For Catholic women in business, vocation rarely unfolds in straight lines. We are often discerning multiple callings at once: building enterprises, stewarding influence, teaching, researching, mentoring, serving. In this layered life, discernment can feel paralyzing: What if I move too soon? What if I wait too long? What if I say yes and fail?

St. Patrick’s Day is a special feast day celebrated every year by the faithful on March 17th. While this day usually brings to mind shamrocks and leprechauns, all things green, and delicious food and drink, it is also an important day to honor St. Patrick and all his wonderful deeds that brought glory to God.

You are the company you keep. Your character, behavior, and beliefs are greatly influenced by the people you associate with, especially those who are in close proximity. As Catholics, we must keep the saints close to our hearts and look to them for guidance, intercession, and inspiration.

God has given you particular gifts. And for all the “bossy babes” out there, this is delightful news: being direct and even confrontational in a world that shirks away from hard truths is a gift. We need people who can stand firm in the truth, and who aren’t afraid to lead with love.

If I could recommend a book to any young female professional, it would be “Something Wicked: Why Feminism Can’t Be Fused with Christianity” by Carrie Gress, Ph.D. The insights she shares about the dangers of feminism are ones that I have spent the last several years untangling as a mid-career professional and full-time, stay-at-home mom. This book would have saved younger me some heartache in terms of how I viewed the working world and myself.

Two young mothers, celebrated today on March 7, are included in the Roman Canon (Eucharistic Prayer 1) among a list of early Church martyrs. Most people don’t know their story, but we can all learn from their faith and fortitude.