Practice a spirituality of work—this includes an awareness of God’s presence at work and cooperation with the Holy Spirit on behalf of making the world (including the workplace) a better place.
- Look at work situations, people, and decisions to be made (especially ethical ones) from a Catholic Christian MBA (Mindset, Beliefs, Attitudes). Implore the gifts of the Holy Spirit needed, for example, ask for wisdom and fortitude.
- Consider being part of a reflection, support, and prayer group with other co-workers. Whether it is once a week or once a month; whether it is for 10-minutes or more; the time can be focused on a) thanking God for a blessing, b) asking for the grace to handle a specific project, c) pray for a personal intention.
- Include “sacred” objects in your work environment: a rosary, a crucifix, a scapular, a picture or photo, a lapel pin, an inspirational saying, an important reminder.
- Become a more appreciative person. First notice and relate to others what you appreciate, what you see that is good. Consider beginning meetings with the opportunity for people briefly to comment about what is good. People appreciate being encouraged; the fruit can be long-lasting.
- Keep growing as a servant leader. Reflect upon what is motivating you. Be more conscious of serving God by serving the people of your organization. Perhaps choose a Saint to assist you on a specific project.
The Sanctifying Power of Work: The Message of St. Josemaria Escriva
Remember that the first principle of Catholic ethics is to respect and uphold the dignity of each person. Continue to create a work environment in which people are respected and valued.
St. Josemaria Escriva was a Spanish Roman Catholic priest. He founded Opus Dei, an organization of laypeople and priests dedicated to the teaching that everyone is called to holiness by God and to discover sanctity in their ordinary lives. His words encourage us:
“Before God, no occupation is in itself great or small. Everything gains the value of the Love with which it is done.” He says work is God’s gift to us: “Through work we actualize ourselves even as we earn our livelihood. You can be sure that it is through the circumstances of ordinary life, ordained and permitted by the infinite wisdom of divine Providence that we come close to God. But we shall not attain our goal if we do not strive to finish our work well; if we do not sustain the efforts we put in where we began our work with human and supernatural zeal; if we do not carry our work as well as the best we do, and if possible even better than the best…”
We can all become saints just by staying where we are and doing just ordinary work, if we offer what we are doing, no matter how insignificant, to our Heavenly Father.
Mary Jane Fox, D.C.H.S. is Co-Founder & Co-Director of Pilgrim Center of Hope with her husband, Deacon Tom Fox. The two left their careers after a profound conversion experience and began working full-time in ministry at their parish in 1986. After several years and having impacted tens of thousands of families, the Foxes founded Pilgrim Center of Hope in 1993 as a response to the Church’s call for a New Evangelization. Mary Jane is an invested member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, a Dame of the Holy Sepulchre.
Answering Christ’s call, Pilgrim Center of Hope guides people to encounter Him so as to live in hope, as pilgrims in daily life. See what’s happening & let us journey with you! Visit PilgrimCenterOfHope.org.
