EoC Conference Call - 19/04/2010

Written by Sarah Mundell Monday, 10 May 2010 13:53

North American EoC Conference Call - April 19, 2010

This month´s conference call included:

• FOOD for THOUGHT, with an excerpt from Chiara Lubich, Castel Gandolfo, Italy, April 5, 2001, Four Essential Aspects of the Economy of Communion.
• Update from the International EoC Commissions meeting held April 9-11, 2010, in Castel Gandolfo, Italy.
• UPDATES from the various businesses!

Video - Finish Line part 1

Written by Antonella Ferrucci Monday, 28 December 2009 12:58

Part 1 of a video that depicts FinishLine, an EoC business, and how it affects the lives of its employees and customers.

Video - Finish Line part 2

Written by Antonella Ferrucci Monday, 28 December 2009 12:58

Part 2 of the FinishLine video

Video - Terranova Roger Krokey's EoC Business

Written by Antonella Ferrucci Monday, 28 December 2009 12:52

In the Market for Humanity

Written by Amy Uelmen Monday, 30 November 2009 13:28

Papal Correspondence: Six experts interpret what 'Charity in Truth'says about the issues of our times. One is Amy Uelmen:

In the Market for Humanity (overview of the Economy of Communion)

By Amy Uelmen
published in americamagazine.org on Nov.30,2009

In recent decades a broad intermediate area has emerged between the two types of enterprise. It is made up of traditional companies which nonetheless subscribe to social aid agreements in support of underdeveloped countries, charitable foundations associated with individual companies, groups of companies oriented towards social welfare, and the diversified world of the so-called ‘civil economy’ and the ‘economy of communion’ (No. 46).

It is rare for a specific project to be given a favorable mention in a papal encyclical, but “Caritas in Veritate” seems to present an exception. When Pope Benedict XVI described the “broad intermediate area” between nonprofit and for-profit sectors with the buzz-phrase “economy of communion,” some connected the dots with the Focolare movement’s network of businesses in which profit serves as “a means for achieving human and social ends” (No. 46).

Trip to the US

Written by Anne-Claire Motte Wednesday, 28 October 2009 21:47

Luigino Bruni has been invited to participate in two conferences in the US from October 15 to 17, 2009.

Trip to the US

By Anne-Claire Motte

Luigino Bruni, Professor of Political Economy at the University of Milan-Bicocca and coordinator of the International commission of the Economy of Communion (EoC), was invited to participate in two conferences in the US from October 15 to 17. This visit marked a step forward for the ongoing dialogue with North-American scholars and those who have been following with interest the development in the EoC project. “We need the breadth of this vision which brings together theory and practice to be able to stay on track with Chiara Lubich’s initial inspiration” commented Joan Duggan, entrepreneur in New York and president of the North American Association of the Economy of Communion.

Catholic Companies Demonstrate A New Way Of Doing Business

Written by Egbert F. Bhatty Friday, 23 October 2009 12:17

Catholic Companies Demonstrate A New Way Of  Doing Business

by Egbert F. Bhatty
published in  washingtonhotwire.com on Oct.23, 2009

Catholic Companies throughout the world are showing that it is possible to do good – and do well.
That, it is possible to be a socially responsible corporate citizen. And, at the same time, make a profit.
Free Market Capitalist Corporations, like Wal-Mart, or Exxon, or GE [General Electric], or GM [General Motor], or Ford, are limited endeavors. They manage to a single bottom line – maximization of shareholder return.

2009 North American EOC Congress

Written by Joan Duggan Wednesday, 16 September 2009 16:17

Communion exists and continues to grow!

by Joan Duggan

Benedict XVI and the Economy of Communion (Part 2)

Written by Genevieve Pollock Sunday, 13 September 2009 14:33

Benedict XVI and the Economy of Communion (Part 2)

Interview with Business Owner John Mundell

by Genevieve Pollock
published in  Zenit.org on Sept. 9, 2009

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, SEPT. 9, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Running a company according to Christian principles pays dividends that provide sustenance during the economic recession, says a business owner and member of the Economy of Communion.

John Mundell is the president and founder of Mundell and Associates, an environmental consulting company based in Indianapolis.

