by Mercy's Bethany Pope
Key points:
- Matt Lohmeier is the new vice president of mission for Mercy St. Louis.
- He comes to Mercy with previous experience leading mission and mission integration at Catholic systems including CHI Health Good Smaraitan & St. Francis, CHRSITUS Spohn Health System, Bon Secours Maria Manor and Mercy Springfield.
- He earned a Master of Divinity degree from Loyola University in Chicago and bachelor’s from Purdue University.
ST. LOUIS - Help us welcome Matt Lohmeier, our new vice president of mission for Mercy St. Louis. He previously served in mission and mission integration roles at various health systems across the U.S., including a few years at Mercy in Springfield. He earned his Master of Divinity degree from Loyola University in Chicago and bachelor’s from Purdue University. He gets involved in community and civic organizations in each community he serves.
Let’s get to know a little about him.
Did you always know you wanted to work in spiritual care? Why did you get into health care mission/spiritual care?
During my undergraduate years, and for some time after, I worked in inpatient psychiatry. I found the work meaningful but sensed there was something more I was being called toward. That clarity came when I discovered Loyola’s Institute of Pastoral Studies, where I realized a deeper vocation in this form of ministry. After serving as a chaplain and spending a few years teaching, I was encouraged to explore mission leadership within Catholic healthcare, a path that has proven both meaningful and deeply fulfilling. It resonates with Frederick Buechner’s reflection on vocation: “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.”
What drew you to leadership?
I’m drawn to leadership because I genuinely enjoy supporting both ideas and people in ways that can create meaningful impact. Leadership offers a unique opportunity to bring vision to life, helping others develop their strengths, aligning shared efforts and creating momentum around work that contributes to the common good. For me, it’s less about leading for its own sake and more about creating the conditions where individuals and teams can do their best work in service of something larger.
Why did you choose to join Mercy and specifically Mercy St. Louis?
I had the opportunity to work with Mercy in Springfield earlier in my mission leadership journey and when I saw the opening in St. Louis, I pursued the chance to return to the most innovative and mission-driven system for which I have had the good fortune to be a co-worker.
What do you know about the St. Louis area?
Not much, but very impressed so far. The parks are amazing and the architecture is beautiful. Looking for recommendations on food and fun in the area.
Do you mind sharing a little bit about you personally?
My wife and daughters are in Texas — youngest will finish high school down there and oldest is living, working and studying in Austin. My dogs (young black lab mix named Nyx and old mini-schnauzer mix named Lafayette) and I are here exploring every park and trying to find the perfect place to live as almost empty nesters. I am a big Mark Twain fan and looking forward to exploring some of his haunts.
