Meeting of the minds. Two Catholic organizations come together to strengthen the ministry and each other.

As the result of a study, in 1982 St. Benedict's Hospital, Ogden, UT, reorganized as St. Benedict's Health System. The results of the reorganization were disappointing, however. Within three years, major financial difficulties, the lack of success in diversification on programs and facilities, continuing environmental pressures, and unrest within the organization led St. Benedict's to seek assistance. After contacting a number of Catholic systems, St. Benedict's chose the Holy Cross Health System, South Bend, IN, as the preferred partner. In mid-June 1986 the two systems began negotiations on a possible affiliation. Holy Cross sent an acquisition team to St. Benedict's to obtain a perspective on mission continuity, profitability, market share, and operations. Discussions continued through July, with neither system proposing an affiliation agreement. St. Benedict's was still considering other options, while Holy Cross was concerned about the financial ramifications. On Aug. 20, 1986, the two negotiating teams met face to face for the first time, with a Catholic Health Association representative acting as facilitator. The two teams met again on September 8, and St. Benedict's accepted Holy Cross's terms. While awaiting antitrust review of the affiliation, Holy Cross operated St. Benedict's under a management contract. The consolidation was formally completed on Dec. 1, 1986. Holy Cross took over ownership of St. Benedict's Health System, cosponsored by the Sister of the Holy Cross and the Sisters of the Order of St. Benedict. Holy Cross established tactical objectives aimed at stabilizing and enhancing St. Benedict's Hospital. The new owners and managers report they have achieved the objective which has improved St. Benedict's operations.