Illinois Catholic Health Association
ANNUAL MEETING
Thursday, September 3, 2026
Diocese of Joliet Blanchette Catholic Center
16555 Weber Road
Crest Hill, Illinois 60403
ICHA’s Annual Meeting will be held on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at the Diocese of Joliet / Blanchette Catholic Center, 16555 Weber Road Crest Hill, Illinois 60403. We will begin with Mass at 7:45AM. ICHA’s Business meeting will begin at 8:45-8:55AM; opening prayer is at 8:55AM followed by the keynote address at 9:00AM. Our meeting will conclude at 12:30PM followed by lunch, which is optional. The full draft agenda is available below as a PDF.
The theme for our meeting is preparing for the legalization of assisted suicide in Illinois. On September 12, 2026, physician assisted suicide will become a legal option for individuals in Illinois who have a terminal diagnosis. Therefore, we have scheduled three speakers.
The keynote will be delivered by Dr. Michael Hawking. Dr. Hawking is a Clinical Associate in Hematology and Oncology at the University of Chicago and will present on his medical practice, his Catholic faith, and his knowledge of assisted suicide in Europe.
Following Dr. Hawking, Erica Laethem, Ethicist with OSF Healthcare. will present on the ethical implications of assisted suicide for Catholic healthcare providers.
Finally, Jim Geoly, Legal Counsel for the Archdiocese of Chicago, will review legal issues involved with assisted suicide and an update on the legal challenges to the impending law.
To cover the cost of food, speakers, and meeting space, a donation of $150.00 per participant is requested. A continental breakfast will be available from 8:00AM to 8:45AM. You may register by returning the form (below, in PDF format) and donation directly to us at our office (642 W. Deming Place, Chicago, IL 60614). If you are interested in remitting payment by direct deposit, please contact our office. Sorry, we do not accept credit cards. For accurate planning purposes, please indicate on the form if you will be attending Mass and if you will stay for lunch. Thank you!
Should you have any questions, feel free to call us at 312-368-0011.
Reservation for IL Catholic Health Association Annual Meeting at hilton.com
Your support is greatly appreciated and necessary for a strong Catholic Health Association. We look forward to welcoming you and your colleagues.
Illinois Catholic Health Association
