A Healing Ministry


The present is here because of the past and the future will be because we recognize the present. The Brothers of the American Province are proud of their Hospitaller tradition throughout the world and especially here in the United States. Inspired by this tradition and in light of our founder’s charism, we direct our efforts to the Church of today. Proclaiming the Kingdom of God will never be out of date. Different ages and cultures might influence the carrying out of this mission, but essentially the Order will continue to adapt to the present as it has done for over 500 years.

Our short history in the United States can verify this. Established in 1941, the Brothers have been engaged in a variety of apostolic works. Soup kitchens and night shelters were our early focus. As the need grew for varieties of health care, opportunity was given for the young Province to supply such technology. Advancements in medical research meant that people were living longer.

There was a need for quality care to the sick and elderly. Today, the Brothers operate two health care facilities in Southern California offering a continuum of care including: Assisted Living, Independent Living, Skilled Nursing, Residential Care, Retirement Living and a specialized Alzheimer Unit. To meet the needs of the mentally and physically challenged, a large school and training center has been established by Brothers from the Irish Province in New Jersey.

In 1969, the Brothers assumed the sponsorship of St. Mary Desert Valley Hospital. The Hospital opened in 1956 with 25 acute-care beds, and in 1992, with 109 beds, St. Mary's became a member of St. Joseph Health System. A recently completed expansion program allows the hospital to offer a vast range of acute care services to the people of the High Desert area with the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange and the Brothers co-ministering at St. Mary's. St. John of God Health Care Services has, since 1985, provided a social model alcohol recovery programs in Apple Valley and Victorville, California.

Today, the program includes a social model detoxification unit as well as primary recovery for both men and women, a special home for women with young children, as well as sober living environments for both men and women. Our Brothers are continually challenged to explore and evaluate our ministries to the sick. This necessitates branching out into different areas as the needs demand. No matter what our work, the Charism of Hospitality is our communal thrust. Whether one works in Administration or Nursing, in Social Work or Pastoral Care, in Special Education or Clerical Work, with the mentally or physically challenged, with the young or not so young, with the poor or those of better means, within our facilities or outside them, the bond that holds us together as Brothers is our willingness to proclaim the Kingdom of God to the sick. This is our gift to the Church.

Our Brothers Serve As ...
Pharmacists / Doctors
Physical Therapists / Recreational Therapists
Laboratory Technicians / X-Ray Technicians
Dieticians / Psychologists
Special Teachers / Administrators
Social Workers / Accountants
Secretaries / Computer Engineers
Licensed Nurses

© 1997 The Brothers of St. John of God