The Leadership Training Meeting: Forming Leaders, Building Guilds, Deepening Mission
July 9, 2025
By Jeremy Jones, DO
The Catholic Medical Association (CMA) once again hosted a deeply formative and mission-driven Leadership Training Meeting (LTM) from June 27–29 at the University of St. Mary of the Lake (USML) and Mundelein Seminary in Illinois. This year’s theme — “A Guild and State Director Workshop” — guided a powerful series of sessions focused on strengthening local guilds, growing membership, and connecting local guild efforts to state and regional resources within the CMA.
Held in tandem with the CMA Medical Student and Resident Boot Camp, the LTM continues to serve as a unique bridge between seasoned Catholic physicians and the next generation of faithful medical professionals. This connection fosters mentorship, collaboration, and a shared mission rooted in faith and practice.
Grounded in Mission, Nourished by Grace
At its heart, the LTM remains devoted to the CMA’s mission: to help members live and promote the principles of the Catholic Faith in the science and practice of medicine. Each session reflects this vision, drawing participants closer to Christ and the Church’s healing mission.
Spiritual formation permeated the event. Mornings began with the Rosary, Morning Office, and Holy Mass. The Sacrament of Reconciliation was available throughout the weekend. On Friday, Father Christopher Kubat, MD, CMA National Chaplain, led a moving Eucharistic Procession around the USML campus, followed by evening Holy Hours on Thursday and Friday. These elements weren’t simply add-ons—they were the spiritual foundation of the entire meeting, allowing the Holy Trinity to guide every conversation and connection.
Practical Wisdom for Guild Growth
Thursday evening opened with an essential session on the legal foundations of conscience protection, delivered by Matt Bowman, JD, of Alliance Defending Freedom. On Friday, Paul Damon of Stewardship Planning Partners introduced strategic philanthropy as a key to long-term guild sustainability—two vital issues that often challenge members’ ability to serve effectively at the local level.
Guild leaders from across the country shared real-life strategies in a series of dynamic, interactive sessions. Topics ranged from governance and membership growth to financial management and digital presence, including effective navigation and creation of CMA microsites and independent websites.
A highlight of the meeting was a high-energy networking session connecting CMA regional directors with local guild presidents—a powerful opportunity to forge stronger ties and collaborate more effectively across chapters.
Bridging Generations: Mentorship & Hope
Saturday morning brought a particularly inspiring focus on mentorship. Joint sessions with Boot Camp medical students featured Emily Young, MD, on how to build strong mentorship programs, as well as insights into what makes CMA student sections and Novus Medicus groups successful.
The sense of hope and renewal in these sessions was palpable. Seasoned physicians and young Catholics discerning their vocations in medicine shared ideas, prayers, and vision—embodying the living mission of the CMA in real time.
Fellowship, Formation, and Fun
As always, fellowship was at the heart of the LTM experience. Meals and breaks were filled with rich conversations and mentorship. On Thursday evening, Father Christopher Kubat,MD and Most Rev. James D. Conley, DD led a powerful commissioning ceremony for the medical students.
Friday night’s trivia event brought the house down with Kahoot! and Jeopardy-style buzzer rounds, while Saturday morning’s Bishop’s 5K Run around St. Mary’s Lake finally measured the full five kilometers—a true achievement for me in my third year coordinating this event making it not a new milestone, but a kilometer-stone.
Saturday evening concluded with a moving keynote by Jill Simons, MD, Executive Director of the American College of Pediatricians. Reflecting on her personal journey of living the cardinal virtues—justice, fortitude, prudence, and temperance—Dr. Simons delivered a courageous testimony titled “How to Be Courageous When You’re Scared.” Her words resonated with both students and physicians alike.
Looking Ahead
On behalf of my Co-Chair Deacon Thomas Miller, DO, MPH, the CMA board, and our dedicated National Office staff, I warmly invite you to attend the 2026 Leadership Training Meeting, scheduled for June 19–21, 2026, again at USML and Mundelein Seminary.
May your guild’s mission—and your own personal vocation—be renewed and strengthened through this powerful gathering of Catholic medical leaders.
Jeremy Jones, DO, is a clinical professor in primary care at Marian University Tom and Julie Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine (MU-WCOM) in Indianapolis, Indiana. He has experience in teaching and mentoring medical students and resident physicians for fourteen years. Dr. Jones is a member of the St Raphael Catholic Medical Guild of Indianapolis.
