THE DETROIT GUILD OF THE CATHOLIC MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
In 1932 physicians who met for Holy Mass, retreat, and days of recollection formed the National Federation of Catholic Physician's Guild. The name was changed to The Catholic Medical Association in 1997. The association is made up of separate guilds. Each guild is formed within a diocese under the auspices of the local bishop or archbishop.
The Detroit Guild was first established in 1940 under Archbishop Edward Mooney. At the first communion breakfast Archbishop Mooney remarked: "the primary purpose of the Catholic Physicians' Guild is to unite the latest scientific and theological knowledge in solving current medical problems and guiding the conscience of the Catholic doctors." (The Michigan Catholic, May 9, 1940.)
With development of oral contraceptives and the dissent and division within the church leadership, the federation lost many members who disagreed with the teachings of the Church. However, in the past few years the CMA has increased it's membership by 20% and the women membership rose to over 6%.
Paralleling this the Detroit Guild membership dwindled to practically zero and for a while became part of the Toledo Guild. In 1998 an interest to re-establish the Detroit Guild took root. The idea was endorsed by His Eminence Adam Cardinal Maida, Archbishop of Detroit who believed that the organization "could be very helpful particularly as we discuss ethical moral issues in our hospitals and as we try to work against the prevalent culture of death around us." The Most Reverend John C. Nienstedt, auxiliary bishop of Detroit was designated the Moderator or Episcopal Advisor.
Six physicians met for the first time on October 15, 1999. A constitution and by-laws patterned after that of the National Catholic Medical Association was written and was approved. Bishop Nienstedt installed the first set of officers on March 24, 2000 at St. Martha's Catholic Church in Dearborn, Michigan. The current officers are John Damiani, D.O., president, Irene Signori, M.D., vice-president, Kathryn Kristoff, Pharm.D., treasurer, and Kevin Sarb R.D., secretary.
Activities of the Detroit Guild have included spring
seminars on various topics including Human Sexuality, Bioethics, Stem Cells, End
of Life Issues, Health Care and Immigration, and Infertility. Our first conference on "Brain
Death" was presented at St. John Hospital on November 18, 2000. Dr. Paul
Byrne, past president of the CMA and professor of Pediatrics at the Medical
College of Toledo was the speaker.
His Excellency Bishop John C. Nienstedt celebrated the
first "White Mass" on the feast of St. Luke on October 18, 2000 at St.
Hugo of the Hills Stone Church. We continue this tradition each October with
Mass and a talk at a local parish. Physicians, nurses, administrators and other
health care professionals are invited to attended this.
We invite you to join the Detroit Guild of the Catholic Medical Association and learn more about your Catholic faith particularly in reference to morals and medical ethics. Brochures with a membership application form are available by calling 734-420-2784, or writing to Dr. Kathryn Kristoff, 15239 Maxwell, Plymouth MI 48170.
E-mail: dgcma@attglobal.net
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