Get to know our board of trustees.
A Minneapolis native and retired general surgeon, Dr. Denise Incorvia has been a member of the Catholic Answers board of trustees since 2019. She and her husband, Michael, live in Colorado. We discussed her background and faith journey, her love for Catholic Answers, and her role as an independent trustee, keeping an eye on the work of the ministry. We’re blessed to have her as such an important part of our mission. Thank you, Denise!
Denise, let’s start with your background in the Catholic faith. Are you a cradle Catholic or a convert?
I’m a cradle Catholic who spent all years leading up to college in Catholic schools. Most of that time, the Mass was in Latin and women religious all wore habits, but part of my schooling coincided with the post-Vatican II changes in the 1960s.
How did you decide you wanted to be a doctor?
Through high school I wore a large brace to correct spinal curvature that developed during puberty. As you can imagine, I was very self-conscious. But it was this exposure to medicine that made me to want to become a physician. I became a general surgeon in a multi-specialty practice, and I retired in 2018 after a 35-year career.
How did your faith evolve as you grew into adulthood?
Like many young people, I stopped attending Mass while in college, and I lost my faith. It took me 20 years to return to the Church, and what brought me back was something I’m certain was a miracle from God.
I had picked up a viral infection just before Christmas in the late 1980s that caused a progressive decline in respiratory function. Years later, after I’d exhausted every treatment option, I believe the Holy Spirit prompted me to go back to church. I went to confession so I could return to Mass and the sacraments, and during absolution, the priest laid his hands on my head. When he did, I felt a hot sensation that coursed through my body. I knew my sins were forgiven, and I experienced such joy! Then just a few months later, my pulmonary status normalized, and my symptoms completely resolved after all those years of suffering.
How did you and your husband, Michael, end up together?
We met eighteen years ago on a Catholic dating site. Both he and I had previously annulled marriages, and both of us were adoptive parents. At the time, he was in New Jersey, I was in Colorado, and he only wanted to consider a serious relationship with someone who lived near him. Clearly, God had other plans. Soon all the obstacles resolved, and he eventually moved to Colorado where we were married.
How were you introduced to Catholic Answers?
I started out listening to Catholic Answers Live in my car. In particular, I really appreciated the clarity with which they shared the Faith and the charity of the responses to even the most antagonistic callers. I soon became a regular donor, and after Mike and I were married, we went on some pilgrimages with Catholic Answers. We love how everyone we have met at the apostolate is so full of joy!
What led to you becoming a board member?
Mike and I met Christopher Check on one of the pilgrimages and got to know him over the years. I was in disbelief when he asked me to join the board. It’s been such an honor. Our culture has changed so much, moving away from God and organized religion toward the needs of the self, and I see Catholic Answers as a beacon of truth and kindness in this chaotic world. We must continue to reach out to people who are pro-choice, or atheists, or young people who are seeking and feel so alone. I’m proud to be a part of that effort in my service on the board.
Now that you’re retired, how do you spend some of your free time?
When I was a surgeon, one of my favorite things to do was take medical teams and supplies to Central and South America to perform critical surgeries that would otherwise have gone undone. I think this is where I developed a servant’s heart, and now Mike and I are active in our parish assisting engaged couples prepare for healthy, permanent marriages. I also enjoy baking, and I’m hoping to soon be able to take our Maltese puppy into assisted living facilities for the residents because I remember how much joy dogs brought my mom when she was alive. We’re staying busy for sure!