In this interview with ZENIT, he shared details about the Economy of Communion, a worldwide business network mentioned by Benedict XVI in "Caritas in Veritate."

The business owner spoke about the highlights of an Aug. 21-23 meeting in New York, a new international internship program, and how the network is surviving the economic recession.

Part 1 was published Tuesday.

Benedict XVI and the Economy of Communion (Part 1)

Written by Genevieve Pollock Sunday, 13 September 2009 11:44

Benedict XVI and the Economy of Communion (Part 1)

Interview with Business Owner John Mundell

by Genevieve Pollock
published on Zenit.org on Sept.8, 2009

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, SEPT. 8, 2009 (Zenit.org).- People are searching for meaning in work, ways to aid people and the environment while earning profits, and Benedict XVI is pointing the way, says an Economy of Communion member.
John Mundell is the president and founder of Mundell and Associates, an environmental consulting company based in Indianapolis.

In this interview with ZENIT, he explained some reasons why Benedict XVI incorporated the Economy of Communion, a growing worldwide business network, into his latest encyclical, "Caritas in Veritate."

Interview with Focolare's Economy of Communion Business

Written by Antonella Ferrucci Monday, 31 August 2009 22:37

Interview with Focolare's Economy of Communion Business

published in Houston Catholic Worker, Vol. XXIX, No. 4, September-October, 2009.

The Houston Catholic Worker Interviewed Joan Duggan and Tom Rowley the Economy of Communion – Joan Duggan and Tom and JoAnn Rowley are co-owners of “Finish Line,” an Economy of Communion educational services business specializing in tutoring. Joan is on the Board of the Economy of Communion for North America.

HCW : Thank you both for your willingness to talk with us about the Economy of Communion, featured in Pope Benedict XVI's new encyclical, Caritas in Veritate . He said there that we need something new, a whole new way of approaching business and economics for our time and he presented the Economy of Communion of the Focolare movement as a model in his new encyclical. What is that model?

Joan Duggan : The business owners who participate in the project, freely choose to share their business profits according to three purposes of equal importance. They:

1) Help people in need - creating new jobs and intervening to meet their immediate needs beginning with those who share in the spirit that animates the Economy of Communion;
2) Spread the "Culture of Giving" and of loving - indispensable and necessary values for an Economy of Communion;
3) Grow the business - which has to remain efficient while remaining open to giving.

Encyclical brings light to Economy of Communion movement

Written by Jessie Abrams Saturday, 22 August 2009 08:12

Encyclical brings light to Economy of Communion movement

by Jessie Abrams
published in the Catholic News Service on Aug. 12, 2009

WASHINGTON (CNS) Walking through the downtrodden areas of Sao Paulo, Brazil, and seeing the stark differences between the lifestyles of the "haves" and the "have-nots" pushed Chiara Lubich to question the effects of capitalism.

Her thoughts and actions sparked the Focolare Movement, which in 1991 birthed a new business philosophy called the Economy of Communion, which promotes operating a business both to make a profit and benefit society.

Pope Benedict XVI's social encyclical praises such alternative business thinking, because its top priority is not to rack up large profits solely for a company and its employees.

A gut check for American Catholicism

Written by John L. Allen Jr. Friday, 31 July 2009 16:57

EOC in the news: from the National Catholic Reporter

A gut check for American Catholicism

Also: A good run for Vatican PR, Obama's Catholic roots and the 'economy of communion'

Indiana firm can claim a papal thumbs-up from new social encyclical

Written by John L. Allen Jr Wednesday, 08 July 2009 22:35

by John L. Allen Jr
posted in National Catholic Reporter on Jul. 07, 2009

Though the Vatican typically is loathe to put the pope in the position of endorsing a commercial product, in effect a papal thumbs-up is precisely what Mundell & Associates, an environmental consulting firm in Indianapolis, Indiana, can claim from Caritas in Veritate, Benedict XVI’s new social encyclical.

Founded in 1995, Mundell & Associates is a 20-person firm specializing in environmental clean-up and design; for example, it’s currently helping Ball State University convert its entire campus to geothermal energy. Directed by a Catholic couple, Mundell & Associates is also part of the “economy of communion” network of businesses linked to the Focolare movement.

