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

Catholic Charities Summit Offers Hope for Our Community

The Catholic Professional
March 29, 2010

Imagine an event with folks from all sides of the political spectrum. A place where you have business people, ministry leaders, social workers, etc. in the same room; coming together to solve problems, locally. And, although caustic issues arose, they were presented in a thoughtful and appropriate tone.

This is what I experienced last Thursday (3/25) at the Catholic Charities USA Centennial Leadership Summit in Nashville. The day at Belmont University’s Curb Event Center (where the presidential debate was held) began with a morning breakfast for community leaders where local ministries were highlighted. People stood and described their view of the causes and possible remedies to poverty.

There was one woman who spoke of the need to assist with the $75 test fee for the GED. Many people will complete the courses but not take the test for the cost.

A great discussion ensued and topics ranged from mental illness treatment to communicating better in the new media. (To be honest, it was I who suggested that if everyone in that room had posted something about the Summit on Facebook, 10,000 people would have seen it.) Someone also explained the drastic effect this economy has had on the white-collar class. It is something we experience in the Catholic Business League every month.

The day continued with a larger event that started with the introduction of many of the dignitaries present including: Mayor Karl Dean, Bishop Choby of the Diocese of Nashville, and the Rev. Larry Snyder, President of Catholic Charities, USA.

In his keynote address, Fr. Snyder challenged the crowd to strive for ideas, for solutions that do not come from Washington, while keeping the political will to work for justice. In support he quoted Archbishop Ireland in saying, “Turn to the future. Our own, our work…. as we will it…so shall the story be.”

After a time of prayer and song, a panel was introduced that was moderated by Pat Nolan, Sr. VP of Dye, Van Mol, & Lawrence Public Relations. Mr. Nolan is a long-standing figure in the media here in Nashville in many capacities. The panel included John Seigenthaler, Sr., President of the HCA Foundation Joanne Pulles, and Daniel Cornfield, Professor of Sociology and Political Science at Vanderbilt.

Mr. Nolan posed discussion questions that ranged from healthcare reform to the systemic problems that surround poverty. The three panelists, coming from different perspectives, did a fine job of expanding everyone’s understanding of these issues. The last 30 minutes was open for questions that came from the audience. This session provided some lively political perspectives that were as varied as the diverse audience in the room. It felt like a true “Town Hall Forum”.

All of this provoked such an animated discussion over lunch and the period following. CCUSA announced three grant award winners that were able to tell of their success stories. We were then tasked with table discussions following their presentations. This, again, provided for some lively debate. There were people at my table that were from completely different backgrounds than me. How eye opening. We found agreement on the majority of questions proposed.

The overriding message that I received from the day is this: that local, personal ministry organizations work best. As soon as you get Washington involved or expect Washington to come to the rescue, you are lost.

I was so encouraged to see the community that is Nashville come together for such a good cause; and productive discussions. I was excited to see the Nashville Corporate Community represented so well by HCA (my employer). I am at peace to know there is so much energy in our town to work for the goal set forward by Catholic Charities USA: to reduce poverty by 50% by 2020.

We can, with honest and transparent discussion and forthright determination, reach that goal. It is Jesus Christ’s challenge to us. And I know how Catholic Professionals respond to a challenge

Please visit our website at www.catholicbusinessleague.org

President's Letter for Lent

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.

I hope that this letter finds you well in this Holy Season of Lent. During this time we are called to focus on three areas of our lives: prayer, penitence, and almsgiving. That can seem like quite a long list in the busy world in which we live. How can we be expected to take our eye off the “ball” that is work and supporting our family? I submit to you: it is these very actions the church encourages that can enable us to better see and serve that “ball” that is our life.

I have come up with a few suggestions that you may be able to use:

PRAYER
Say some prayers in your car on the way to work. Depending on the length of your drive, you can say a novena, decade of the rosary, or the whole thing. At least turn off the radio and talk, no listen, to God.

PENITENCE
What can you do in your professional life to carry a cross for another? There must be someone who has screwed up or been dealt a bad hand. What can you do to help? It’s gonna be difficult, it may even hurt you a bit. That’s where the whole cross thing comes in.

ALMSGIVING
Beyond the help you can give through monetary donations, you can give your time. What about offering to have lunch or coffee with that person you know who is looking for a job? You don’t have to find them a job. Just lend an ear and a prayer and you will be giving them more than a salary could give.

