The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 14, verse 23, says, "Hard work always yields its profit." In the Gospels, Jesus praises the people who industriously use talent and time to generate an honorable profit for the benefit of themselves, their families and others. Honest profit creates the atmosphere for authentic social development and an improved quality of life.

See Fr. Perfetto's write up in the Parish Bulletin

In the Gospel of Luke Jesus tells us that we cannot “serve God and money” [Luke 16:13]. If our goal in life is simply to maximize profits then, according to Jesus, we would be no different than the pagans. Those who would be followers of Jesus are to use profits for the service of others, for the common good.

As Catholic Christian businessmen and businesswomen not only are we called to be ethical and just in our business practices and in the wages we pay. The bottom line isn’t simply to maximize profits. Our challenge and calling is to use our business practices and resources to help ensure a more meaningful life for all.

There is an old tale of someone who visits a rock quarry. When he asks the laborers what they are doing the first, with a scowl, replies “I am just trying to make a living”. The second, with a look of some satisfaction, says “I am creating a better life for my wife and children”. The third looks at the questioner with a big grin and states “I am building a Cathedral”. What sets the Catholic approach to business apart is that we are about building Cathedrals.

See Fr. Morris's write up in the Parish Bulletin

Economic activity, conducted according to its own proper methods, is to be exercised within the limits of the moral order, in keeping with social justice so as to correspond to God’s plan for man (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2426). This comment from the Catechism emphasizes what is perhaps the greatest challenge to the Catholic within the economic climate that we live in.

There are moral constraints on how business must be conducted. Those constraints are not just those imposed by the civil law. The moral law is more encompassing. It encompasses the demands of social justice. That is, it involves what is good for society in general.

The Catholic entrepreneur must be concerned for more than just the bottom line but also the impact of his or her business on the community, the environment, the care of employees and so forth. Prayerful reflection must inform each and every action of the Christian who carries not just the responsibility for his or her success but also the betterment of the society.