Lenten Campaign 2025
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In a world where financial markets can feel abstract and overwhelming, many Catholics are asking a deeper question: Where is my money going — and does it reflect what I believe? Whether you’re investing for retirement, saving for your children’s future, or simply trying to be responsible, your financial choices can become an extension of your faith.
The Catholic Church has long upheld the principle that money is meant to serve the human person— not the other way around. The Catechism teaches that “economic activity ... should be exercised within the limits of the moral order” (CCC 2426). That means we’re called not only to make wise financial decisions, but to ensure those decisions support justice, human dignity, and the common good.
Ethical investing, sometimes called faith-based or values-aligned investing, is one way to do this. It’s about placing your money in companies and funds that reflect your beliefs — and avoiding those that don’t.
Here are a few simple ways to start:
1. Know what you’re supporting. Look into the mutual funds or retirement accounts you’re already invested in. Many large funds include companies that profit from practices contrary to Catholic teaching — such as arms manufacturing, pornography, exploitative labor, anti-life policies, or environmental harm. There are growing options for Catholic-screened investment portfolios that avoid these.
2. Look for Catholic or socially responsible funds. Several firms offer funds built on Catholic social teaching or broader ethical frameworks. These often screen out harmful industries and prioritize companies that support human rights, environmental stewardship, and ethical governance.
3. Ask your advisor the hard questions. If you work with a financial planner, ask: “Are my investments aligned with my values?” A good advisor will help you find options that respect your convictions without compromising your goals.
Remember: this isn’t all or nothing. You don’t need to overhaul your portfolio overnight. Start by changing one fund or shifting a small percentage. Every step counts — and the goal isn’t perfection, but a sustained quest for integrity.
Ethical investing isn’t just about avoiding harm. It’s also about fostering hope. When you support businesses that treat workers fairly, care for creation, and operate with transparency, you participate in building a more just economy.
In Laudato Si’, Pope Francis reminds us that “purchasing is always a moral — and not simply economic — act.” The same goes for investing. With each choice, we can choose solidarity over self-interest, people over profit.
No investment is ever completely risk-free — but investing with intention allows us to bring our faith into even the most technical corners of our lives. And that, too, is a form of witness.
