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Adult Education Series 4-Pack, July 19, 2006
Presented by Carol O'Neil

Carol O'Neil, parishioner and Associate Dean at the Georgetown University Law Center, shared her reflections on Spirituality and Work on July 18. Carol began by exploring definitions of work and shared the basic Catholic understanding of work as a good and necessary way to be a part of building the kingdom and contributing to the common good. Carol then invited those present to reflect on how we can live with the "faith vision" rather than the "world vision" at work, including:

• Does my current job contribute to justice or injustice?
• At work, do I act with justice and honesty or have I become complacent and lazy?
• How do I treat others I work with and come in contact with?
• Do I encourage, support and forgive co-workers?
• How well am I balancing work and family, outside activities and rest?

Carol shared various ways to improve on our integration of work and our spirituality. She suggests

• Begin the day with prayer and expressing our intention of our day to God.
• The end of each day can also call us to prayer as we examine the day and call to mind those things we are thankful for, those things we need assistance with, and those times where we seek forgiveness.
• Use a physical reminder at work -- picture, an icon, a cross or an inspirational saying, to remind us what we hope to be about.
• Meditation and recitation of mantras can be a helpful way to call God to mind as well as to reduce stress.
• Other techniques for diffusing stress include breathing exercises and centering prayer.

Additional resources from the Catholic perspective:

• Spirituality at Work by G. Pierce
• www.sacredspace.ie, a daily 5-minute online retreat sponsored by the Jesuits in Ireland.

  In the end, Carol reminded us that we are ultiamtely not in control and that we must accept and live in the here and now. A time for work and a time for play, all held in existence by the power and love of our God. In conclusion, Carol suggested that as we reflect on the challenges and opportunities of our work, we need to remember the millions of people, both in the US and around the world, who have to work or that does not enable them to support their families and develop their skills.