South Texas Catholic - February 2012

OUR FAITH

FEBRUARY 2012

SOUTH TEXAS CATHOLIC A15

Author challenges us to be a Catholic at work “The Catholic Briefcase: Tools For Integrating Faith and Work,” by Randy Hain. Liguori Publications (Liguori, MO, 2011). 137 pp. $16.99. Reviewed by Michael Esparza The Economic Planning Group, Inc.

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s Jesus “with us” always? Are we “with him” always? I start with these questions to make us think about “our” relationship with Jesus Christ or moreover “His” perfect relationship with us. Of course, Jesus is “with us” always but how often do we “bring” him to work? These questions will give you a hint of what Randy Hain has done with his book “The Catholic Briefcase.” Cain has asked the right questions and has given us some help with something that is truly needed; integrating our Catholic faith in the workplace. Often as Catholics, we attend Mass, we pray at night, we try to live out our Catholic faith but for some reason we rarely take our Catholic faith with us to the workplace. This is where “The Catholic Briefcase” comes in. Hain has composed a unique book to assist us in NOT checking our faith at the door. Some may think that taking our faith to work is as simple as taking time out to pray during the day or trying to just be a good person at the office, but there is more to it than that. What we do at work, how we interact with others, our decision-making, our work habits and how we react to unfavorable situations is all part of our “Catholic Briefcase.” Hain has real world experience in the workplace and many times he provides an anecdote or an experience that we can easily relate to. Hain also shares some inspiring interviews with other Catho-

lics who are actively taking their faith to work. Hain starts on a journey of integration with the first chapter and immediately creates an urge to read on. He then talks about how to truly surrender to Jesus. Next is a journey of thought and making time for prayer. Hain goes on to speak about stewardship, leadership and decision-making. He goes over the obstacles to be faced as well the investment needed to keep our lives centered on

Christ and integrating our faith at work. Towards the end of the book, Hain points out another important aspect of work. He reminds us that our job is just a job and not a vocation. The last chapter reminds us to, as Hain says, “start with the end in mind” and then he calls us to action. One unique aspect of Hain’s style with “The Catholic Briefcase” is he ends every chapter with questions, discussion points and reflection opportunities. These sections will help us focus on our own experiences and situations and how to best work to move forward in integrating our faith at work and filling our own “Catholic Briefcase.” This process is beneficial in helping us understand what is needed and how to find the courage to integrate your faith and work. It is evident that Hain is scripturally skilled with his expertly chosen scriptures well tied within each chapter. Hain says, “Consider for a moment what would happen if the millions of Catholics in this country became more integrated and showed more active faith in the workplace, and through acts of selfless love, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and the Church’s teachings began to positively change their actions and inspire others to do good. We would permanently change the world.” With “The Catholic Briefcase” Hain has created a tool to marry our Catholic faith to our workplace and he is calling us to action. It is a must read for every Catholic. It is an enjoyable, inspiring, thought provoking and a scripturally grounded book filled with great stories, personal experiences and just the right questions. Esparza is Vice President of The Economic Planning Group, Inc., a firm that specializes in insurance, retirement and employee benefits. He is also serves on the Alice city council.

WONDERING CATHOLIC: Should not wander from His church Continued from page A13 church, with the pope as the final arbiter of religious doctrine. (Remember how, in the Acts of the Apostles, the first Christians appealed to Peter to decide whether gentile converts to the new faith needed to follow Jewish rituals and rules?) So to answer your question, I don’t think it’s logical to “belong” to two different religious denominations -particularly when one of them does not include some, or even all, of the elements mentioned above. However, I do understand that you are finding satisfaction in, and drawing benefit from, certain programs offered by your neighboring church, even though it is not Catholic. It may be a program of Bible study, a course on prayer or a food pantry or soup kitchen that has sparked your

interest. I would encourage you to maintain your involvement with those particular programs -- while not actually enrolling as a “member” of that denomination -- but at the same time to continue to worship and receive the sacraments at your local Catholic parish. Q. When I was a student in Catholic school many years ago, we were taught that we needed to fast from food and drink from midnight in order to receive holy Communion in the morning. That has since been shortened to one hour. My wife came in to the Catholic Church about five years ago, and she has asked me why we don’t wait at least an hour after communion before we eat anything. Frankly, I couldn’t think of a good answer. It seems that we get together after Mass with our friends and go somewhere for

breakfast as soon as we can. Is there a rule about this -- or should there be?(Mount Vernon, Ohio) A. As happens with many recent converts, your wife’s question is perceptive and profound since it recognizes the special reverence due to a special gift. There is no rule about fasting after the reception of Communion, although the common advice of spiritual directors would be to wait at least 10 or 15 minutes before eating or drinking. This seems to stem from the church’s belief that Jesus remains present in the Eucharist for as long as the “species” of the host continue to exist (size, color, taste, etc.) while the digestive process begins to take place. Many spiritual writers, though, encourage an even longer period of fasting and prayer following Communion, since that is an ideal time for an intimate exchange with the Lord

and a “preview” of the divine presence in heaven. The Jesuit saints Ignatius of Loyola and Aloysius Gonzaga are said to have spent two hours on their knees in prayer after receiving the Eucharist -- although that may seem beyond the reach of average Catholics and could wreak havoc with Sunday Mass schedules! St. Louis de Montfort would remain in church after Mass for half an hour. No worry or engagement could deter him, and he said he would not give up that time of prayer even for an equal time in paradise. As a practical matter, it would seem a worthy and productive habit to stay after Mass at least a few minutes in order to pray in gratitude for this divine nourishment. (Questions may be sent to Father Kenneth Doyle at askfatherdoyle@gmail.com and 40 Hopewell St., Albany, N.Y. 12208.)

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