Patrons and Protectors: Occupations

McGrath's images of saints as patrons of occupations remind us that we are called to build God's reign through our labor. From the first-century Martha, who served meals to Jesus in her home, to the recently canonized Katharine Drexel, who built schools and colleges to improve the lives of Native Americans and African Americans, work and labor have been essential to Christian life. Alongside McGrath's commentary about why a saint is associated with a particular occupation are essays by men and women engaged in that work. As we see the variety of ways human beings contribute their talents and skills to building God's reign, we may be inspired to view our jobs--and our faith--with fresh eyes.