There are other opportunities to get involved and deepen your faith during Lent. Next week Catholic Charities of Middle Tennessee is hosting a Centennial Leadership Summit on Thursday, March 25th at Belmont University. Please come join a community discussion on eliminating poverty. You can register at: http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/Page.aspx?pid=1977

There is also a business leaders breakfast that morning for those that cannot attend the day. Email the national chapter for an invitation. Contact Ann Seely at ASeely@catholiccharitiesusa.org

Also, next Saturday 3/27 is the Catholic Women of Faith Conference. Sherri Isham has put together another great program this year. The Men’s conference moved hearts and this promises to be the same. Men, watch the kids for they day and give your wife time for that renewal. Women, you will not be disappointed
www.catholicwomenoffaithconference.com

Don’t forget to mark you calendar for next month’s Prayer Breakfast. April 8th Fr. Ed Steiner, Rector of the Cathedral of the Incarnation, will tell us about his story and the position of the beautiful sanctuary that is our bishop’s chair. Register at:
www.catholicbusinessleague.org

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

“He must increase, I must decrease”
St. John the Baptist

This is one of my favorite lines from John’s Gospel. It is the ultimate statement of humility; showing a true acceptance of God’s plan for his life. It is not about what I want. God knows what is best for my fellow man and me. He is saying that God must be our guide.

As professionals we are used to planning our day, our week; many are called to write business plans that look out multiple years. Most successful ventures are those that stick to the plan and follow through on the details. Companies pay consultants big money to help them set targets and give insight from an outside perspective. Even in our personal life. If we do not set goals then we can never expect to improve ourselves; and those projects and people we deal with daily.

So, how does God’s plan fit into this? It can seem quite a conundrum. How can you be expected to plan, but then leave it to God’s plan? You expect success. How can He not want that for you?

The way I gain perspective is through John’s prayer: “He must increase, I must decrease”. God does not want to plan your life. He wants to be a part of your life. He wants to be the influence in your planning process. The more you go to Him in prayer and in the Eucharist; the more God will be a partner in deciding your goals. And, what better partner could you have to advise what is best for you and those around you.

As you work through your plan, situations arise that require critical decisions to be made. Sometimes these decisions could mean success or failure. If He has increased in your life, you are more likely to make a good decision, based on what is truly best. If not, your choice will be based primarily on one thing, yourself. How do you want to affect your plan?

I have heard of some Eastern Orthodox monks that walk around, bobbing their heads, and repeating “He must increase, I must decrease” to continually focus on giving their lives over to God. Now, I am not suggesting that you stroll around the office, chanting like a monk. I am saying that you should increase him in your life. He only wants what is best for you and is here to help you on that path.

As I look back on my like, the more time I have spent time with Him in prayer and in front of the Blessed Sacrament, more often I have made good plans and decisions. They may have been tough decisions, but they were the right ones for my family and me.

Ask God to be a bigger part of your life. Ask Him to help you with your planning and decision making processes. Pray before you plan. Kneel before you make a big decision. You have the best consultant that money can buy, available to you at all times, at no cost but your time.

The Catholic Professional

Go and Be Fed

People often ask how to keep one's morals and scruples in this profit hungry business world. Although I am no saint, the best way for me has always been to eat bread.

Over the past two years I had a unique job situation. Because of a buyout and signing a non-compete, I found myself with quite a bit of free time. What do you do when only working 10-20 hours per week, and being paid for it? I few things came to mind: get a boat, play more golf, etc. But, I felt the obligation to fill my time productively.

Among other things, I started occasionally going to the 9am Mass at St. Philip in Franklin. I went partly for prayer, but also for answers. On many days it became the thing that got me out of the house. It slowly became a habit that I look forward to. I was going for the lessons but realized I was being fed by both word and bread.

The readings and homily are always and inspiration. But, today I can get the readings and listen to a 3-minute video homily from my home computer. What the Mass gives you is the Bread of Life that can feed your spirit. The Eucharist has become central to my ability to survive in the world.

