FAITH WORK at

By Ashlie Hand

Mark Trujillo: UPS

Mark Trujillo has worked as a service provider for UPS for 38 years, delivering packages to businesses and residents in downtown Kansas City. He is a lifelong KC native and a cradle Catholic. Mark attended St. Charles Borromeo Academy and St. Pius X High School. He has been a member of St. Charles Borromeo Parish his entire life, calling it a mainstay and his peaceful place. Mark credits his parents and grandparents for influencing his devotion to his Catholic faith and his desire to pass the Faith down to his own children, whom he and his wife sent through Catholic grade school and high school.

After losing his wife six years ago to cancer, Mark was lost and in deep pain. His journey through loss brought him more deeply in love with Jesus and led him to pursue the permanent diaconate. Mark reached an important milestone in his formation on June 25, when he was accepted by Bishop Johnston through the Rite of Candidacy.

Q Is your Catholic faith part of your professional identity, either publicly or privately?

A: In Catholic school, we were taught that Jesus is always with us because we are his children, so my faith has always been part of my identity privately. In my professional career at UPS, I have had an opportunity to touch people from all walks of life. In God’s eyes, we are all created equal, and everyone’s soul is so beautiful to him. So, throughout my career, I always treat the people I meet every day with the same respect and honor. Having this attitude opens so many doors to share my faith in an appropriate manner.

Q When is it easy to express your faith in a professional setting? When is it more challenging?

A: Early in my career, I had a hard time sharing my faith. I could talk about sports, current events, politics, etc., but when it came to my faith, I struggled. With the help of my beautiful wife, I decided to dive deeper into my faith. For the first time in my life, I wasn’t timid when people asked about the ashes on my forehead on Ash Wednesday. I was falling deeply in love with my faith and with the Lord. He wants us to go out and share ourselves and our love of our Catholic faith with everyone. A friend of mine once told me that a piano is just a big piece of furniture unless you learn how to play it.

Q

What are some practical ways that you incorporate prayer into your workday?

A: The privilege of working downtown has always afforded me the opportunity to stop in at the Cathedral and sit with Jesus for a little bit, or the Chapel of Ephesus inside the diocese’s offices. I go in just to thank the Lord for all of my blessings. It makes it easier to turn to God when the job gets hard. I also always have a rosary in my pocket.

Q Do you have a favorite saint or religious figure who you turn to in facing challenges at work?

A: My favorite saint has always been Saint Joseph — what a humble and obedient man. Whatever God wanted, Saint Joseph obliged, no questions asked. My favorite angel is Michael, a warrior against Satan, who goes to battle with his sword for the Lord, always vanquishing Satan in the form of a dragon.

Q What is your go-to Catholic/Christian/faith-based podcast, app, radio program or station?

A: I listen to KLove on my radio or EWTN. I also listen to podcasts of Matthew Kelly, Bishop Barron and my favorite, Dr. Scott Hahn. His podcasts have made everything about our faith make sense to me.