The idea came from parishioner Peter Freissle, founder of His Way At Work, who organized a Mass for CEOs to consecrate their businesses to the Sacred Heart.

Father Teodoro “Ted” Kalaw, now superior general of the Adorno Fathers, came from Rome to his former parish to participate (see cover photo).

“When Peter told me about the consecration, I made a point to be here because this is something special,” Father Kalaw said.

He joined another former JORS pastor, Father Liam Reza Panganiban, plus the current pastor, Father Giovannie Nunez, and Father Eric Paluku, parochial vicar. The harmony of these Adorno fathers during the consecration of the Eucharist delighted parishioners.

Speaking to CEOs, Father Kalaw pointed to the true leader.

“He is the boss,” he said. “We follow his way … the shepherd’s way, the heart of Jesus.”

He acknowledged leadership can be lonely. “Do not be afraid of being alone. You are never alone,” he said, quoting Pope Leo XIV.

“How painful it is to take your heart out and show it,” Father Kalaw said. “If it doesn’t pain you, you are not serving because the very meaning of service is love.” And when done out of love, he said, work becomes “more profitable. A true shepherd is not paid. … Make your way his way.”

That message resonated with parishioner John Cetone, who attended with his wife, Sue.

Cetone attended early His Way At Work meetings when Freissle was establishing the nonprofit. Though he sold his company, Spartan Custom, six years ago, the principles still guide him.

“I put a crucifix up on the wall behind my desk to remind myself that the Lord gave this to me,” he said. “I needed to do the things that Christ wants me to do.”

Now, as a landlord for townhomes, he and his wife continue to put God first.

“Even scaling it down to me and Sue, I still need to do the same things. That’s the reason I want to consecrate,” he said. 

David and Marsha Picuta felt the same call. They run a small rental business together.

“I thought it was for medium to large companies,” David said. He later discovered His Way At Work embraces all businesses.

“Making a profit is important. It’s a goal of mine,” he said. “But there’s more than just the numbers and the financials.” 

He recalled a tenant who fell on hard times. The Picutas offered flexibility until the tenant recovered.

“His Way At Work will teach us how to think and how to look at our business in a different way,” he said.

The program also strengthens relationships. “It’s an opportunity for us to get closer,” he said of his marriage. “This is the beginning of a journey. I’m going to let the Holy Spirit lead me.”

Freissle was grateful to see 40 business owners take part in the consecration. 

“This is where my journey started” in 2008, he said. “We’ve become an extension of the Church at our company. … We are mobilizing Catholic business owners. We can impact this world in a positive way.”

Gary Towery, who helped found Catholic Radio in South Carolina also attended. He joined Freissle years ago on a silent retreat where the idea first began.

“I know His Way At Work because I was into it at the very beginning,” Towery said. He wanted to consecrate his work in media.

“The importance of media is changing. Everybody is connected,” he said. “What you watch with your eyes and hear with your ears affects your spiritual journey. We have to have people in the media who are well-founded in their faith.”

Seeing Father Kalaw again was an added blessing.

“This was a culmination of things that have been happening over the years,” Towery said. “It was awesome.”

Antonio Ramirez, owner of Tony’s Sandwich Company, said he loved seeing family businesses included. 

“I love to see mom and pop and the kids run the business,” he said. Ramirez operates three diners with the help of relatives and friends.

“I focus on the service and helping the family,” he said. “At the end of the day, it brings us together.”

His Way At Work, he said, brought many together at Jesus Our Risen Savior for a celebration of faith and business — a true homecoming for the parish that inspired it all.