The Great Commission
UTG founders Deacon Mike Houghton and Mary Martin.
Mass for Commerce and Unleashing the Gospel at Work
By Sarah Kittle
The Great Commission, as described in Matthew 28:19-20, outlines three essential commands for believers: spread the Gospel, encourage others to follow Jesus, and teach His ways. It is a mission Jesus entrusted to His apostles—and to all of us who follow Him today.
Most adults spend more time at work than on any other activity—except perhaps sleeping. Yet many of us don’t bring our whole selves to the workplace. For Christians, that often means hiding a key part of who we are: our faith.
We are all called to live our faith and, yes, to evangelize in everything we do—including our work. Still, for many, sharing faith in the workplace can feel intimidating.
We may fear backlash, company policies, or potential legal consequences. And while these concerns are real and must be considered, they don’t mean we should leave our faith at the door when we arrive at work.
When we don’t talk about our faith, we can feel isolated—like we’re the only Christians in the room, stranded on an island. But the reality is that more than 60% of Americans identify as Christian. If you’re in a meeting of 20 people, chances are about 12 of them are your brothers and sisters in Christ.
It’s time to seriously consider what it means to unleash the Gospel in the workplace. If we are truly called to be on mission, then the workplace is mission territory. The question isn’t, “Should we live and share our faith at work?” The real question is, “How can we best live and share our faith at work?”
The Mass for Commerce: A Space for Catholic Professionals
On October 22, 2025, Catholic professionals from across Southeast Michigan will gather at Sacred Heart Major Seminary for the 32nd Annual Mass for Commerce—a longstanding tradition that unites faith and business.
Founded in 1993 by local businessman Thomas Angott, the Mass for Commerce offers a unique space for Catholic business leaders to reflect on the integration of faith and work. The event includes a Eucharistic celebration followed by a networking breakfast, fostering both spiritual growth and community connections.
The Mass for Commerce is an opportunity for the Catholic business community to spread the hope and joy that come from knowing Jesus Christ in the sharing of the Eucharist.
Participants seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the strength of their Catholic faith in their personal and professional lives. The event is open not only to business owners and executives but to anyone who works and is affected by the economy. This year, the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce is participating and promoting the Mass to its 1,000+ membership.
Following Mass, attendees gather for breakfast at the seminary to build fellowship and expand their professional networks. In good times and difficult times, the constant for the Catholic business community is the teachings of the Gospel.
“The Mass allows professionals to tie their work to the life of the Church and to connect with fellow Catholic professionals,” said Deacon Mike Houghton, executive director of UTG (Unleash the Gospel) at Work, the organization supporting the event. He cited the organizational mission: “In our ever-changing world, the principles of stewardship, service, and leadership are timeless.”
Launched in 2023, UTG at Work helps Catholics live out their faith in the workplace through podcasts, articles, events and the Catholic Commerce Directory. The initiative is led by Deacon Mike Houghton and Mary Martin, who bring deep ministry experience and a passion for equipping Catholic professionals.
Deacon Mike Houghton was ordained a Catholic deacon in October 2012 and has served for more than a decade at St. John Vianney Parish in Shelby Township, Michigan, within the Archdiocese of Detroit. After a 35-year career at General Motors, he transitioned to full-time ministry as Director of Missionary Strategic Plans for the Archdiocese. In July 2023, he assumed the role of executive director of UTG at Work, where he leads efforts to help Catholics live their faith in the workplace.
Mary Martin brings more than 20 years of pastoral planning and organizational leadership to UTG at Work. Prior to joining the team, she served as a coach and team leader in the Archdiocese of Detroit’s Department of Missionary Strategic Planning. Passionate about evangelization and small groups, she has developed discipleship formation tools, launched evangelization efforts, and created opportunities for Catholics to live and share their faith in everyday life.
One of UTG at Work’s key resources is the UTG at Work Podcast, which offers weekly reflections on the Sunday Gospel, applying its lessons to modern work environments.
Both the Mass for Commerce and UTG at Work emphasize the impor-tance of Catholic social teaching in promoting ethical business practices. They encourage professionals to see their work as both a vocation
and a means of evangelization.
Deacon Houghton extends a special invitation to members of the Chaldean business community to participate in this year’s Mass for Commerce. “We welcome all Catholic professionals to join us in celebrating the gifts of love and grace bestowed upon our work,” he said.
For more information and to register, visit massforcommerce.org.
The Challenges and Opportunities of Christian Leadership in Business
Christian leaders are often well-equipped to navigate business challenges because they build on a foundation of faith and ethics that guide their decisions and actions. They also have access to a community of believers who can offer support, prayer, and guidance in difficult times. Upholding Christian values, leading with love, making faith a priority, and maintaining integrity can set Christian leaders apart in competitive industries.
One major challenge is the pressure to compromise beliefs to stay competitive. In a world where profit often trumps ethics, it can be tempting to cut corners or pursue opportunities that conflict with Christian values. However, we are called to live lives of integrity, choosing what is right—even when it’s not the most profitable path. A Christian leader’s ethical foundation helps ensure decisions are both profitable and morally sound, avoiding ethical missteps that can harm both reputation and business.
Another challenge is facing discrimination or intolerance based on faith. Even in societies that protect religious freedom, Christians may encounter hostility or business exclusion. In these moments, it’s essential to remember Jesus’ call to love our enemies and to trust in God’s plan, even when obstacles seem insurmountable.
Balancing faith and business is also a frequent struggle. There can be tension between profitability and moral integrity—whether that’s feeling pressured to sell products that conflict with your beliefs or being asked to compromise religious commitments, like working on Sundays. Prayerful discernment and a firm commitment to keeping faith as a priority are essential to navigating these conflicts.
Christian leaders also face the constant challenge of standing out in a crowded, competitive marketplace. How can you distinguish yourself, your team, and your business? The answer is found in composure, resilience, trust, and wisdom gained through prayer and a close relationship with God. Faith can offer peace in stressful moments and provide clarity when making high-stakes decisions.
Despite these challenges, many Christian business leaders have overcome adversity while making a positive impact in their communities. Business leadership is a powerful platform to live out the Gospel and shape workplace culture. By remaining grounded in biblical principles, seeking God’s guidance, and surrounding themselves with supportive, like-minded believers, Christian leaders can both succeed and inspire.
Christian business owners don’t have to face these challenges alone. By engaging in communities like UTG at Work, leaders can gain wisdom, support, and accountability from fellow believers who are also working to integrate their faith into their careers. These groups offer a space to lean on each other, grow together, and navigate challenges with God’s plan in mind.
Integrating faith into business has its challenges, but the rewards—personally, professionally, and spiritually—are immeasurable.