Brown Scapular: On the Job? Need opinions

[MarieVeronica]

Hi everyone. I need opinions.

I’m in the running for 2 different job opportunities. They are in Food Services, for the local public school system.

They have a steadfast rule. Absolutely NO jewelry, of any kind can be worn during your shift. Not even a wrist watch. They even ask ladies to remove engagement rings, for fear that loose stones could fall into food, being prepared or served. It makes perfect sense. I have no issue with the rule… per say.

But here’s the thing. My Brown Scapular, which I wear under my clothes and out of sight… would definitely be considered as a necklace, by the public schools. Therefore, I would be required to remove it… during my shift. If I continued to wear it, and it was seen by anyone (peeking out of my shirt)… I could be permanently dismissed.

I personally believe that Our Lord and Our Lady knew that there might be times in our daily schedules when we would be required to remove the Brown Scapular (for example, showering. I always remove it then). And I have never worn my scapular with a spirit of “superstition”… (i.e., if I remove it, a tree will fall on me and kill me); But it does break my heart… as I have never removed my Brown Scapular, for any other reason. Since my investiture… I’ve worn it continuously. We’re talking about 5-6 years… I’ve never had it off. It has become a true part of me.

I’m interested in how you would handle such a situation. So far, the only thing I can think of is… to carry it in my pocket. Items carried in your pocket are allowed, from what I can understand.

Thanks in advance for your ideas, opinions and suggestions. God bless!

 

[anonymous_in_fl]

Well, it is not a necklace and if worn under a shirt it is highly improbable that it will somehow come off and end up in someone’s food.

However, if you are concerened you may wish to consider the following:
If male: safety-pin the scapular to your t-shirt/undershirt.
If female: safety-pin the scapular to your bra or shoulder strap.

 

[LongingSoul]

Well, it is not a necklace and if worn under a shirt it is highly improbable that it will somehow come off and end up in someone’s food.

However, if you are concerened you may wish to consider the following:
If male: safety-pin the scapular to your t-shirt/undershirt.
If female: safety-pin the scapular to your bra or shoulder strap.

I was going to say that also. Just slipknot it to the strap of your bra. I did that with my St Gerard relic throughout all my pregnancies.

 

[Markus2007]

Well, it is not a necklace and if worn under a shirt it is highly improbable that it will somehow come off and end up in someone’s food.

However, if you are concerened you may wish to consider the following:
If male: safety-pin the scapular to your t-shirt/undershirt.
If female: safety-pin the scapular to your bra or shoulder strap.

This.

Also, if you want to be sure it is okay just talk to the school about it and show/explain to them how it wouldn’t be a problem. If they really insist on you taking it off (which I think is very improbable), you shouldn’t worry too much about it and keep it in your pocket while you’re working.

 

[Allegra]

Pin the scapular inside your clothes. That’s what a friend of mine did when she was a lifeguard and wasn’t allowed a necklace for safety reasons.

 

[KrazyKat]

Pin the scapular inside your clothes. That’s what a friend of mine did when she was a lifeguard and wasn’t allowed a necklace for safety reasons.

This ! I have not removed mine, except for showers, in 9 years. Was permitted to keep it on during heart surgery. Where there is a will, there is a way !

 

[marywarfield]

Hi everyone. I need opinions.

I’m in the running for 2 different job opportunities. They are in Food Services, for the local public school system.

They have a steadfast rule. Absolutely NO jewelry, of any kind can be worn during your shift. Not even a wrist watch. They even ask ladies to remove engagement rings, for fear that loose stones could fall into food, being prepared or served. It makes perfect sense. I have no issue with the rule… per say.

But here’s the thing. My Brown Scapular, which I wear under my clothes and out of sight… would definitely be considered as a necklace, by the public schools. Therefore, I would be required to remove it… during my shift. If I continued to wear it, and it was seen by anyone (peeking out of my shirt)… I could be permanently dismissed.

I personally believe that Our Lord and Our Lady knew that there might be times in our daily schedules when we would be required to remove the Brown Scapular (for example, showering. I always remove it then). And I have never worn my scapular with a spirit of “superstition”… (i.e., if I remove it, a tree will fall on me and kill me); But it does break my heart… as I have never removed my Brown Scapular, for any other reason. Since my investiture… I’ve worn it continuously. We’re talking about 5-6 years… I’ve never had it off. It has become a true part of me.

