8,000 Church employees will have access to Christ Medicus’ HOPE wellness program, offering counseling, access to resources
TROY — Michigan’s seven Catholic dioceses have joined the Christ Medicus Foundation’s HOPE whole-person wellness program designed to transform employee wellbeing by connecting them with Christ’s healing love.
The Christ Medicus Foundation describes HOPE as a paradigm shift in Catholic workplace health and wellness, offering Catholic behavioral health counseling, Catholic spiritual direction, personalized Catholic wellness coaching, Catholic bioethical guidance, 24/7 crisis intervention with direct call access, legal and financial consultation services and work-life support, including child care and elder care resources.
The program is intended to support Catholic employees who are at risk of mental, spiritual or physical burnout in the course of their ministry, said Louis Brown, executive director of the Christ Medicus Foundation.
“Catholic employers face unique challenges in supporting their teams,” Brown said. “Burnout, disconnection and mental health struggles are real issues in today’s workplaces, especially in ministry-oriented roles. HOPE provides a comprehensive solution that doesn’t just treat symptoms but addresses the whole person — helping employees grow closer to Christ.”
The Christ Medicus Foundation announced Michigan’s dioceses joined HOPE on Dec. 8, 2025 — the Feast of the Immaculate Conception — and looks forward to offering the same level of spiritual and mental support it has offered to various dioceses and apostolates across the country.
“On the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, it is a blessing to announce the HOPE Program and tell the story of how God is healing and transforming His sons and daughters working in the Church,” Brown said. “The health care answer for Catholic dioceses and private employers is to help employees re-encounter the Divine Physician through Christ-centered health care services that empower healing and flourishing.”
The Christ Medicus Foundation said more than 180 people have already connected with HOPE, and of those, seven people have had a spiritual direction session, seven have completed a personalized wellness coaching session, and received Catholic mental health care.
Fr. Sam, a diocesan priest serving outside of Michigan, said his experience with wellness coaching reinvigorated his priesthood.
“As priests, we’re constantly giving — always taking care of others — yet rarely allowing ourselves to be cared for,” Fr. Sam said. “Self-care is something we’re not good at, and asking for help feels like weakness. But wellness coaching reminded me that saying ‘Yes’ to caring for myself isn’t selfish; it’s obedience to my bishop and a service to my people.
“When I’m healthier and more balanced, I’m happier, more energized, and more available for mission,” Fr. Sam added. “Priests need to know they’re seen, loved and not alone. Coaching gave me accountability, a plan, and the freedom to live fully alive — because if I can love myself, I can love my people.”
The Christ Medicus Foundation’s team customizes each HOPE program to meet the needs of the 8,000 employees across Michigan’s seven Catholic dioceses, ensuring the care and support they receive is suited to their needs.
“This partnership with Michigan’s dioceses represents our commitment to supporting Catholic employers who want to truly care for their people — not just as workers, but as whole persons created in God’s image,” said Rebecca Wilson, director of wellness programs. “HOPE empowers organizations to build cultures where employees don’t just survive but thrive.”
Catholic employers interested in bringing HOPE to their workplace may visit cmfcuro.com/hope or email [email protected].