Author challenges us to be a Catholic at work

Is 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 Catholics 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.