May 16, 2026

By Tim Millea, M.D.

Over the past half-century, the disruptions in our society and culture have changed more rapidly and more radically than any other period in history. 

Many of those changes have had a positive impact, particularly with technological advancements and communications.  In contrast, the same time period has seen an increasing rate of secularism and materialism, while religious affiliation and engagement have declined.  That dichotomy is very evident in the American health care industry, including the care provided by Catholic entities, whether hospitals, clinics, or individual clinicians.  Truly authentic Catholic health care that is adherent to Church teaching has waned significantly over the past fifty years.  But it is not extinct, and with effort and commitment, it can regain its prominent role again.

How did much of Catholic health care lose its way?  Undoubtedly, that is a reflection of the decline in the importance of the Church in the lives of Catholics.  Statistics from Gallup record that in 1965, 67% of American Catholics attended weekly Mass.  By 2023, that number dropped to 19%.  A similar change was seen in the CMA, where membership in the 1980s dropped below 300, approximately 10% of our current membership. 

There is a resurgence in interest in religion, and particularly in Catholicism, especially among young adults.  And that is where a bright future can be foreseen for CMA and for Catholic health care in general. Our faith’s meaning, traditions, and emphasis on relationships with both Jesus and those around us are an antidote to the secular mantras of personal autonomy and self-gratification.  How can Catholic health care benefit from this rising tide of attention and belief in our faith’s teachings?

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THE “CATHOLIC EFFECT” ON SECULAR MEDICINE – Catholic Medical Association