I know most who read this receive the Eucharist at each Sunday Mass. This is wonderful. Don't stop. But, I know at my Parish, Sunday morning is packed with people with different levels of interest and clothing. I find it hard to truly concentrate on the prayers and songs of the Blessed Sacrifice. Going to daily Mass, at least one day a week, gives me the chance to experience all of this, one alone with God.

I am the living bread that came down from heaven;
whoever eats this bread will live forever;
and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world
John 6:50

Community prayer and communion are so very necessary. And, so is the practice of going to God in solitude and offering yourself to him as bread for others. As he does every day at the multitude of Masses that are said around the world.

You can find somewhere, sometime to go to Mass during the week. Check out:
www.dioceseofnashville.com
If you’re traveling it is a great way to start your day. Check out:
www.masstimes.org

In Christ

TCP

Grace to you and peace from God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ
Rom 1:7

Perseverance contains the word severe.

In our lives we expect things fast. We are used to "on-demand" entertainment and overnight delivery. You can speed things up even faster with a drive-through double shot latte from your favorite coffee shop. Results are expected immediately; weather from medicine or a pregnancy test. And, heaven help us if it takes more than 10 seconds to download something from our high-speed internet.

These conveniences of modern life aren't all bad. They are examples of innovation that allows us to do more with our time. We can focus more energy on important things such as family and community. But do we? Also, consider how long it took to create these efficiencies. None of them came to be overnight.

Have you ever heard the expression "Nothing good happens fast"? The word to focus on here is "good". Sure there are many pleasures in life that come about quickly. But what about the things that are truly good?

Those take perseverance to come about; hours of preparation, struggle, failure, trials, and successes. Seeing it through no matter the obstacles. The Saints are all great examples of this perseverance. They weren't just born to be holy and live blessed lives. All of them struggled through many trials and tribulations, including their own sins, to shine their light in Jesus' name.

What are the things you are most proud of in your life? Your career or business? Your family? My experience is that all the good parts of my life took time to develop. "Sweat equity" is what some people call it in business. Anything given to you for free is not worth a tenth as much as something you struggled and suffered to achieve.

So, be it a business project, a new job, a new relationship, or just the current good in your life; keep your "eye on the prize". Be a person of perseverance and daily prayer. Ask God for the strength to persevere for the greater good, even in the most severe circumstances.

TCP
He will sit refining and purifying silver,
and he will purify the sons of Levi,
Refining them like gold or like silver
that they may offer due sacrifice to the LORD.
Mal3:3-4

In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world." John 16:33

In this world of secularism and individualism, it is easy to build a wall. A wall that protects us, our family, and friends from all the mess and evil that surrounds us. It is easier to keep our faith, say our prayers and support those within our wall.

But, is that what we are called to do by the Lord? There are plenty monestaries and convents where monks, nuns, priests and sisters spend there days in work and prayer. This is a beautiful and holy way of life. To devote one's entire days, by vow and act, in service to God by keeping these devotions. They pray for the outside world but do not live in it. We can learn much from their model, but our daily business is quite a bit different.

St. Thomas More, one of the most celebrated secular Saints, strongly considered the priesthood when he was young. Most people in his time saw it as a more direct path to perfection. He eventually accepted his call to marraige as one with more opportunity for struggle and suffering, therefore refining his soul to a purer metal. His biographer, Charles Wegemer, even points out that Chaucer and Shakespeare agreed "If all good people were encouraged to enter the monestary, how should the world be served?"

Now our world today is quite different. There are not many who are even called to the religous life. We are all out there in a diverse society. And although we still get a taste of "community life" in our Parishes and our families, we spend most of our days in the secular business world. Accepting and engaging the trials and tribulations of this world is our challenge. But, most of us are not starting with the metal that St. Thomas began with.

The first thing to remember is that there will be failure. Being human and taking these risks, it is bound to happen. But, through prayer, through participation in the sacrament of Confession, through the community that supports us we can take on the world. We must follow Jesus urging and "Be not afraid." Put out into the deep and risk capsizing the boat or breaking the nets.

Put yourself out there. In your business day, take the risk and be the example of charity, clean living, and fair practice. Only by this can His love enter the the lives around us and thereby change the world.

Lord, make me and instrument of Your peace.

TCP

He will sit refining and purifying silver,
and he will purify the sons of Levi,
Refining them like gold or like silver
that they may offer due sacrifice to the LORD.
Then the sacrifice of Judah and Jerusalem
Mal3:3-4

Your networking skills are you biggest asset in a career search.

