Background

Since the creation of the first local guild, which was established in Boston in the early 20th century, CMA maintains a rich guild tradition. Guilds provide fellowship, education, opportunities to serve the local Church and public, and a base for medical students and residents to find guidance. Local guilds are essential for providing education, mutual support, service, and witness—by and for physicians and health care professionals—across the United States.

CMA guilds are organized at the parish, city, or diocesan level. Groups applying for recognition as an official CMA guild must have at least three CMA physician members, the approval of the local bishop,  and an organizational structure that includes officers and bylaws. Please see the section below for more details. Local guilds are organized in five regions of the country. A regional director represents each region.

How to Form a Guild

Please follow these steps to form a Guild. Recall that three physicians (M.D. or D.O. degree), who are current CMA members, are needed to form a Guild.

1. Complete and return to the CMA office the Guild Application, Bylaws and Charter Agreement documents.
2. Obtain from your Bishop a letter approving the Guild and assigning a Guild Chaplain. Scan and email a copy of this letter to [email protected].

A Guild Handbook that provides useful background information for Guilds in formation is available upon request. Send an email to [email protected].

Upon receipt of all four required documents, the CMA office will submit them to the appropriate Committees for review and approval. CMA will notify the Guild President once the approval process is completed.

Find an Existing Guild

Click on the arrow next to each State to reveal the name of the State Director, the Guild President(s) and the Guild(s) in each State. Click on any underlined Guild’s name to visit that Guild’s website.