As almost every entrepreneur will attest, pursuing success involves risk—the risk associated with executing new ideas, hiring staff in anticipation of growth, and other temporal concerns and challenges. Entrepreneur Matthew Pinto added another layer of risk when he began his first faith-based venture in 1998, the risk of balancing the sacred with the secular.
As a man of faith, Pinto’s risk lay with turning faith into a commodity and possibly losing focus on the true goal of the business. He knew that from beginning to end, the purpose of his venture had to consistently revolve around sharing with the world the truths of the Catholic faith that he held dear, and not about personal gain.
“Christians have a mandate to share the Good News with the world. Yet, as the adage goes, ‘If there is no money, there is no mission,’” Pinto explained. “So, I believed we needed to run this ministry as a business while, at the same time, keep sight of where our real treasures lay: heaven.”
Looking at Pinto’s office, one can’t help but notice two framed scripture verses: “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul in the process?” and “Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness.” He explained that those two verses serve as daily reminders as heavenly “guard rails.”
The concern about straying, however, was not the driving force behind his 30+ years in ministry. Pinto’s main source of inspiration came from another Scriptural mandate. “There’s a famous parable in the New Testament called the Parable of the Talents,” explained Pinto. “In short, three people were given money to steward and grow. Two of them did just that, doubling their returns, and were praised by the Master. The third explained that out of fear of losing the resource, he buried it and brought about no return. He was severally rebuked by the Lord.”
Ascension Press and its Impact on Catholic Education
Pinto founded Ascension Press in 1998, a venture that would significantly influence the world of Catholic education and spiritual growth. Ascension Press became a beacon of Catholic teachings, providing a wide array of resources that catered to the needs of various age groups within the Church. As the President and Chief Executive Officer, Pinto brought his vision to life, steering the company towards remarkable success and prominence.
Under his guidance, Ascension Press produced numerous books and formation resources, making complex Catholic teachings accessible to a broader audience. One of his notable literary contributions includes Did Adam & Eve Have Belly Buttons?, the first in a question-and-answer book series that addressed thought-provoking questions from young Catholics, sparking meaningful discussions and guiding them through their spiritual journeys.
Pioneering Catholic Marketing and Communication
Pinto’s significant contributions to Catholic marketing and communication cannot be overstated. Identifying a need to reach the faithful, he continued to balance his skills with his purpose in a rapidly evolving digital age. Launching CatholicExchange.com and Spark Catholic Communications showcased his prowess in utilizing online platforms to spread the message of the Catholic faith.
Walking the tightrope again, Pinto effectively leveraged technology and communication strategies to connect with a wider audience and bridge the gap between traditional teachings and contemporary modes of engagement. The impact of his initiatives in this domain has been far-reaching, making a lasting impression on how the Church communicates and interacts with its followers.
Literary and Media Success
Pinto’s literary journey as a best-selling Catholic author has been inexhaustible and impactful. His books have resonated with readers around the globe, serving as valuable resources and inspiration to those looking to deepen their faith and understanding of Catholicism. In addition to the question-and-answer series, Pinto was integral in the creation and distribution of the “Amazing Grace” series and the author of “A Guide to the Passion: 100 Questions About ‘The Passion of the Christ,’” along with many more books.
A much sought after speaker and guest, Pinto has spoken before a variety of audiences and has appeared on traditional and alternative platforms, including podcasts, radio and TV broadcasts, and he has made multiple appearances on EWTN.
Recognitions and Continued Service to the Church
Pinto’s dedication and outstanding contributions to the Catholic Church have not gone unnoticed. As early as 2004, he was honored with the Catholic Leadership Institute’s Award for Outstanding Catholic Leadership, a testament to his exemplary service and leadership within the Church. Additionally, his involvement in various boards, including the Theology of the Body Institute, the Association of Catholic Publishers, and John Paul the Great University, demonstrates his ongoing commitment to advancing the Church’s mission and goals.
The Endgame
Pinto contends he simply set out to follow Christ, to bring God into each aspect of his life, including his career. Aligning his faith with his talents and passion was an obvious choice—a choice that required him to regularly check his motivation against scripture and the wisdom of Catholic saints and thinkers to ensure he maintained proper balance.
Pinto’s marketing, communication, and entrepreneurial efforts have had a direct and indirect impact on Catholic leaders and aspiring leaders. As for the future, Pinto’s story is still unfolding. A visionary always on the hunt for new methods to engage with followers and to foster understanding about the richness of Catholicism, Pinto continues to innovate and remains a witness to the power of dedication, faith, and trust.