When I was graduating from the University of Kentucky and looking for a job around Louisville, where I grew up, my father just happened to be looking as well. A CPA by trade, he had been the CEO of a regional kitchen cabinet manufacturer when the founder of the company passed away. Well the second generation had no interest in the company, so they tried to sell it. When that didn’t work they went into “Chapter 11” and sold off the pieces. This left my Dad, in his 50’s, without a job for the first time in his life.

His example taught me so much that I am just now realizing. Someone had given him a book called “What Color is your Parachute” by Richard Bolles (this was around 1990). It is a reference book that is billed to be for “job hunters and career changers”. It has been updated and republished every year since it first came out in 1970. I would like to read a short passage from the 2008 edition………………

“Just remember, contacts are the key. It takes about eighty pars of eyes, and ears, to help find the career, the workplace, the job that you are looking for. Your Contacts are those eighty eyes and ears.

They are what will help you get the ideal job you are looking for, and they are to finding out the name of the person-who-has-the-power-to-hire-you.

The more people you know, the more people you meet, the more people you talk to, the more people you enlist as your personal job-hunting network, the better your job-finding success is likely to be. Therefore, you must try to grow your contacts wherever you go. This, of course, is called “networking.” I call it “building your grapevine.”

I saw my Dad network his way into a job at a start-up bank that he eventually retired from. That job became the happiest 15 years of his working life.

Now I am sure that “Networking” is not a new concept for anyone here in this room. But, what I have learned from my father, this book, and my own experience, is that you must approach your network of contacts in a delicate manner. My Dad allowed me access to his contacts over the years with the only stipulation that I not just go in and ask for a job.

Many people looking for a job are hard workers. They believe the harder they work at finding a job, the more resumes they get out there in front of people’s eyes, the better their odds of landing an offer. Most people lead with their resume and ask for their contacts to forward it wherever they can. This is where I believe counsel can be given.

• Do some research on the person that is your contact. What questions can you ask them?
• How can they expand your knowledge of their industry, profession, or others that they know?
• Ask them what would they do if they were in your situation?
• Who else would they talk with and what other companies would be worth looking into?

Ask for their help, not for a job.

If you ask someone for a job they tend to get defensive. People are busy and that request brings forth an awesome task. If you ask for their help and advice, that is more reasonable. Most people will do all they can to assist you.

I have had friends offer to send my resume on to another and ask about openings. I will thank them but request: “Can you just tell them I am looking for advice and direction. Just see if they will meet with me over coffee to talk.”
I will then send an email to the first contact with this request and ask them to forward it on to their friend. I will thank them for their friendship and always return the favor when asked.

This I believe is a way to truly build a network. You are selling yourself, not a piece of paper that is your resume. Get yourself in front of as many people as you can with the genuine intention of finding the best use of your value. You may be surprised what careers and industries you fall into.

Closing

A few points in closing:
• I bashed Facebook earlier, but there is a networking website that is worth some of your time. It is called “Linked In”. This is part networking and part profile placement. You can create a “profile” that is much like a resume that will become a link that you can use. I have that link in my email signature so, unlike leading with a resume, anyone who is forwarded my first email can click on this link, if they wish, and immediately find out more about me.
• There are many Groups on Linked In, including the Catholic Business League that has become it own network (separate from our local group) with members around the country.
• If you get a profile on Linked In or have one already, please find me and I would be happy to connect.
• The Catholic Business League meets on the second Thursday of every month at the Martin Center in Brentwood. We have just instituted a new policy, at the request of the Diocese, that anyone in career transition or financial trouble be allowed to join with the understanding that they pay membership when their situation changes. Please e-mail these requests to me at president@catholicbusinessleague.org You do not have to be Catholic to b a member, just realize that many of the speakers and practices flow from the Catholic faith.

I pray daily that all those that are un-employed or under-employed find true vocation to support themselves and their family. Please keep the Catholic Business League and myself in your prayers too.

Thank you and may God bless you all.
TCP

Therefore, stay awake!
For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.
Matthew 24:41

Create a "Vision Statement" for yourself

Most companies spend much time creating their mission statements. It becomes a great reference when decisions are made. Does this fit within our mission as a company? If we do this, how will affect our mission? These are questions that can help a company plan for its goals and direction in the years to come. This is very necessary in a world where distractions of many types can divert attention away from the targets necessary to be successful.

