“For as in one body we have many parts, and all the parts do not have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ and individually parts of one another” (Romans 12:4-5).

No Such Thing as Bad Networking

You know that feeling you get after a good workout? The exuberant, high-spirited, “I can conquer the world” feeling? Especially when you didn’t want to put on those yoga pants in the first place but told yourself you needed it?

That feeling is how I feel after some much-needed connection with others at a networking or group session. Working in corporate outreach most of my career, I’ve used the motto “There’s no such thing as bad networking” to get me through late nights and after-hour events. And, it’s true: No matter how many times I’ve felt sluggish going into a large conference or unmotivated to socialize with new folks, it’s the people around me who give me that second wind.

Finding the “Something Missing” 

My twins recently reminded me of an incident that occurred last year. I had forgotten about that moment, but they brought to light the series of events that led me to where I stand today.

“We overheard you speaking to Daddy; you were crying,” they said.

“Uh-oh,” I thought, “this can’t be good.” I waited to hear what I was crying about.

“You said you were missing something, Mommy—that you felt like something was missing in your life, but you didn’t know what.”

It all came back to me. They were right; I had been on a quest to find something to fill the void I was feeling, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. Now, looking back, I understand clearly: I thought I was Christ-focused, but I was far from it. Not until I started participating in my parish’s weekly check-in group did I begin to understand how far from Christ I was. Working out, my career, my Instagram account … these were the things that were eating my life away.

Thanks be to God, I was matched with amazing women when I signed up for a weekly accountability group. I was hungry to meet Catholic women, but in the midst of the pandemic, I was almost starting to convince myself that being alone was better. What a trap that feeling was! I fought against it and logged onto weekly Zoom sessions with my accountability group for a “spiritual check-in.” We weren’t asking each other about the latest TikTok trends; we were asking each other, “Did you pray your rosary this week? Did you go to adoration? Did you reach out to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while, just to let them know you were thinking about them?”

These spiritual connections changed my life. And, while I do still find time to incorporate a cardio workout into my day, it’s the Catholic community that takes front and center. 

Find a Faith Friend

There are a few things I learned over the course of last year: We need others to help us get through the dark days. We need others to help us savor the sweet days. We need others, period.

Here are some tips I offer you as we are blessed to take on 2022:

• Seek out a small group study at your parish.

• Register for an upcoming women’s retreat.

• Join a Catholic women’s meet-up group (there are many offered online).

• Sign up for your women’s ministry e-newsletter to learn about upcoming events.

• Volunteer for a Catholic nonprofit.

• Find a faith friend to hold you accountable!

“We must consider how to rouse one another to love and good works. We should not stay away from our assembly, as is the custom of some, but encourage one another, and this all the more as you see the day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Lilia Grundy is University of Portland’s Pamplin School of Business’ director of corporate partnerships, with over 20 years of corporate experience (including at Kraft Foods, NBC Television, and Telemundo). Lilia launched Catholic Women Professionals to inspire other working women to grow their faith. She is married to her high school sweetie Rob; they have beautiful twin girls who love art, music and learning about the saints.