Gratitude and Stewardship
February 11, 2026
By David J. Hilger, M.D.
It was apparent that the Holy Spirit was guiding us toward the virtue of Gratitude during the two day Winter Board Meeting at the Nazareth Retreat House in Dallas, Texas last month. Members in attendance were asked to share the results of a character strengths and virtues self-assessment, in which they expressed gratitude for the personal impact of the Catholic Medical Association. This theme recurred during the meeting, and our Executive Director Mario Dickerson shared reflections on gratitude.
The modern field of positive psychology promotes the health benefits of virtues such as gratitude and charity. Our Catholic faith has known about the benefits of virtue for millennia, and our faith has a much deeper understanding of virtues such as gratitude and how they bring us into closer relationship with our Savior: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
The second theme of the meeting was Stewardship. There is a connection between gratitude and stewardship. There is much to be grateful for in the CMA. I am thankful for the spiritual leadership of Bishop James Conley, Father Christopher Kubat and our guild chaplains. I am also thankful for the countless hours given by those in leadership (officers and board members), our dedicated central office staff, our committees and especially our membership. We are thankful for the continued generosity of our donors and members as we approach our Annual Appeal.
During the meeting, attendees discussed the challenges of the growing needs and opportunities of our association. Dr. Robin Goldsmith presented the good news of the expansion of Catholic clinics and the growing need for these clinics in our secular culture. She will work to share a data base of these clinics with our members.
Another important topic of discussion was how best to support our students, young members, and future leaders. We are grateful for our young members and student guilds.
The increasing needs of our membership and the changing culture have resulted in a rapid increase of the demands on the association over the past decade. As leaders and members, we do not work in isolation; but are asked to work for the common good of the association and God’s family. Stewardship involves using our resources wisely as these needs expand. The CMA leadership and committee chairs will be discussing how we can best work for the common good in the upcoming months, and what efforts and programs offer the greatest support of our mission and membership.
I would like to express gratitude for every member’s contribution of time and talent; and I ask that you prayerfully consider supporting the work of the CMA in the Annual Appeal.
Dr. David Hilger is the president of the Catholic Medical Association.