Be All In for "Operation Jesus"

Business leaders pray and share bread at annual Mass for Commerce.

The Mass for Commerce has gathered the Catholic business and professional community from Southeast Michigan for twenty-two years. The most recent Mass for Commerce was on Wednesday, October 21, 2015, held in the Sacred Heart main chapel. Approximately three hundred business leaders came together to celebrate the Eucharist in thanksgiving for God's gifts of love and grace. Afterward, the attendees enjoyed a hot breakfast and an opportunity to mingle.

The "Good Shepherd" of our flock, Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron, led us in the celebration of Mas—and the day was his birthday, too!

Archbishop Vigneron said in his homily that as he "read" those present, he understood that our aspiration is to be "all in" as good Christians and to claim the Kingdom of God. He encouraged us to "nourish this aspiration that the Holy Spirit has inspired within each of us."

The archbishop remarked that we as business people are all engaged in commerce, yet at the same time we are bringing the earthly understanding of business to a supernatural level. He called on us to ponder our place in "Operation Jesus"the Kingdom of God. "What is your place in the Kingdom of God? Each of us has a role of servant in Operation Jesus!"

Archbishop Vigneron taught about using our law firm, our business, our industry to create institutions "where human dignity is advanced." Because we are God's daughters and sons in a world deformed by sin, he said, we have a responsibility to shape it according to God's plan.

"You are all bright women and men," Archbishop Vigneron encouraged. "All that we do is an opportunity to advance the Kingdom. God expects a return on his investment."

Mass for Commerce attendee Adora Kassab Ibrahim, owner of Lighthouse Real Estate Group in West Bloomfield, Michigan, said, "It is inspiring to be at Mass with three hundred people who believe in conducting business ethically. I loved the archbishop's homily. He affirmed how much Detroit and the world need just people in the business world."

Archbishop Vigneron assured the Mass for Commerce attendees they could count on his prayers, and count on the Church "as you become saints!"

Next year, we will celebrate the Twenty-third Annual Mass for Commerce at Sacred Heart on Wednesday, October 19, 2016, at 8:00 AM. Why not attend?

In the meantime, consider attending a wonderful presentation by Preston True of Accomplishment Coaching in Royal Oak, Michigan. He will discuss "The Entrepreneur's Journey: Sins, Structure, and Successes" on Wednesday, January 20, 2016, at the seminary.

7:00-7:30 AM Networking and continental breakfast

7:30-8:15 AM. Speaker

8:15-8:30 AM. Additional networking and fellowship

Preston's presentation is not just for entrepreneurs but for anyone working in business. There is no set cost but a freewill offering will be appreciated.