USA - Bloomington (Indiana) 24/06/2009

Written by John Mundell Wednesday, 17 June 2009 14:59

Presentation of a new emerging CSR model: The Economy of Communion in Freedom Project

Global Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility

Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
International Studies Summer Institute 2009
201 n. Indiana Ave., Bloomington,Indiana USA

Presenter: John Mundell

The international community is currently facing three interconnected global crises: 1) unsustainable development and energy consumption practices that are using up the world's limited natural resources, 2) the financial system collapse resulting from unethical business behavior, and 3) unequitable wealth distribution between 1st world and 3rd world economies. And yet, with these problems facing us, there lies the hope of new projects and ideas which, when put into practice, greatly alleviates many of the existing concerns associated with these crises.

USA - New York City, 02/04/2009

Written by Amy Uelmen Tuesday, 05 May 2009 21:44

Presentation of the EoC at the Beck Symposium on Poverty and the Common Good at Fordham University  of New York

“Reciprocity as a Key to Economic Development”

On April 2, 2009, Amy Uelmen, director of the Institute on Religion, Law & Lawyer’s Work at Fordham University School of Law (New York, USA), was invited to present the Economy of Communion project as part of a symposium on poverty and the common good sponsored by the Bertram M. Beck Institute on Religion and Poverty, also located at Fordham University.  The moderator was the well-known journalist for the New York Times, Mr. Peter Steinfels.

see the presentation

USA - West Lafayette (Indiana), 24/04/2009

Written by John Mundell Monday, 20 April 2009 13:33

Presentation of Eoc at Purdue University, West Lafayette Indiana, in the afternoon Session of the 7th Annual Geotechnical Society Workshop:

Sustainable, Stable and Equitable Communities:  Near and Far

Friday, April 24, 2009
Purdue University, School of Civil Engineering
7th Annual Geotechnical Society Workshop
Stewart Center,
Room 214 State Street,
West Lafayette, Indiana, U.S.A.

see the program

Speakers include :
John Mundell , President, Mundell & Associates:  “Running an Earth Science and Environmental Engineering Company with a Social Mission”  
Bernard Amadei , Founder of Engineers Without Borders – USA:  “Engineering with a Human Face”

USA - Knoxville,Tennessee, 21/01/2009

Written by John Mundell Friday, 27 February 2009 13:10

Presentation of Eoc at the Maryville College, Knoxville, Tennessee

“The Earth, The Environment and You: Three Decades of Progress in the Fight for a New World Ecological Awareness and a Cleaner Planet"

On January 21, 2009, John Mundell, President of Mundell & Associates, an EdC earth science and environmental engineering consulting firm located in Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.A., was invited to speak about his work with improving the environment and his company’s involvement in the Economy of Communion in Freedom project, to about 600 freshman and faculty at Maryville College located near Knoxville, Tennessee. 

 Maryville College is a four-year, co-educational liberal arts college founded in 1819; it is the 12th oldest institution of higher learning in the South, and maintains an affiliation with the Presbyterian Church (USA). 

Economy of Communion Conference Call - January 12 2009

Written by Joan Duggan Thursday, 19 February 2009 15:58

Economy of Communion Conference Call

In North America, each quarter on the second Monday of the first month, those businesses and people interested in the Economy of Communion get together via conference call. The entire continent is represented. This is a precious time to share our life, deepen our understanding, and build relationship. Each meeting starts with a brief reflection, followed by the latest news and updates.
Below is the summary from our January 12, 2009, call.

