Build My Church

Build My Church: Roger Vasko, the Guild, and Catholic Families

For many Catholic workers in the Archdiocese of St. Paul-Minneapolis, the St. Joseph Business Guild and Roger Vasko are synonymous with the Catholic economy. It was my pleasure to talk with him recently as he prepares for the Guild’s big event. 

And what inspired him to start the Guild?

During his retirement, Roger was drawn by the phrase "faith-filled holy marriages" in his daily prayer, and after contemplation, formed a vision for the Guild.

It was a rare, immediate insight, and he sees how God has provided for the Guild and Catholic workers since this inception.

As we prepare for the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker, which the Guild is celebrating with a huge fair, Roger shares some tips for Christian business owners and making the most of the Guild.
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Tip #1: Stay Close to the Lord

"God works in ways you don't fathom," he observes.

A business endeavor may not go the way that you expect. Nevertheless, if you are open to God's ways and God's time, Roger has found that you will get what you need.

For the Guild, that means that donations will come at the last moment. Volunteers step up to help. Someone is there to keep the mission going.

And the best way to stay close to the Lord, especially when you feel stressed and busy, is daily prayer. One of the struggles as a leader is that there is so much to do, but it doesn't pay to put off time with God to get more work done. (Roger’s routine is Adoration and Mass!)

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Tip #2: Guild Influence Can Reach To All Levels

At the upcoming St. Joseph's Day Fair, Roger hopes to see the Guild get put on the map in a bigger way -- among all Catholic workers, among the Church members, and among larger, Catholic-owned businesses.

The latter especially will help elevate the Guild's influence.

Roger's tip for Catholics who own larger businesses is for them to remember that they have the hiring power. Entrepreneurs are currently the backbone of the Guild, but the real impact will come when organizations of all levels support Catholic workers with meaningful employment.

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Tip #3: Wealth is Not Your Own

Roger's final tip is a reminder to all Christian business owners: the business and wealth are not your own, but are to be used to build the Kingdom.

By building our families and our economy, we can build the Church.

Local Community Matters: See For Yourself at the Fair

To all those who live in the St. Paul-Minneapolis area, now is the time to see for yourself. All Catholic workers, religious, students - anyone who participates in the economy - is invited to the St. Joseph's Fair.

Come away to strengthen, and be strengthened by, the great work being done in our Archdiocese! And support the work the Guild is doing! Ticket includes vendor market, breakout sessions, speakers, lunch, and admission to "Saintly Ventures!"

Ite Ad Joseph.

And follow the St. Joseph Business Guild on LinkedIn!