The Way. The Truth. The Life.

10 Business Principles Every Catholic Company Should Follow

Pictured above: 206 Tours’ CEO & Founder, Milanka Lachman, prays during Holy Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.

At 206 Tours, our Catholic faith is at the heart of everything that we do. The goal of every one of our Pilgrimages is to help others grow in their faith. We are continually working to provide excellence in all that we do while fostering a truly Catholic work environment.

That objective makes us different from your average company. In today’s corporate world, people are oftentimes treated like commodities, and the only priority is making money. For Catholics, however, the primary goal of our businesses should be to serve God as we carry out the mission He has entrusted to us. If we put Him first in all that we do, He will continually provide for us and bless our endeavors.

How do we as a Catholic business live out our faith in ways that make us different from the secular corporate world? Our CEO & Founder, Milanka Lachman, has 10 key business practices that are guiding principles as to how we approach our work in a way that gives glory to God:

1. Acknowledge the Human Dignity of Every Person

The most important gifts in this world are human beings made in the image and likeness of God. It is imperative that companies treat their clients (pilgrims), employees, and suppliers with fairness and respect, no matter what. Tough decisions, such as enforcing contracts, should aim to uphold justice, while at the same time having compassion for those who are in difficult situations.

2. Common Good

It is important to be fair, transparent, and oriented towards mutual benefit, not just profit. As a Catholic business owner, one must ensure that contracts are clear and equitable, avoiding predatory clauses. Every Catholic company should strengthen society, provide meaningful jobs, create a positive work atmosphere, and contribute towards making the world a better place.

3. Justice and Charity

Tough decisions, such as terminating a contract or pursuing payment, should balance justice (upholding what is owed) with charity (showing mercy where possible). The Gospel’s call to love one’s neighbor (Matthew 22:39) continually inspires us to offer flexibility to clients in genuine need, while still maintaining strong principles and business integrity.

4. Integrity and Honesty

The 8th Commandment emphasizes truthfulness and respect for the rights of others. Terms and conditions should be applied consistently and transparently, avoiding deception or manipulation, even in competitive markets. We do not believe in cutting corners or manipulative tactics. By carrying out our work with clarity, fairness, and honesty, we have built a trusting network of pilgrims, staff, and company partnerships that have strengthened us for over 40 years.

5. Ethical Decision-Making

When faced with tough choices, we use a framework like the “See-Judge-Act” method (common in Catholic social teaching). Reflect on the situation (See), evaluate it against Gospel values and Church teaching (Judge), and act in a way that aligns with faith and reason (Act). By approaching issues in this way, the Church gives us a framework that helps us to approach decisions with clarity, charity, and confidence.

6. Clear Terms and Conditions

At 206 Tours, we take seriously our responsibility to ensure that all Terms and Conditions are spelled out and acknowledged by our clients prior to having them make any financial investment. This allows for clarity on both sides so that the client knows exactly what is included when booking their Pilgrimage, ensuring that there are no hidden fees. We believe in transparency since that leads to trusting relationships between us and our clients.

7. Seeking Guidance from the Holy Spirit

Prayer, reading Scripture (e.g., Matthew 5-7, the Sermon on the Mount), and spiritual direction can help when discerning tough decisions. When we walk with Our Lord, He promises that we will never be alone. He will guide us as to how we can carry out His will. It is also extremely beneficial to build strong relationships with other trusted Catholic business leaders to be inspired by their example, learn from them, and share resources.

8. Utilizing Educational Resources

Resources such as the “Vocation of the Business Leader” (Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, 2012) offer practical Catholic guidance for integrating faith and business. Draw from the wisdom of Papal encyclicals, such as the writings on work by St. John Paul and others, which emphasize the dignity of the worker. They also give a clear understanding of the role Catholic business leaders play in the building of ethical, faith-filled work environments.

9. Addressing Tensions

It’s true that business can feel like a battleground at times. Profit pressures, competition, and client disputes can continually test one’s values. Yet, Catholicism encourages us to see these challenges as opportunities for growth in holiness. Our Lord will never give us more than we can handle. By keeping Him at the center of our lives, this will put everything else in the proper perspective. As Jesus says in Scripture, “For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?” (Mark 8:36). The most important goal is reaching Heaven!

10. Grace of the Sacraments

Regular participation in the Sacraments, especially the Holy Eucharist and Reconciliation, provides the strength to navigate challenges with grace. We take seriously Our Lord’s teaching that apart from Him, we can do nothing (John 15:5). It is vital that we take advantage of the many graces available to us through the gift of the Sacraments. This is an important reason why daily Mass is celebrated on every 206 Tours Pilgrimage.

By traveling with 206 Tours, you are entrusting your Pilgrimage experience to a company that takes its Catholic faith seriously. It is our hope that 206 Tours leaves a lasting impact on everyone who encounters our work, inspiring them to live out the calling God has placed on their life.

View our Pilgrimage Directory: www.206tours.com/pilgrimages