Living Your Catholic Identity on the Job
“Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:16). New American Bible
It has been refreshing lately to see an increasing number of professionals speak openly and publicly about their faith. Even so, this trend is far from conventional. For several decades the culture has dissuaded public mention of religion–especially Catholicism and especially in the workplace. As a result, Christians have been lulled into a habit of self-censorship. This practice of staying silent hit a deafening crescendo with the advent of social media as bullies, enjoying the anonymity of keyboard warriorship, grew emboldened to criticize others sharply. “Keep your faith off social media and out of the workplace!” became their mantra. Defying this dictate could, and in many cases did, result in the ostracization of Catholics, to the point of impacting their livelihood.
In recent years it seems that the tide has been changing. Still, how comfortable are most Catholics with sharing their faith publicly? Is it appropriate in the workplace?
Persevering in Faith and Practice
Years ago, I was commissioned to ghostwrite a memoir for a founder and CEO who was also a married deacon. His faith journey influenced his business journey and vice versa. Despite being an Ivy League educated engineer, he found himself among thousands who lost their jobs due to downsizing. With a wife and six young children at home, he worried about how he might provide for the family. He brought up his concerns with his church prayer group, where one member suggested he consider entering the HVAC business, an emerging industry at the time with which he had no familiarity.
After much prayer, discernment, and research, he launched a business and dedicated it to the Holy Spirit, incorporating a dove in the company logo. The first few years were a struggle for him and his family, but he and his wife continued to pray and trust in God’s providence. Within a few years, this husband and father of six realized the slow and steady growth of his business; it was encouraging. He and his wife continued to pray and trust, and eventually the business grew beyond their expectations.
To begin is for everyone, to persevere is for saints (St. Josemaria Escriva).
My client recalled that from the outset of his new endeavor, he incorporated evangelization into his daily routine. His job brought him into the homes and businesses of customers, and after an exchange of pleasantries or after he had serviced their heating and cooling system, he’d ask if he could pray with them. Most accepted, readily.
Years later, inspired by his son who had entered the priesthood, he began studying for the diaconate. While he felt blessed to share the Gospel and homilies before hundreds during Sunday Masses, he told me that he felt he had a greater impact and reach evangelizing on the job.
Sharing the Good News
As baptized Catholics, we are called to spread the Gospel in our daily lives, including at work (Catechism of the Catholic Church 905). Of course, we should do so by example, but we should also seek opportunities for conversations. How to Evangelize Anyone by Jose Pulido (Mary Foundation 2025) is a handy resource for evangelization upskilling.
Below are “evangelizing on the job” tips I collected over the years from various Catholic clients, priests and religious, and study.
Start with love.
Smile.
Listen twice as much as you speak.
Sell yourself first.
Evangelize one drop at a time.
Set realistic expectations—begin slowly and be patient.
Pray and act.
Harness the power of positive thinking and visualization.
Using as few words as possible, demonstrate your faith through action-benefit statements infused with emotion (e.g.: I am grateful for the Sacrament of Reconciliation because it humbles me and cleanses my soul.)
Opportunities to evangelize abound, even in the workplace where we might think the act is forbidden.
Lorraine Ranalli is an author, ghostwriter, and soft skills trainer, with a background in broadcasting and corporate communications. Impact: Deliver Effective, Meaningful, and Memorable Presentations is Lorraine’s reference book for the communicator’s toolbox. Inspired by life experiences, she has passionately facilitated Ascension’s Joy-Filled Marriage program for nearly two decades. Wife, mother, and Delco proud round out her credentials.