known gifts of frankincense, gold, and myrrh. Some have speculated that these valuable gifts may have been God’s way of providing for the journey that lay  ahead of Mary and Jospeh. At HSHS, we too are on a gift-laden journey. We chart a vocational course to deliver our time, skills, and talent to those who need our care. We too hope that our gifts may be used by God to provide for their journey ahead.  

Reflection

“Gratitude brings a peace that helps us overcome the pain of adversity and failure. Gratitude on a daily basis means we express appreciation for what we have now without qualification for what we had in the past or desire in the future. A recognition of and appreciation for our gifts and talents which have been given also allows us to acknowledge the need for help and assistance from the gifts and talents possessed by others.” 

-Robert D. Hales


Team Discussion

  • What gifts (time, talent, love) am I bringing to the world through my work, and how can I offer them more fully?
  • How are my gifts used to provide for others’ journey?
  • What gifts and talents do I most appreciate in my colleagues?

Dates to Remember

January 1 | St. Mary's Feast Day

January 6 | Feast of Epiphany

January 11 | National Human Trafficking Awareness Day

January 19 | Martin Luther King Jr. Day

January 26 | Foundation Day for St. Joseph's Hospital Highland


Download the January Mission Module

Christmas tree bulbs in greenery with golden light

Monthly Mission Module
December 2025

There are so many ways to give during Advent and Christmas. Reflecting on the gift of Christ as an expression of God’s love is an easy launching point. That kind of love compels us to share it with others, and expressing our love through giving and receiving is an essential part of the Christmas season. In addition to rejoicing in all the gifts you have received, it’s a great time to consider new ways to share your own gifts with others: through acts of service, time, resources, or encouraging words.

Reflection

“On this festive day, let us not fail to express our gratitude to those who spend themselves, quietly and faithfully, in doing good and in serving others. I think of parents, educators and teachers, who have the great responsibility of forming future generations. I think too of healthcare workers, the forces of order and all those men and women who carry out works of charity, especially missionaries throughout the world: they bring light and comfort to so many people in difficulty. To all of them we want to say: Thank you!”

-Pope Francis, Christmas Message 2024


Team Discussion

  • What are some creative ways you can give this year?
  • How is working in healthcare a gift?


Dates to Remember

December 1 | World AIDS Day

December 1 - 24 | Advent

December 6 | St. Nicholas' Feast Day

December 12 | St. Vincent's Foundation Day

December 25 | Christmas

December 26 | HSHS Incorporated

December 27 | St. John's Feast Day

December 31 | Feast of the Holy Family


Download the December Mission Module