The Provena identity comes to an end on November 1st and with it goes one of the most powerful mission statements ever drafted:
Provena Health, a Catholic health system, builds communities of healing and hope by compassionately responding to human need in the spirit of Jesus Christ.
All 700+ Provena leaders read those words one final time at a recent conference celebrating the 14 year history of our company. The moment moved many of us to tears in appreciation for the opportunity to serve a very special company with a powerful mission.
So, what’s next? You can expect changes to our corporate identity, mission statement and core values following completion of the merger with Resurrection Health Care. But what won’t change is our shared commitment to you, our donors, patients and neighbors to continue the work of “building this community of healing and hope”. That work began under Father Murphy, the founding father of Mercy Hospital back in 1929, whose legacy of service continues to this day under the watchful eye of the Servants of the Holy Heart of Mary.
The sisters legacy grew following the merger with Burnham Hospital in 1989 and now expands once more to become part of the largest Catholic Health System in the State of Illinois with new partner Resurrection. That’s what we do in Catholic healthcare. It’s an obligation to serve that extends far beyond balance sheets, income statements and healthcare reform. It is the responsibility of those of us privileged to work in Catholic Healthcare to ensure the future of your faith based community hospital that employs more than 800 people with a $50 Million payroll that provides another $24 Million in Charitable Benefit.
The sponsoring sisters called it our legacy at the leadership conference. They were asked what happens when the sisters pass on? One of the sisters gave answered, “…we will pass on the ministry to those who are called to serve as we were. We have no children to succeed us. We look to you as leaders of the Ministry to carry on the family name.”
It is with great honor, appreciation and deep respect for the legacies of Mercy, Burnham, and Provena that we continue, with your support, the work of our sisters to build this community of healing and hope under our new Ministry name.