Do you have a personal mission statement that you are working toward?

A mission statement, as valuable as it is, is short term. It looks to the next few years and helps to draw that map. In order to create good mission statements one must first know the entity's reason for existence. A "Vision Statement" gives a clear, concise picture of why this company even exists. As a friend of mine said "It is 30,000 feet up looking down, encompassing all that you are about." Other definitions are: "an image of our desired purpose" "when it is realized the company can be dissolved".

Do you have a personal vision statement that encompasses all you are about? Something that, when it is accomplished, you can say "that is why I was born" or "it is finished" and move on to eternity with God.

There is much that the Church teaches us that helps order our lives and our businesses. We can also learn from business, ways to order our lives and Church activities. Spend some time in prayer and create a working "vision statement" for yourself (or ministry). Write it down and live with it for a few days. Add, change, delete words until you find a simple, concise sentence that encompasses your purpose in this world. From that vision you can create missions for the different areas of your life that will keep you moving toward your vision.

My working model:
"To be a grateful servant to my family, my Church and all those I encounter"

Will get back to you with missions!

TCP

Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion,
for God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Cor 9

Lent is a great time for your spiritual "performance review"

I am back from retreat, joyful and thankful!

If you have not recently, I recommend getting away by yourself sometime soon. We need to step out of our daily trappings to gain perspective on what is truly important in our lives. I do not mean a vacation or going to visit a friend, but alone, you in God in a spiritual setting; for a few days or just a few hours. It gives/forces you the opportunity to see your life as others and God do.

One of the hardest things for someone to do in business is a performance review. But, we all know how it is a necessary exercise if you want your employees to gain perspective and improve their work.

It is the same with a personal retreat. If you truly want to be (as Matthew Kelly says so well) "the best version of ourselves" then take the time, find the time, use the time as you would counsel your best friend to do. Take a review of your spiritual life and work to improve. It will affect all other areas of your life.

My retreat was at Gethsemani in KY. Others I know love to go to Whitehouse outside St. Louis. Look for others on line at Catholic City.

Peace be with you
TCP
All the ways of a man may be right in his own eyes,
but it is the LORD who proves hearts.
Proverbs 21:2

What do your futures say? Up, down or flat?

The stock markets are always looking to the future. Stock prices are based mostly on expectations of a company's performance in the next few years and the long term.

Of course the corporation's current situation is always part of the equation. You need to know how they are operating now in order to envision the potential growth, or contraction. The stock price becomes an average of peoples belief in the future. Although not always correct, it is usually a long-term "bet" on corporate earnings.

How does your stock rate? As Catholic Professionals we are continually assessing our own value; either to our company or the job market around us. If someone were to bet on your future as a professional would they go short or long? Don't just focus the financial future, but the positive impact you will have on your company, your profession, and the colleagues that surround you.

Wherever you side on this "futures" wager. How do you increase your stock more? As a Catholic Professional, how do you add to the value that you bring to the world in which we live, for the long-term payoff?

We must see it as just that: long term. There have been many companies and people who hit the world markets with a splash. Their value skyrockets in no time, with everyone jumping on the bandwagon to praise their strategy and their future. But, not many of these last very long. Most crash and burn, just as hard and fast as they shot up.

Our common sense knows. It is the one who does the hard work; the long, slow, and consistent details are what sets us up for the future growth. It may be boring, but these are the tenets we all know have better potential for this wager.

What are the details that, as a Catholic Professional, will give us and our world the best future? Daily readings and prayer; frequent meditation and confession; consistent Mass attendance; offering our work to God; deliberate efforts to help others genuinely, not just out of selfish gain; these are just a few of the simple, unexciting tasks that can set us up for this future growth. What we don't see is what it does for us right now. Our present world will be affected immediately.

You may see some risk in the wager. But we know the odds are on our side. The world will be a better place for us all in the if we invest our energy in the simple, consistent actions right now.

How will you invest during these troubled times?

TCP

Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion,
for God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Cor 9

Today's struggle - Lessons from the Old Testament?