FOOD for THOUGHT

Excerpt from Chiara Lubich, 1991:
“Unlike a consumeristic economy based on a culture of having, the economy of communion is the economy of giving. This could seem difficult, arduous, heroic. But it is not so because the human being made in the image of God, who is Love, finds fulfillment precisely in loving, in giving. This need is in the deepest core of one’s being, believer or non-believer as he or she may be.”
Excerpt from the introduction given by Vera Araujo to Chiara’s theme for the EoC international meeting, September 2004:
The businesses will become, for many, models of communion, “true waiting rooms for paradise.” Chiara becomes a prophet and she stimulates us to aim high and forward toward truly gigantic goals that are not impossible. Jesus among us can do this….
Excerpt from: Thank you, Chiara by Luigino Bruni, March 2008:
…Chiara, you helped me to discover the profound meaning of wealth and poverty. You made me understand that the most precious good is always our relationship with God and with people, mutual love, “Jesus in our midst”.
Without reciprocity of relationships no “good” becomes well-being, and even in the case when goods are scarce and threatened, if we have mutual love, we are never indigent.
Communion is the only way to fullness of happiness, a happiness we can reach only if we forget ourselves and give ourselves to others in reciprocity….

UPDATES

Alberto Ferrucci, International Association of the EoC: Alberto shared with us the following impression: Last month, Maria Voce, the President of the Focolare Movement, was in Genoa for the 7th anniversary of the Honorary Citizenship that the city had bestowed on Chiara Lubich. There she met secular politicians who are at a loss and do not understand what to do in the face of this global economic crisis. The same uncertainty came from the economists present. They are looking to Chiara’s charism because they understand that there will be no return to the previous way but they don’t know another way. Alberto reminded us that we have a treasure in the Ideal, that part of what we do is suffer, that this suffering makes us stronger, and that each of us and all of us need to reflect this treasure and help others to find this “other” way. Alberto recalled how, 19 years ago, in New York, it was asked that the walls of consumerism fall. Now everyone is suffering and this should be seen as a positive. What must we do? We must survive as businesses and give the culture of giving, helping people to find their way here, suggesting this lifestyle in brotherhood. From Europe it is seen that one very positive sign of hope coming from the US is its new president. We should always remember that where one of us is, there the entire EoC is. We are the charism of unity.

JoAnn Rowley and Joan Duggan, Finish Line New York, educational services: Since JoAnn is located in another state, the importance of unity, always  paramount, becomes even more precious and in need of care. Communications becomes vital and maintaining reciprocity is everything. We were especially happy this holiday season to have received many cards, not only in New York but also in Texas, from families who are no longer part of Finish Line. We heard from past teachers and families who wanted to send the latest news and wish us well. We see this as a fruit of the EoC, the building of relationships that go beyond the business. 

Nick Sanna, Neituitive, software development: Although not an EoC company, the company is value-driven. 2008 was a challenging year. The work force went from 70 to 50. The goal throughout this process was how to stick to the core values and put the person first. There were hard decisions to make and these were made in a  compassionate manner. People who were leaving gave marvelous confirmations that the company had been true to its values. 2008 ended in the red. It has been a challenge to go ahead without further cutting staff. Deferred bonuses were part of this package. The company, which had a period of high flying expanse, is now in a “test time” phase. It is a time of  confirmation and recommitment to the core values.

Miriam Turri, LaParola, school of Italian: With enrollment down, Miriam decided to branch out and also offer cooking classes. This seems to have been an inspiration because people are responding and the bills are being paid.

Marilyn Cox, ForWord Processing, virtual assistance: This initiative continues ahead. One client who had been giving a lot of work has been quiet lately, but Marilyn is moving ahead, improving her website and her skills.

Linda Specht, professor, Trinity University: Student projects and video from last year’s EoC course are available online. This year, the course has a current enrollment of 23. Nick Sanna is scheduled to visit the class on April 1st. A paper co-authored by Linda and one of her colleagues, Kate Lopez, has been submitted to the European Academy of  Management conference in Liverpool, UK, that will be held this summer. Word on acceptance should be coming in a short while.

Kathleen Masters, interested in EoC: Kathleen and her husband, Tom, bought a foreclosed building in anticipation of developing an intergenerational facility. It is unclear what the appropriate path may be at this time, whether to sell or retain the building, which would accommodate 3 units. Kathleen and Tom are very encouraged and are listening hard, trying to discern the correct path to take.

John Welch, Sofia Violins, string instrument artisans: John did not sleep very well last night, struggling with at least two situations: one involving bootleggers on the West Coast, the other being dealers who are afraid to order new instruments. Then, today, the Gospel was about how Jesus called his apostles, and John was reminded once again about how this life is a journey, to love difficulties so as to transform them into love and trust in God’s providence. This life is not meant to be followed only when it’s convenient.

