Keeping Humble in a Competitive World

May the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you.

Has your integrity ever been challenged in your workplace? It is a sickening feeling to find out that people with whom you work closely have suspicions and ideas about you that you were not aware and are, for the most part, untrue.

I recently went through a similar experience. It was, and still is, a struggle to trust those colleagues who spoke behind my back and used my own words against me. But I am still mostly upset about my reaction to the situation, both internally and externally.

At first after hearing of the accusations levied against me, I became internally defensive. In my mind I was going through all of the events in question repeatedly; scouring and detailing all of the “right” ways I had operated. Is this a natural human protection mechanism? Maybe, but it was more likely my self-centered attitude that such a “good” person as I could never and should never be accused of such things. I wasted so much time and energy trying to repair my damaged ego.

Externally I lashed out as well. I sent emails to lay out my position and demonstrate how I was completely blameless and the other parties were totally at fault. In our modern communication we tend to say things in email that we would never say in person. Somehow we become bolder when we are able to edit and craft our words for the maximum affect. This can be good in some business dealings, but not at all when dealing with personal issues.

I went to seek support and feedback from my direct manager and some other leaders, expecting total support and defense of my position. What I got was a real awakening. The feedback was that my initial actions were not seen as egregious. However, the way I reacted to the challenge that needed to be addressed. My defensive, combative manner contributed to the escalation of a situation that was really “not that big of a deal.”

First of all, I am thankful for such leaders and mentors willing to be honest with me and point out my troublesome actions. It was difficult to hear and still took some time for me to come around.

As Christians were are called to humility. Our example of Christ was one who treated his attackers with love and accepted his fate (cross and death) with dignity. It is not for us to decide or control what happens to us or how people see us. All we can do is affect our own attitude and actions. We must control the temptation (human nature) to fight and defend. If we follow His lead and walk with humility, we can deal with these external factors in a way that will enhance our environment and the environment of those around us.

I am not proud of how I acted but am comforted by the blessings and gifts that have been shown to me from this experience. At work it always seems that we are in competition with everyone around us. It is counter-intuitive to be humble and work for the advancement of others. But, that is what we must do. If God decides to bless us with more (success/advancement) this is not a reward but recognition that we are prepared to continue affecting our environments in new and more challenging ways.

Remember that most members are due for renewal over the next few months. Please keep your membership current to allow us to focus on serving you, our community, and other professionals wanting to join us in community.

Continue to pray for those looking for work, the Catholic Business League, and Catholic Professionals everywhere.

I am always,

Very truly yours, in Christ

Greg Mays

president@catholicbusinessleague.org

Be Your Own "Sign" of Christmas

May the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you.

There is much to be thankful in this holiday season and the beginning of Advent. We are blessed with many gifts, but anticipate the ultimate gift on Christmas morning of the Word become flesh. Of all the guests you prepare for this season, remember it is His presence upon which we wait.

Along the way there are so many signs of Christmas and the other Holidays celebrated this time of year. Christmas trees and Nativity Scenes bring warm feelings. When we see them we know what they represent. There is no mistaking their identity because they can only be a “sign” of Christmas.

I looked up the word sign and an interesting definition was there that I did not expect: “to place a mark on a document that shows identity and intent.” Although this is comparing a noun and a verb; these Christmas signs do the same thing to our soul. They show identity and intent; the identity of Christmas and the intent of celebration.

Just as when you sign a mortgage, or a check, or a marriage license; you are identifying yourself and promising your intention to buy that house, or pay that debt, or keep that covenant. By putting our name on a line we are telling the whole world, anyone with interest, that we promise to fulfill the intentions that this document contains.

It is so much easier to achieve a goal or reach a destination when there are clearly intended signs that guide our actions. What would some of us do these days without GPS in the car? Our world works better when we can show others true identity and clarity. That is what is so special about Christmas signs. We know exactly what they are and what they mean. They are guiding us to the most joyous celebration of the year and God’s intent for salvation of the entire world.

Look for these signs as you prepare this Advent. As glitzy and shiny that many may seem to be, think of where they are pointing. As a matter of fact, be a sign yourself. What parts of your Christian identity and your Christian intentions can show a fellow professional the gifts that are coming his way? Your “sign” may be the type of gifts that God needs of every one of us to bring about His Kingdom hear on earth.

