Mission Moments

Monthly mission moments to reflect and pray on weekly.

Statue of St. Francis of Assisi Statue of St. Francis of Assisi

Reflection

Finding Hope in the Darkness, Advent 2025

CHA resource, used with permission

Whether recently or long ago, we have all been witnesses to a loved one experiencing pregnancy. We watch the mother's belly grow with expectancy and excitement until one day, everything changes: a new life arrives. This new life is full of promise and hope, ready to experience all the world holds — good and bad — in the arms of its family, a faithful community, and a loving God.

Of course, we are not newborn infants, and it is easy to see hope in a new life. But we are also called to nourish hope in a new life within ourselves. By opening ourselves to learning, can we see a new life forming and growing? If we set aside our preconceived notions and biases, do we see a new path ahead?

As adults, we would do well to bear in mind what education experts call "growth mindset." That is, it is okay to be wrong because it is simply an opportunity for growth. What can you grow in hope for - a rekindled relationship with a loved one or a loving God? A new opportunity in your work or community to serve differently? Just like the newborn baby, there are opportunities for us to be hopeful for a future beyond what we know now.

Lori Ashmore-Ruppel, MAPS
Senior Director, Mission Services Management, CHA 

Pause

Where can you recognize opportunities for personal or spiritual growth?

Pray

God, who is hope, shine Your light in our darkness so that we may continue to build Your kingdom. 

Let us be reflections of Your brilliance, always working to make Your goodness known. 

In Your Holy Name we pray, Amen.

Winter scene with snow, frozen branches and a bright sun

Monthly Mission Module
January 2026

In January, we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany, which is the commemoration of when the Magi journeyed to see baby Jesus and offer him the well-known gifts of frankincense, gold, and myrrh. Some have speculated that these valuable gifts may have been God’s way of providing for the journey that lay  ahead of Mary and Jospeh. At HSHS, we too are on a gift-laden journey. We chart a vocational course to deliver our time, skills, and talent to those who need our care. We too hope that our gifts may be used by God to provide for their journey ahead.  

Reflection

“Gratitude brings a peace that helps us overcome the pain of adversity and failure. Gratitude on a daily basis means we express appreciation for what we have now without qualification for what we had in the past or desire in the future. A recognition of and appreciation for our gifts and talents which have been given also allows us to acknowledge the need for help and assistance from the gifts and talents possessed by others.” 

-Robert D. Hales


Team Discussion

  • What gifts (time, talent, love) am I bringing to the world through my work, and how can I offer them more fully?
  • How are my gifts used to provide for others’ journey?
  • What gifts and talents do I most appreciate in my colleagues?

Dates to Remember

January 1 | St. Mary's Feast Day

January 6 | Feast of Epiphany

January 11 | National Human Trafficking Awareness Day

January 19 | Martin Luther King Jr. Day

January 26 | Foundation Day for St. Joseph's Hospital Highland


Download the January Mission Module

Christmas tree bulbs in greenery with golden light

Monthly Mission Module
December 2025

There are so many ways to give during Advent and Christmas. Reflecting on the gift of Christ as an expression of God’s love is an easy launching point. That kind of love compels us to share it with others, and expressing our love through giving and receiving is an essential part of the Christmas season. In addition to rejoicing in all the gifts you have received, it’s a great time to consider new ways to share your own gifts with others: through acts of service, time, resources, or encouraging words.

Reflection

“On this festive day, let us not fail to express our gratitude to those who spend themselves, quietly and faithfully, in doing good and in serving others. I think of parents, educators and teachers, who have the great responsibility of forming future generations. I think too of healthcare workers, the forces of order and all those men and women who carry out works of charity, especially missionaries throughout the world: they bring light and comfort to so many people in difficulty. To all of them we want to say: Thank you!”

-Pope Francis, Christmas Message 2024


Team Discussion

  • What are some creative ways you can give this year?
  • How is working in healthcare a gift?


Dates to Remember

December 1 | World AIDS Day

December 1 - 24 | Advent

December 6 | St. Nicholas' Feast Day

December 12 | St. Vincent's Foundation Day

December 25 | Christmas

December 26 | HSHS Incorporated

December 27 | St. John's Feast Day

December 31 | Feast of the Holy Family


Download the December Mission Module