Tim Buckley founded Vintage Design, a family-owned and operated full service design center and flooring subcontractor for homebuilders and homebuyers located in Lake Forest.
Nearly 20 years ago, he transposed his company’s annual Christmas celebration from a secular hotel dinner party to an early morning Mass, breakfast and associate recognitions.
“I found there was too much alcohol being drunk and too many inappropriate conversations taking place and I don’t think anything good happens after 11:30 at night… So 18 years ago I contacted a priest friend of mine, Father Mike Pontarelli, a former classmate of mine from Servite High School, and asked if he would celebrate Mass to help us celebrate our Christmas season, and he was happy to do so.”
Buckley credits the involvement of Father Pontarelli, the pastor at St. Juliana Falconieri in Fullerton, as a critical ingredient for making the celebration a huge success. “[The] homilies are focused on the associates and the valuable work they do,” said Buckley.
“We’re not trying to convert anybody, but I hope they gain more faith and grow from it.”
Each associate is recognized for his or her valuable service to the company after the mass. Following the completion of the recognitions, the warehouse is converted back to a place of business and everyone goes back to work.
Full story at Orange County Catholic
Tom Buckley has the true interests of the unadulterated message of the Church in his heart and through his actions!!!!
Amen! Thank God for people like Tim Buckley creatively impacting the secular workplace for Christ and His Church. Like most deacons, I have a secular career. May all of us be graced with Spirit-led creativity out of love for our coworkers, believers and unbelievers alike!
Yes, I’ve been to more than a few Holiday Office Party where the booze flowed far too freely. I’ve also been to a couple where all personnel were strictly limited to two mixed drinks. [hand stamps] However, I think Mr. Buckley might be ‘over the line’ including a religious rite in a secular company event. Whatever is said, I suspect employees feel compelled to attend, even if ‘voluntary’.
It is a family owned business, so they should be able to run it as they see fit. People are not forced to work there. If they do not want to work there, they can find a job they like. Almost everyone has worked at places that have voluntary events that they not want to attend. I have, and I never felt that I needed to go as long as I was a good worker. Even some big corporations have New Age type of events that those of other religions do not want to attend.
Correction to last part of second line: ” that they do not want to attend”.