About Ministry Health Care

An Ambitious Mission

Two Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother left Germany for America in the late 1800s with one goal in mind-to raise money to continue their work with the sick and needy in Europe.

A Change In Plans

Shortly after their arrival, the Sisters realized how desperately their services were needed in the United States. Without hesitation, these tireless workers began their mission of healing here; building schools and hospitals and doing other works of charity.

In 1890 the Sisters arrived in Marshfield, Wisconsin, where they opened Saint Joseph's Hospital. It would serve as the anchor for their fledgling health care network. As the years went on, faith and determination enabled the Sisters to expand their ministry of healing throughout Wisconsin and beyond.

A Dream Realized

Guided by the wisdom and values of the first two Sisters, Ministry Health Care has become a leading Catholic Health care provider. Its healing network includes hospitals, clinics and other health-related organizations located in north-central and northeastern Wisconsin and eastern Minnesota. The total Ministry Health Care family now as reached:

• 12,500 employees
• 1,200 affiliated physicians
• 15 hospitals
• 21 regional clinics