White Mass recognizes the healing ministry of health care professionals
By Kristine Rilling10/19/2026
For those who care for the sick, service often means accompanying people through some of life’s most uncertain moments. The Diocese of Erie’s White Mass, held Oct. 17, at St. Jospeh Church/Bread of Life Community, Erie, recognized that vocation and the connection between faith and the work of healing..png)
Named for the white coats traditionally worn by medical professionals, the White Mass honors physicians, nurses, caregivers and others in the healing professions. The annual observance offers an opportunity to pray for the strength, wisdom and compassion they need as they care for others.
In hospitals, medical offices, nursing facilities and homes, health care workers encounter people whose needs extend beyond a diagnosis. Their work calls for knowledge and skill, but also patience, careful listening and respect for each person’s dignity. For Catholic health care professionals, those daily responsibilities offer opportunities to put faith into practice.
“Caring for the sick has always been a noble undertaking. Christ Himself was a healer,” said Father Steve Schreiber, pastor at St. Joseph Parish/Bread of Life Community. “Catholic Medical Association members stand …with our dedicated Catholic healers.”
The diocese’s tradition of supporting those in health care includes the St. Giuseppe Moscati Guild of the Catholic Medical Association, which provides opportunities for educational and spiritual growth. The annual White Mass has been an important part of the guild’s spiritual formation.
Dr. Jeffrey P. McGovern, MD, FCCP, FAASM, Guild President, is an accomplished pulmonologist, critical care physician and sleep medicine specialist in Erie, dedicated to caring for patients and serving his community. As president of the St. Giuseppe Moscati Medical Guild of the Diocese of Erie, Dr. McGovern brings together his medical expertise and Catholic faith in support of the Church’s mission to uphold the dignity of human life and encourage Catholic healthcare professionals in their vocation of healing.
Dr. McGovern was recently featured on EWTN News Nightly on October 14, 2026, where he shared his medical expertise in discussing Pope Leo XIV’s lung cancer diagnosis, possible treatment options, and recovery following surgery. His appearance reflects his commitment to providing trusted medical insight while serving others through the values of faith, compassion and respect for life.
The White Mass also draws attention to the caregivers themselves. Those who regularly accompany patients and families through illness, difficult decisions and loss need prayer, encouragement and opportunities to renew their own faith.
By recognizing their service, the White Mass reminds the wider Catholic community of its responsibility to support those who care for others — and to see in the work of healing an expression of Christ’s love.
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