FAITH WORK at

The vast majority of the more than 1.5 million people employed in the Kansas City and St. Joseph metropolitan areas work in secular industries. How is faith expressed by devoted Catholics working in our area banks, law firms, doctors’ offices, restaurants, farms or auto plants? This is “Faith at work.”

Stacey Hartman

Nurse, Mosaic Life Care

Internal Medicine Pediatrics and Adult Care

Q Tell us a little bit about your faith journey.

I was always involved in church and Sunday school growing up, but didn’t become Catholic until later in life. All three of my children attended Catholic schools: Cathedral of St. Joseph School and Bishop LeBlond High School. My grandkids currently attend Saint Gianna Early Childhood Center and plan to continue their education in the Catholic schools.

Q Is your Catholic Faith part of your professional identity?

My co-workers know I am Catholic. I love jewelry and always have my cross necklace, Our Lady Medallion and scapular on. I also wear two saints’ bracelets. I’ve been asked before if they are pictures of my children and I happily tell them they are saints. I work for a doctor who is also Catholic and helps remind me of Holy Days of Obligation and special Mass dates.

Q What are some practical ways that you incorporate prayer into your work day?

I have open communication with God, all day every day. He is very much a part of my everyday interactions with people. I do my best to have patience with everyone and treat others with kindness, respect and a smile. I normally pray the Rosary in the morning. My favorite prayer is: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

Q Does your Catholic Faith influence your interactions and decisions throughout the work day?

Everyone has their own crosses they carry — life can be difficult. We never know what others are going through but we can do our best to respect them and be a pleasant source. I have a positive attitude and I am always good for a hug.

Q What is your go-to faithbased podcast, app, radio program or station?

My go to faith-based podcast is Father Mike Schmitz — he is a great pick me up at any time of day. He’s on YouTube and the Hallow app. I also enjoy “Bible in a Year,” “Ascension Presents” and the latest “Catechism in a Year.”