2 minute read
FAITH WORK at
by dkcsj
By Ashlie Hand
The 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.”
Sarah Le
Energy Storage Applications, Burns & McDonnell
Sarah Le grew up going to a Catholic grade school. Her dad went through RCIA when he came to the United States and her mom is Buddhist. Sarah was baptized in kindergarten but started going to Mass regularly when she was in third grade.
Sarah was involved in Lifeteen in middle school and Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) during high school, but it wasn’t until college that she really dove deep into the Catholic Faith during her time at the Newman Center at Mizzou. Today, Sarah has found a faith community among her co-workers at Burns & McDonnell and City on a Hill that helps her to grow in her faith and form virtuous friendships.
Learn more about Sarah’s story at catholickey.org
Q Is your Catholic Faith part of your professional identity, either publicly or privately? How is it expressed during the work day or in the professional setting?
A: A lot of people know I am Catholic at work. I helped form a Microsoft Teams group chat of more than 50 Catholics. In honor of Burns and McDonnell and Mary, the group name is MACulate Conception. We go to Mass every Monday at Christ the King, which is only 5 minutes from work. It’s a nice way to break up the day and refocus on the work we are called to do. We also started doing “Not the Last Supper” events, which is a holy half-hour and then dinner after.
Q When is it easy to express your faith in a professional setting? When is it more challenging?
A: I don’t think it is too difficult to express my faith in the work setting. People are curious about the Faith and it’s what we’re called to do. People are always open to talking about it, but it’s planting the seed to get people to think about it. I’ve noticed that when I travel with co-workers, they open up more about their personal lives and often share their stance on faith.
Q Is there a Bible verse, Scripture story, prayer, spiritual item or quote that you carry with you?
A: In 1 Thessalonians 5:21, Saint Paul says, “Test them all; hold on to what is good.” This is applicable in my work life and faith life. Having curiosity leads to answers and truth. Whether I’m working on a mechanical system or battery storage system, questioning the process and technical aspects is what helps me learn. This is the same in my faith life.
Q Do you have a favorite saint or religious figure who you turn to in facing challenges at work?
A: Maximilian Kolbe sacrificed his life for a stranger, and this is the greatest form of love — to lay one’s life down for a friend. During the work day when I have struggles and get impatient, Maximilian reminds me to make tiny sacrifices in order to help others around me.
Sarah attends Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish for Sunday Mass, and Christ the King Parish or St. Elizabeth’s Parish during the week.