John Mundell, Mundell & Associates, environmental consultants: Nicholas, an intern from Argentina was on the conference call with John. John shared three details: (1) the company’s relationship capital has brought unexpected additional business which has been placed on the Providence portion of the balance sheet; (2) with the move into the new building, new relationships have begun with the local community and, as a result, the building has become a focal point for a number of community activities; and, (3) last week, the EoC intern house was opened - at the intern house, 2 local Gen serve as housekeepers and hosts.

Jim & Mary Jane Milway, EoC supporters: There is never such a thing as “being retired”.  Even though the Purchasing Department has been closed for a number of years, Jim is still being contacted for periodic consultations. The last one financed the trip to the North American EoC meeting this past August. Also, because Jim and Mary Jane were there from the beginning in 1991, their names come up as contacts for those interested in the EoC. The latest contact occurred yesterday....Jim is following up!

Bella Albos-Pozo: Bella has been working on opening an initiative that coordinates pilgrimages. This inspiration occurred at the EoC meeting in 2007. Recently she has had bookings each month. The monies are funding a student in the Phillipines. The first tour group was in October of 2008. There is a reunion for these travelers coming soon. She wants to coordinate with the Movement’s tour group in the Holy Land. Anne Godbout (see next sharing) will help Bella here. Anne has been working with the group in Jerusalem for the last number of years.

Anne Godbout, Spiritours, soulful journeys, www.spiritours.net: Spiritours celebrated its 5 year anniversary in December. There was a big celebration planned but the first snow storm of the year occurred on the same day so half the people could make it. People were very happy, there was a strong unity in the group and clients and collaborators felt it too. The World Family Meeting is taking place in Mexico at the moment. Business moves ahead. Among other tours, there will be 6 tours to the Holy Land, one of them will function as a retreat for priests. A reunion of the Morocco tour participants also occurred recently.

Andre’ Roberge and Celine Marcotte, Arc-en-saisons, residential care for all seasons: Andre’ reported that business is very good. Although initially the business started with a heavy residential component, today commercial work is also well represented. Each year business has increased. One piece of news from Vancouver that Andre’ shared: a former EoC business (it has been sold and current ownership is not an EoC participant) gave an EoC contribution this year. This is seen as a great sign of hope. Andre’ is also on the committee that is trying to establish a new business for elder care in Montreal. The committee is trying to construct a deal for an intergenerational property owned by the Gray Sisters. Although the latest offer was not accepted, the property has still not been sold. The committee is searching for the right proposal that may move this venture into a reality. We’ll see what God wants!

Sue Paroski, First Fruits Farm, www.goatropers.com: Sue’s husband, Tom, had knee surgery today and so could not be with us. She sends the news that the surgery was successful and that Tom is at home recuperating. She sends her greetings and unity. Paulina was with a client during our conference call but she sent the following update:

Paulina Sennett, Ideal Safety Communications, msennett12@aol.com:
First of all I am happy and thankful to be an EoC business. There were many new opportunities and challenges this past year. There were some new opportunities with a new organization and a big contract was received with another organization at the end of the third quarter. There were some challenges also which was Jesus forsaken. Somehow providence came in the least expected way. My first customer, who provides my business with some work, has been silent due to some budget cuts. Although we have not had work, I feel that our relationships have deepened. I try to keep in touch with my customers no matter what. My customers do appreciate that phone call or visit. The EoC helps me to keep my values in the business to see that every neighbor I see is Jesus. Although it is not easy at times, I try to do my best. And it works…

USA - Washington DC, 21/10/2008

Written by Antonella Perlari Thursday, 27 November 2008 14:10

Presentation of Eoc Catholic University of America (CUA) in Washington DC

Gospel Values and Competitiveness: Can They Work Together? The project of the Economy of Communion

A first lecture on the Economy of Communion was held at CUA in Washington DC this last Tue Oct 21. Its title: “Gospel Values and Competitiveness: Can They Work Together? The project of the Economy of Communion”.