The Diocese of Bridgeport and the apostolate His Way At Work will launch a guild to consecrate Connecticut businesses to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The diocesan partnership was conceived by Bishop Frank J. Caggiano with the goal of transforming the workplace with the help of His Way At Work, an international apostolate inspiring business owners to consecrate their companies to the Sacred Heart and place God at the center.
His Way At Work, a nonprofit organization, was founded in 2008 by Peter Freissle, an entrepreneur and CEO. His Way At Work reports that it has reached nearly 500,000 employees and their families. It also has aided more than 300 companies, serving in more than 12 countries. Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of San Francisco serves as the episcopal adviser to His Way At Work.
By joining the association of consecrated companies, the Bridgeport Diocese said it hopes the owners will adopt a Catholic framework and encourage care for employees.
The guild will be entrusted to its patrons — Sts. Louis and Marie-Azélie Martin. The pair were two small business owners in 19th-century France. They were also the parents of five nuns, including the beloved St. Thérèse of Lisieux, and the first married couple to be canonized.
"His Way At Work aligned perfectly with the guild system the bishop established, and naming it after a canonized man and woman, who were successful and faithful business owners, seemed a perfect fit," Deacon Patrick Toole, chancellor of the diocese, said in a diocesan announcement of the guild.
Caggiano established the Guilds of the Diocese of Bridgeport "to offer a unique way for the faithful to deepen their spiritual lives and grow in community through shared vocations and interests," according to the diocese.
Each of the guilds serves a mission in the community, from fostering Eucharistic adoration to supporting healthcare. The initiative is expanding its reach with a guild focused on supporting business leaders.
"Our hope is that it creates a community of faith among business owners so they can support each other and grow closer spiritually and professionally," Toole said.
"By consecrating their businesses to the Sacred Heart, their customers will realize there is something different and special about these businesses — something that sets them apart," he said.
The announcement of the guild follows the diocese's reconsecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which took place in June. The diocese joined the Catholic Church throughout the U.S. in "a great act of faith and love as our bishops consecrate our nation to the Sacred Heart," Caggiano wrote in a message.
Next steps for companies hoping to add faith to their work
For interested businesses in the diocese, Caggiano will hold an informational session in conjunction with the His Way At Work team. It will be held on Oct. 22 at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield.
Business owners will receive a guidebook and pray a nine-day novena to the Sacred Heart. Members will receive certificates of consecration and be encouraged to take part in monthly formation meetings offered by the guild with His Way At Work.
The initiative will be funded by the diocese, which will provide members free access to formation materials.
The Diocese of Bridgeport joins numerous other diocesan communities who work alongside His Way At Work to bring God's presence to the workplace.
The organization works in partnership with the Archdiocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, Missouri, and the Diocese of Charleston, South Carolina. It also operates internationally, aiding the the Archdiocese of Mexico in Mexico City and the Archdiocese of Monterrey in northern Mexico.