Please keep your CBL membership current to allow us to focus on serving you, our community, and other professionals wanting to join us in community.

Continue to pray for those looking for work, the Catholic Business League, and Catholic Professionals everywhere.

I am always,
Very truly yours, in Christ
Greg Mays
president@catholicbusinessleague.org
www.catholicbusinessleague.org

Looking for CBL Board members

May the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you.

Our transition to the Cathedral is complete. We hosted the Anniversary Mass there in September and our Prayer Breakfast in October. The Cathedral allows for access to the CBL by professionals from all around the Diocese. As well, it provides the opportunity for folks to attend a weekday Mass (7am); usually difficult for a busy Catholic Professional.

Our focus for the upcoming year will be leadership. The active CBL members that I know are leaders in their Parish and many other ministries in their communities. Many of them are offering more of their time for the advancement of the Catholic Business League through their Board service, Leadership Team, or other volunteering during meetings, etc. Where would our parishes, communities, and even the CBL, be without the selfless efforts of these people.

We all know that the old adage for charities is true: “20% of the people doing 80% of the work.” Well, I would like to present opportunities for these people to get involved at a higher level.

There will be two members of the Board of Directors rolling off this Fall. A Board member for the Catholic Business league carries a special trust. Members of the CBL pay considerable dues with the confidence that their funds will be stewarded wisely. Also, the goals for the CBL will require persistent attention by the Board to continue our growth and provide new direction to programs such as Mentorship and Jobs.

Attached is a document that reviews the expectations and activities of all Board Members as well as an application. Spend some time in prayerful reflection on these positions. If you know of anyone who would be a good candidate, please forward a nomination and encourage the person to apply. If you believe this is a calling for your own hands, fill out the application, find a nominator and submit. All applications should be sent to: president@catholicbusinessleague.org

More leadership is needed in other areas of the Catholic Business League. Peter Spellman, the Events Chair, Katy Ludington, our Webmaster, and Jeremy Bisceglia, VP and Membership Chair, could all use your help. I have said this before, but it rings true always. If you want to meet people in the CBL, then get involved and take on a role. People will then want to meet you.

If you have interest in these ministries or any questions regarding getting more involved, please email info@catholicbusinessleague.org and you will be forwarded to the appropriate Chairperson.

Our yearly award is given to a Catholic Professional that exemplifies the leadership as our Vision Statement describes: To connect, develop, and inspire Catholic Professionals to live their faith at work, at home, and in their community. I will continue to drive the CBL membership to raise their personal standards to this level.

Remember that most members are due for renewal over the next few months. Please keep your membership current to allow us to focus on serving you, our community, and other professionals wanting to join us in community.

Please continue to pray for those looking for work, the Catholic Business League, and Catholic Professionals everywhere.

I am always,

Very truly yours, in Christ
Greg Mays
president@catholicbusinessleague.org

www.catholicbusinessleague.org

Catholic Professional of the Year 2010

CATHOLIC BUSINESS LEAGUE GIVES ANNUAL AWARD TO BILL SINCLAIR of

CATHOLIC CHARITIES of TENNESSEE

This year’s “Catholic Professional of the Year” was be honored at the CBL Anniversary Mass on September 9^th.

The 2010 recipient of the “Catholic Professional of the Year” is Bill Sinclair, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of Tennessee. Bill’s lifelong example of service and sacrifice exemplifies the vision of the Catholic Business League; “To connect, develop, and inspire Catholic Professionals to live their faith at work, at home, and in their community.”

Bill Sinclair has served at Catholic Charities of Tennessee, Inc. since 1975; being named Executive Director in 1986. A short list of his initiatives could be: overseeing the development of Villa Maria Manor, serving on the Mayor’s Poverty Council, and in March 2010 hosting a National Poverty Summit at Belmont University in partnership with CCUSA. The real list would be too long to place here.

Besides his lifetime of work for this Non-Profit, which would be reason to award Bill every year, in this year of 2010 he deserves special recognition.

Through his leadership, Catholic Charities immediately responded to the needs of those who lost their homes in the May 2 Nashville flood. Together community leaders and United Way, they opened a Distribution Center in Bellevue with a staff of case workers and others who are providing aid to flood victims. During the month of July alone over 1,100 families have been served at the Distribution Center.