In hind sight we all can see the excesses of past years. All of us that were able to buy a house, 2 years ago or more, felt guaranteed that it would grow in value. Many people lived beyond their means, just because there was growth happening everywhere.

Now, I am not saying that all of us were selfish idiots with our (and others') money. But you must agree that society was encouraging a lifestyle and luxury that eventually would come back to bite.

My men's fellowship group is currently reading a book by Dr. Scott Hahn titled "A Father Who Keeps His Promises". Without going too deep (and it is deep), it recounts much of the Jewish history in the Old Testament. It reviews the various covenants that God made with his people to bring them to purity and lead others to the one, true God. He is the first person to make these stories seem relevant to the New Testament, and our world today.

The people, nation, or kingdom of Israel went through the continual cycle of blessing, sin, penance, and redemption. They would be comfortable from the Lord's bounty; begin to forget how they got there and worship false Gods; be pained for these sins through exile and slavery, etc.; and finally come back to their Father and be healed.

In our business world of late you can see the many blessings of modern society: the internet, luxury travel, comforts and efficiencies that are beyond compare. Many sins have entered and grown in these successes: pornography, distance from persons, greed and selfishness in many industries; even government. Just a few examples such as: Enron, Bernie Madoff, huge financial deficits, and the housing "bubble".

Is the current economy our penance? Are we going through a period of cleansing and healing, just as the Jews did so many times in the OT? Why couldn't we see it? Why did we not repent and right our ways before the suffering began?

God's love is ever-present now for us now, just as it was for His people thousands of years ago. But we misread and take for granted that love as they did. This suffering had to happen to focus ourselves and our professional lives on what is best for this world. No one wishes for suffering to happen, even God doesn't want us to hurt.

A famous person once said "Change only happens when the pain gets great enough". Like a loving parent he allows us to be taught in the only way we can truly learn. G.K Chesterton said "Suffering without love is worthless; Love without suffering is empty."

May we as a society learn what we must in these time of despair: to let God and the example of his Son, who suffered the ultimate price for us, be the one true mission in our lives, both personally and professionally.

In Christ

The Catholic Professional

Put away your misdeeds from before my eyes;
cease doing evil; learn to do good.
Make justice your aim: redress the wronged,
hear the orphan’s plea, defend the widow.
Isaiah 1:17

My Daily Spiritual Workout

Anyone serious about staying in physical shape must workout often. We all know that spending time daily exercising our bodies, we are better prepared to participate in our favorite activity. It could be it basketball, skiing, physical labor; any task that requires stamina and fitness. When we don't get the exercise we need, the task is more difficult if not impossible; at least performing on the level that we expect. Working out once a week or less is not enough to keep our body "in-shape".

Why is it then that we go to Mass once a week (or less) and expect our spiritual health to be "in-shape" for any circumstance we come across. On Sunday we receive a dose of prayer and reflection at the Holy Mass that is presumed to be enough to make it though the next six days. But what happens on Wednesday when your colleague asks you to do something unethical? Or when you find yourself on Friday wanting to repeat that off-color joke you got in email? Was Sunday's exercise enough to guide us to the right decision?

I don't care who you are and how strong your convictions may be. A spiritual work-out once a week does not keep us defended against the temptations of this modern world!

The best Catholic Professionals that I know have a daily practice of prayer and reflection that has become an integral part of their lives. These are people that we all know. They always seem to have the right ethical answer or carry themselves in an upright manner. How do you think they get like that? Are they just made more holy than we are by God? No, they have to work their minds, just as the high level athletes we know must work their bodies.

Try spending 15-30 minutes a day in a quiet spot, alone with God, just as most of us do with the Y. Ever since I began doing this myself, the world (and my problems with it) gets much smaller and more manageable. I began by just reading the daily Scriptures for Mass offered by the Catholic Church. You can set up a bookmark at http://www.usccb.org/nab/ . Along with the readings there are video and written reflections from multiple sources. There are so many more resources on the web you can find. Please comment with your favorite. Another one for me is Universalis.com that provides the Daily Office for priests and religious around the world.

This time every morning that I spend with our Lord has become something that I long for. The morning ritual prepares me for the day in a way that no physical workout could.

Many of you get up extra early to get to the gym or get that run in before work. Why not try the same for your mind and spirit? They will last longer than your body.

In Christ

The Catholic Professional