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