The award was given at the Cathedral of the Incarnation on Thursday morning, September 9^th at 7:00am when we celebrated Holy Mass and prayed for this worthy Catholic Professional of the Year, the Catholic Business League, and the mission they support.

# # # # #

You can find out more at: www.CatholicBusinessLeague.org

You can find out more at: www.cctenn.org

"State of the Catholic Business League 2010"

To: Members of the Catholic Business League and Friends

From: Greg Mays, President, Catholic Business League

May the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you.

Two years ago, from this past summer, a "Steering Committee" was gathered at Holy Family in Brentwood with attendees from several different Parishes south of Nashville. The initial plans were to be called the "Catholic Business League of Williamson County". After four meetings of the committee the mission became clearer. We held the first Prayer Breakfast in October 2008. (The anniversary has been held in September because that is when we were incorporated)

In the first few months we attracted almost one hundred members from around the Diocese, although most from Williamson County. Most of these folks are now identified as Founding Members because they put their support behind us from the beginning. We are now about 200 members strong and becoming more regional each month.

Halfway through the first year the Board of Directors met for a couple of long sessions to refine the Mission Statement of the Catholic Business League. There were many varied reasons for each Director to join. The result has become our mission that gives strong focus for all of the energies of the CBL :

"Providing opportunities for Catholic Professionals to engage in fellowship,
catechesis, service, & philanthropy."

Fellowship: You must admit, if you have been at one of the Prayer Breakfasts, the engagement that goes on between Catholic Professionals is unique to a group such as this. There is genuine sharing that happens, more than just networking. True relationships are made: Christian Ministry in action. Most months we must ask people to leave, who are still talking, so we can close down the room.

Catechesis: Through the many diverse speakers that have spoken to the League we strive to be taught by Catholic Professionals. We want to learn about our faith and the wonderful Catholic Community around us. From Steve Hayes, who described designing his business around his faith, to Fr. Baker, who celebrated the Vandy Catholic Ministry, we have learned much. As a matter of fact, each "Catholic Professional of the Year" recipient was a speaker in the year before.

Service: Since early in our founding we have established a Jobs Ministry. This consists of a jobs board on the website for resumes and job listings. There is also a periodic email sent out with Prayer requests and links to the listings and resumes. There is also a Mentorship Ministry that has been developed and is being tested this fall. This effort will connect college students with CBL members to provide coaching and connections in a particular profession. These ministries show our commitment to paying back the community in which we live and serve.

Philanthropy: I hope that you saw our demonstration of this last month at the anniversary event. Our $4000 donation to the EACS Foundation (Endowment for the Advancement of Catholic Schools) will go to help needy families afford to keep there children in Catholic Education. This is double our donation last year and promises to develop a tradition of giving that will represent the Catholic Business League for many years to come.

The largest development in our short two-year history is the change in location. From this point forward the Catholic Business League will meet at the Cathedral of the Incarnation. This decision did not come about lightly. The Board of Directors (half of which live in Williamson County) voted unanimously to support the move. The belief is that we have become a Diocesan Ministry and need to be accessible for Professionals from all over our region.

I thank our Lord for blessing me with the opportunity that I have been given to serve you and the Catholic Professionals around us. I continue to ask for His help living up to these blessings.

Please continue to pray for those looking for work, the Catholic Business League, and Catholic Professionals everywhere.

To: Members of the Catholic Business League and Friends

From: Greg Mays, President, Catholic Business League

May the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you.

The time of year is coming to nominate someone for the Catholic Professional of the Year award given at the Anniversary Mass in September. Last year the inaugural award was given to Jim McIntyre, President of Father Ryan High School. Nominations for this year’s award will be taken up until the Board of Directors meeting on August 24th. Email them to info@catholicbusinessleague.org

The Catholic Professional of the year is someone who embodies the vision statement of the Catholic Business League in all aspects of their life. The vision of the CBL is:
“To connect, develop, and inspire Catholic Professionals
to live their faith at work, at home, and in their community.”

To Connect: We are called to go out into the world and engage. We cannot do business in a silo or on an island. We must connect with our fellow professionals and find areas of common benefit. Without the basis of Christ’s teaching this falls apart and becomes a battle, not cooperation. This person should be one who is engaged in the world and connected with all types of people; using their faith as a guide.

