FAI TH AT W O R K
“Taking the time to be kind in our interactions with others at work can make a big difference.”
FAITH at WORK
Photo by Megan Marley
T
he vast majority of the more than 1.5 million people employed in the Kansas City and St. Joseph
metropolitan areas work in secular industries. How is faith expressed by devoted Catholics working in our area banks, law firms, doctors’ offices, restaurants, farms or auto plants? This is “faith at work.”
er missed Mass. I attended elementary school at St. Francis Xavier and high school at Bishop LeBlond, both in St. Joseph. My wife Courtney attended school at Cathedral of St. Joseph and Bishop LeBlond High School. We both benefited from a Catholic education and try to share our strong faith with our children.
Q:
Is your Catholic faith part of your professional identity, either publicly or privately?
My colleagues know that I am Catholic and that I am involved in my parish. They know that my wife and I value Catholic education and send our children to Cathedral of St. Joseph. They know that I use my electrical experience to help my parish.
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PHILIP R. EIBERGER Electrician, IBEW Local 545
Q:
What has your faith journey been like?
I was born and raised Roman CathoA lic. My parents have a very strong faith that they passed on to me. Growing up, we prayed the Rosary every night and nev-
Q:
How do you express your faith in the professional setting?
It’s easy to find time during the day to say a quick prayer. Whether it’s before lunch, or anytime I want to ask God for help with the small problems that arise during the normal workday. I like
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talking to God and the saints like they are right there with me when I’m working, just like you would if you were working right beside an actual person.
Q:
Does your Catholic faith influence your interactions and decisions throughout the workday? My faith shows me how to be a good person which makes me a good colleague. Being kind, humble, honest and generous are all things that Jesus teaches. Taking the time to be kind in our interactions with others at work can make a big difference. We never know the burdens that others carry, and a little kindness goes a long way.
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Q:
Is there a Bible verse, Scripture story, prayer, spiritual item or quote that you carry with you?
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I try to thank God every night for the blessings he has given me and to give me another day to do his will.
Q:
Do you have a favorite saint or religious figure who you turn to in facing challenges at work? Saint Joseph inspires me. His willingness to follow God’s will and his sacrifices in being a stepfather to Jesus show me what is possible. Saint Joseph is the patron saint of workers, which holds special meaning to me in my profession.
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Philip is a parishioner at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in St. Joseph.
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