Home / News & Publications / Michigan Catholic News / 2007 / Mass for Commerce
Oct. 17 Mass for Commerce is for all in business
Robert Delaney of The Michigan Catholic
Published September 28, 2007
Detroit — The idea behind the annual Mass for Commerce is "the rejuvenation of the strength of the power of the Holy Spirit in commerce," says John Sier, an attorney with the Kitch Law Firm in Detroit and a co-chair of the event.
"Much like some of us go on retreat every year, this Mass is kind of a smaller version — a reminder to everyone about what should be guiding our decisions, our lives and motivations on a day-to-day basis," Sier says.
Auxiliary Bishop Daniel Flores will celebrate the Mass on Wednesday, Oct. 17, at 8 a.m. in the main chapel of Sacred Heart Major Seminary.
People involved in the business world should regard their talents and abilities, and all that those talents and abilities have brought them, as gifts from God, and prayerfully consider how they should use those gifts, says Sier, a member of National Shrine of the Little Flower in Royal Oak.
Another aspect of the Mass for Commerce is the opportunity for Catholic business people to meet other Catholic business people, he continues. The 8 a.m. Mass will be followed by a breakfast.
There is no charge, but Sier says a $20 offering at Mass is suggested to help cover the cost of the breakfast and the publicizing of the Mass.
Tom Angott, CEO of C.F. Burger Creamery Co., was involved in organizing the first Mass for Commerce 15 years ago, and is still active in planning and promoting it.
"Cardinal (Adam) Maida remarked to me that there was nothing for people in the business world like the annual Red Mass for the legal profession," he recalls.
Angott, a member of Our Lady of Refuge Parish in Orchard Lake Village, says he agreed to help get the Mass for Commerce going, and adds that his vision for the event was that it should be for people at all levels, not just top executives.
"I thought it should not just be for executives, not just for CEOs, but ought to be open to anybody — and not just managers, either, but also file clerks and secretaries," he explains.
And Angott adds that the Mass for Commerce is not intended for fund-raising or to be an advocacy group, or have some kind of political agenda.
"There are no meetings or committees, except for planning the event," he says.
Angott says the Mass for Commerce has been drawing about 300 to 350 people each year, but he hopes to see that increase to the 500 to 600 range.
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