To develop: All of us started at the bottom. Nobody got their current position in life without the help of someone else. As Catholic Professionals we must pay it forward. It is up to us to keep our hearts open to the opportunities to assist, teach, mentor, any of those around us that we can. This person should utilize their value, both actively and through example, to develop other parts of Christ’s Body.

To inspire: What really motivates a person? It could be money, power, love; in everyone it can be different. I believe true inspiration comes from true goodness. We see others doing the hard things like: counseling the jobless, serving on committees and in ministries, choosing careers that are not the most glamorous or high paid. We are inspired when we see peace on their face. It is evident that this is true goodness and we desire more for ourselves. This person should be an inspiration to all around them, evidenced by the many that follow their lead.

After prayerful reflection, please submit a nomination that demonstrates the embodiment of these ideals. The Catholic Professional of the Year is not limited to the members of the Catholic Business league, or even Catholics. There are many individuals across Middle Tennessee that would be worthy candidates to honor in this manner.

Join us for the next Prayer Breakfast at the Martin Center in Brentwood on August 12th. Our speaker will be Pat Nolan, Senior VP of DVL Public Relations.
Please remember to renew your membership in the Catholic Business League. It is by your support that we are able to come together as a community.

I am always,

Very truly yours, in Christ
Greg Mays
president@catholicbusinessleague.org

May the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you.

I hope everyone had a great Father’s Day last Weekend. I enjoyed hanging out with my three daughters and having a nice conversation with my Dad. It got me to thinking about fatherhood. What a responsibility. What Pressure. But, for what purpose?

Jim McIntyre, President of Father Ryan High School, presented to the CBL last year. He spoke of their mission to create “good” kids. Our society and the livelihoods of those around us are only safe when we are producing kids, future adults, that are good. This applies to parenthood in perfect parallel.

Do we want our kids to just be happy? Rich? Famous? Does that give them peace and challenge them to affect their world. No, we are to teach them humility, service, sacrifice, selflessness. There’s no guaranteed happiness or big money here. But, it is how Christ taught us to be. If we just teach them as Christ teaches us then there can be no greater good created on earth.

In many of his talks Fr. Larry Richards tells parents: “Your number one job is to get your children and your spouse to Heaven. It is my job to get my flock to Heaven and it is your job, it is your vocation to get your family to Heaven.” More pressure; to be a spiritual leader?

One interesting practice came to me from Deacon John Krenson at the ‘The Highest Call” Men’s Conference a couple of years ago. He spoke of a friend growing up whose father would bless him every time he left the house. Many times it was annoying to his friend and embarrassing. But, when he went off to basic training, his friend ran back into the house to make sure his father blessed him before leaving. I have taken up that habit and bless my girls every night before bed. Now, they even remind me when I am distracted. What a bond and gift this has become for us.

This should be the same bond that we should have with our spiritual leaders in the church. The Priests, Deacons, Religious sisters, etc. that give their lives away serve those around them; to get every one else into Heaven! At the end of every Mass the Priest gives a blessing to the congregation. Accept this blessing with respect and appreciation of what it means. It means you are called to do in your “church” what he is doing in our Church.

It is appropriate that, just after Father’s Day, we are hosting Bishop Choby and many of the Seminarians from the Diocese of Nashville to the next CBL Prayer Breakfast. Please join us to meet and celebrate the men that will some day be serving the flocks in our diocese. The date is July 8^th. Please invite a friend that has not been before.

A couple of community announcements:

CBL members are invited to attend a breakfast to honor Fr. William Bevington on Thursday, July 29, 7:30 a.m., at Father Ryan High School, hosted by Visitation Hospital Foundation. Fr. Bevington has been a hue supporter of our work in Haiti over the past 8 years and we want to honor him for all he has done to support VHF's work to alleviate suffering by providing health care and health education. Contact Fran Rajotte at 615/673-3501 to RSVP or email at VisitationHF@aol.com

Visitation Hospital Foundation is looking for golfers to serve on a core team committee to plan a golf tournament fundraiser. We need 10 committed people who will promise to form two golf teams each. If interested, please call Fran Rajotte at 615/673-3501 or email her at VisitationHF@aol.com

Please remember to renew your membership in the Catholic Business League. It is by your support that we are able to come together as a community.

I am always,

Very truly yours, in Christ

Greg Mays

president@catholicbusinessleague.org