Building a Parallel Economy of Catholic-Owned Companies

In a world at odds with Christian values, Catholics face a critical challenge.  How does one live faithfully in an economy that often promotes sin?

Large corporations often tout initiatives contrary to Catholic teachings. One glaring example is the funding of abortion.

Companies like AT&T, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Pfizer, and Coca-Cola donate to Planned Parenthood, the largest abortion provider in the United States.  Their contributions are often funneled through corporate philanthropy or matching gift programs.  When Catholics patronize these companies, their dollars indirectly support abortion.

This reality underscores the need for an alternative.  Unlike the distorted moral practice presented in “Attempting to Justify Stealing by Calling it Social Justice,” Catholics can build a parallel economy where faith guides commerce.

The Concept of a Parallel Economy

A parallel economy is a network of businesses and consumers sharing common values.  Moreover, they prioritize those values in their economic decisions.

For Catholics, this means creating and supporting companies that operate according to Christ’s teachings.  Imagine a world in which companies emphasized justice, charity, and obedience to God’s law!  Such an economy would allow Catholics to direct their resources toward enterprises that uphold life, marriage, and family.

One practical model for building a parallel economy is the 3/50 Project.  Launched in 2009, the 3/50 Project encourages consumers to choose three local businesses they would miss if they were gone.  The project encourages consumers to patronize those businesses every month by spending $50.

This practice strengthens local economies by keeping money within the community. The project demonstrates how intentional spending can create economic vitality.  For example, if every household in a small town followed this model, the economic impact could sustain jobs, fund local initiatives, and reduce dependence on government and corporate giants.

Applying 3/50 Principles to Sustain Parish Communities

Catholics can adapt this model by identifying and supporting Catholic-owned businesses.  Just as the 3/50 Project revitalizes local communities, a Catholic parallel economy would strengthen parishes and foster a culture of Faith.

This approach prioritizes many Catholic values, such as respect for life and fair wages.  By keeping wealth within the Catholic community, it also prevents treasure from leaking into the secular world.

Currently, older parishioners are sustaining parishes by contributing, on average, 75% of donations. Without this support, many parishes would face closure from the financial strain.  This highlights the need for a strong Catholic economy.

When Catholic-owned businesses thrive and grow, they often create more jobs for fellow Catholics.  As Catholics thrive economically, each can then give back time, treasure, and talent to their parish communities.  This cycle of giving strengthens the Church and prevents Catholic resources from enriching secular entities that promote sin.

Practical Ways to Support a Catholic Economy

Supporting a parallel Catholic economy requires practical steps. Catholics can start by buying from Catholic friends who own businesses, such as a local auto shop or florist.

Patronizing businesses that advertise in church bulletins is another way to prioritize faith-based commerce. These businesses often share the parish’s values and contribute to its mission.

Similarly, supporting advertisers on Catholic radio or television, such as EWTN or Relevant Radio, directs resources to media that proclaim the Gospel. These actions, though simple, build a network of economic activity rooted in faith.

The next logical step is to find good Catholics business to replace large chain restaurants and grocery store chains. Local merchants often have an online presence and can replace online merchants like Amazon.com.

Catholic Owned®: A Digital Solution

Catholic Owned® is a groundbreaking approach for building a Catholic parallel economy.  Catholic Owned is “consecrated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.” It is a digital directory of vetted companies one can trust.  It is available online and through a smart phone app.

The featured & verified businesses in their directory adhere to four pillars:

1) Faithful to the Magisterium & in Full Communion
2) Regularly practicing, sincere Catholic in good standing (52-Sundays per year+ Holydays, regular confession)
3) Prays the Rosary or practices other sincere daily devotion(s)
4) Operates business in accordance with the principles of the Catholic faith

These pillars ensure that Catholic Owned businesses are not Catholic in name only, but actively living the Faith.

Unlike Yelp, which focuses on local reviews, or Amazon, which is national and entirely online, Catholic Owned is both local and nationwide.  It combines the accessibility of a digital platform across parishes, allowing users to find faithful enterprises locally or anywhere in the country.  Whether seeking a local plumber or homeschool resources online, Catholic Owned connects consumers with businesses that share their values.

After less than two years, Catholic Owned is approach the 5,000 mark for business listed.  This growth is from the efforts of many volunteers and through the nomination of businesses by faithful Catholics.  The company’s goal is to build this resource to cover all of the United States in the next five years.  Owners Matteo Onori & Brooke Joiner plan to continue to build the directory for the entire globe.

The platform is truly a year-round resource.  As it grows, Catholics should check Catholic Owned regularly to discover new businesses and opportunities to support the faithful.

Deliberate Purchases

Buying is not a neutral decision.  Every dollar spent either builds God’s kingdom or supports agendas that oppose it.

Catholics must not let their wealth be misused by the secular world.  By building and supporting a parallel economy of Catholic-owned businesses, one aligns one’s treasure with Christ’s teachings.

Before buying that next wedding gift online or taking the car in for repairs, why not check Catholic Owned first?  Why not ensure your wealth serves the Greater Glory of God?