MADISON — The Catholic Medical Guild of the Diocese of Madison will be sponsoring the White Mass, celebrated by Bishop Robert C. Morlino, on Sunday, April 10, at 11 a.m., at St. Patrick Church, 404 E. Main St., Madison.
A White Mass, named by the color worn by those in healing professions, traditionally invokes God’s blessing upon patients, doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
The Mass will be followed by a lunch reception and a presentation by Dr. Frank Smith, a urologist at the Wilkinson Medical Center in Hartland.
As one of 12 authors of the recently published CMA (Catholic Medical Association) White Paper on the controversial topic of POLST (Physician’s Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment), his presentation will specifically focus on what POLST is, how it is being used and promoted in Wisconsin, and why it has significant implications for Catholic healthcare providers — both here and across the nation. There is no charge for this event.
The CMA — the largest association of Catholic individuals in health care — is a physician-led community of healthcare professionals.
The Diocese of Madison CMA Guild was founded in 2012 by a small group of local Catholic physicians from a variety of hospital affiliations and clinical fields — representing both primary care and specialty practice, as well as both community and hospital settings.
Membership has since grown and includes health care professionals as well as physician assistants, pharmacists, nurses, and others.
Dr. Beth Tumpach, a founding member and current guild president, explained why it is important to have a local guild.
“Catholic physicians and healthcare providers are facing an increased challenge to provide quality healthcare without compromising their Catholic morals and principles,” Tumpach said. “Our local guild provides education, spiritual development, and fellowship that is essential to living your Catholic faith in the healthcare field today.”
For additional information about the Catholic Medical Association, including the White Paper on POLST, visit www.cathmed.org
For more information about the Madison Guild of the CMA and to RSVP for the luncheon, contact Dr. Beth Tumpach, president, at 608-217-4254 or etumpach@gmail.com