Consider for a moment all the resources Catholics hold. The vast richness abounds.
Above all, we have the fullness of faith, which is the foundation upon which all other assets are built.
Beginning with scientific advancements, which have long been pioneered by Catholics, the discoveries are most accurately understood because of the full context we have. Importantly, the experiments and advancements are made with the dignity of the human person in mind. This truth makes the findings fundamentally better than those that ignore human dignity and ethics.
We also know that the best educational systems and methodologies were developed by Catholics. They are complete while also omitting the damaging ideas of the modern education system. The understanding that students educated with these systems have is more complete because of the full context they are given, facilitating innovation and advancements far beyond their peers.
Plus, all the best aspects of the culture today have been developed and driven forward by Catholics. The model for the family, the best art, music, architecture, traditions, worship, history and more all come from or center around the Church Christ founded.
One of the most important assets we hold are the intellectual resources of Catholic adults today, and secondarily, of Catholic youth who will enter their professions in the next decade. This richness is a combination of education and professional experience, and it is unmatched in history, in both quality and quantity of trained professionals. Currently, this vast wealth is being used to advance secular causes. This is because most Catholics work in jobs at companies that advance causes contrary to Catholic teaching. It’s understandable because this description fits the majority of companies in the U.S., and each one of us is usually doing the best that we can to provide for our families. But that compromise can be temporary.
We invite you to consider what the world would look like if we collectively direct this wealth of resources for the advancement of the Church, our values, our families and our community, for the greater glory of God.
At Catholic Owned, we believe this shift can make a massive difference in the culture and the Church, and we are working to bring it about.
Impacts of Shopping with Catholic Owned™ Businesses
When you shop with a Catholic Owned™ business, you’re contributing to the sustainability of that operation, and encouraging that business owner’s continued effort and sacrifice to run the business. They almost always have a greater purpose behind their operations as well.
The profits go to a Catholic family who uses the income to tithe to their local parish, cover housing costs, feed their children, purchase needed supplies, and give gifts to their children for birthdays and Christmas. If applicable, your purchase also contributes to covering costs of employees, who are more often than not also Catholics trying to support a family. Creating jobs for Catholics in companies that do not require moral compromise is one of the greatest gifts we can give each other by shopping Catholic Owned™.
Additionally, Catholic business owners overwhelmingly do business with other Catholic businesses. They “get it,” and are the absolute best at keeping it “in the family.” Whether these business owners are shopping for their own family or for their business, they are checking their Catholic options first. So every time you shop with one Catholic Owned™ business, you can feel confident that your dollars keep working in the Catholic community.
Where Can We Begin?
As with all shifts in habits, deciding to spend our hard-earned money with companies that share our faith starts with the small things. The first step is to start thinking about checking for a Catholic-owned company for a purchase we want or need to make. “Can I buy this from a Catholic-owned business?” is the question to ask as often as we can.
Purchases that are small and elective, like Christmas gifts, devotional items, and books can easily be purchased from Catholic-owned businesses and are the easiest first swaps.
Then, you can layer on the larger purchases, like insurance, investments, and services for your business and home. Some daily necessities can take more time, but over time and with diligence, they can be swapped for Catholic-owned alternatives.
In the little things and in the big things, the more we can support our fellow Catholics, the better. It will take time, but intentional steps and habits can accelerate the change.
Best of all at Catholic Owned™, we make it easy to find these categories and dozens more.
And these aren’t just Catholic-in-name-only. All the vetted businesses in our directory have committed to our Founding Pillars:
1) Faithful to the Magisterium & in Full Communion with Rome
2) Regularly practicing, sincere Catholic in good standing (52 Sundays per year + Holy Days,
regular confession)
3) Prays the Rosary or practices other sincere daily devotion(s)
4) Operates business in accordance with the principles of the Catholic faith
When you use the Catholic Owned™ App, you can easily find the company that can serve your exact needs and location with just a few taps, and reach out to them to arrange services or make your purchase.
Gone are the days of digging up paper bulletins or keeping track of companies you’ve researched or that friends have recommended to you. Hundreds of companies are inside Catholic Owned™, with more added every week, and it’s all free for you to use!
Conclusion
It can feel overwhelming to change our shopping habits. At Catholic Owned™, we strive to make this process as smooth and easy as possible for you.
By taking the legwork out of the process, you can easily swap more and more of your purchases with Catholic Owned™ businesses. Each and every one makes a real difference.
With each of us taking these steps, we can do what we call Building the New Catholic Economy. This refers to the collective decisions we all make to leverage the wealth of resources Catholics hold for the advancement of our values, our families and our Church, for the greater glory of God. We invite you to join us on this mission by deciding today to always check for a Catholic-owned business alternative prior to making a new purchase.
Join us today. Together, we’re Building the New Catholic Economy.™
Catholic-Link’s Catholic Gift Guide Is Coming Soon!
Image: Photo by micheile henderson on Unsplash