I’m interested in how you would handle such a situation. So far, the only thing I can think of is… to carry it in my pocket. Items carried in your pocket are allowed, from what I can understand.

Thanks in advance for your ideas, opinions and suggestions. God bless!

Just wear it underneath. A few years ago I was
substitute teaching at juvenile hall and my scapular
fell off. Supervisor said I couldn’t wear it as it was
a “gang sign”. Haha.
I told her I would keep my gangstas close to my
heart and wore it underneath. No problem.

 

[yellowbird]

This.

Also, if you want to be sure it is okay just talk to the school about it and show/explain to them how it wouldn’t be a problem. If they really insist on you taking it off (which I think is very improbable), you shouldn’t worry too much about it and keep it in your pocket while you’re working.

I wouldn’t do this. I’m certain there are LOTS of applicants… why single yourself out and give them a reason not to hire you? For all you know, the person making the decision is an atheist who’d think you were nuts.

The safety pin was great advice.

 

[LongingSoul]

Just wear it underneath. A few years ago I was
substitute teaching at juvenile hall and my scapular
fell off. Supervisor said I couldn’t wear it as it was
a “gang sign”. Haha.
I told her I would keep my gangstas close to my
heart and wore it underneath. No problem.

That’s funny.

But is the scapular a real gang sign or was the supervisor suggesting that Catholicism is a ‘gang’ or just that it could be misconstrued that way? I know that the Rosary beads is a common symbol of Catholic gang-ness to some but the scapular is less recognisable as a Catholic thing.

 

[MarieVeronica]

Thank you all, very much for your considered responses. There are lots of good ideas here.

I actually did hear from them today, and I was hired! After over a year of trying… I’m so grateful to God. Yippee!!

But this is the problem. I will be working for the PUBLIC school system. I seriously doubt that anyone at the public schools… would understand why I wish to keep my Brown Scapular around my neck. I will not be working in a Catholic environment.

All of us, who are posting here at Catholic Answers, know… that the Brown Scapular is not a “necklace”. But the Public School System most assuredly does NOT know that. Anything worn around the neck, including a lanyard for example (the type that a school coach would wear) is considered a “necklace” by them… and will be required to be removed, while working in the school cafeteria.

As the Lord once said… “Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s. And unto God, what is God’s”. We don’t have a command from God, to wear the Brown Scapular. It is a privilege given to us. But not a command. As I said in my original post, I’ve never worn my Brown Scapular with a spirit of superstition… and I know that Our Good Lord surely understands my plight.

That in order to work and keep my job, I will have to follow the rule from the school to remove all “jewelry” while working. I think that keeping it pinned, inside my clothing is probably the best idea… and I will give that a try. I will be with me, at least.

Thanks for your answers. God bless.

 

[MomaMary8]

Thank you all, very much for your considered responses. There are lots of good ideas here.

I actually did hear from them today, and I was hired! After over a year of trying… I’m so grateful to God. Yippee!!

**But this is the problem. I will be working for the PUBLIC school system. I seriously doubt that anyone at the public schools… would understand why I wish to keep my Brown Scapular around my neck. I will not be working in a Catholic environment.
**
All of us, who are posting here at Catholic Answers, know… that the Brown Scapular is not a “necklace”. But the Public School System most assuredly does NOT know that. Anything worn around the neck, including a lanyard for example (the type that a school coach would wear) is considered a “necklace” by them… and will be required to be removed, while working in the school cafeteria.

As the Lord once said… “Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s. And unto God, what is God’s”. We don’t have a command from God, to wear the Brown Scapular. It is a privilege given to us. But not a command. As I said in my original post, I’ve never worn my Brown Scapular with a spirit of superstition… and I know that Our Good Lord surely understands my plight.

That in order to work and keep my job, I will have to follow the rule from the school to remove all “jewelry” while working. I think that keeping it pinned, inside my clothing is probably the best idea… and I will give that a try. I will be with me, at least.

Thanks for your answers. God bless.

I think pinning is a wonderful suggestion and I know my kids often tuck theirs into their pocket in times of need (sports, etc.) I just wanted to comment on the bolded part. Now that you are working there, it IS a Catholic environment by your presence! Bring Christ into the work that you do, and you will bring Christ to all those around you. Also, don’t be surprised that there are many Catholics lurking in the public school system. You may see a Scapular peeking out of another’s shirt Our High School principal is a very faithful Catholic as was his predecessor. Catholics are found just about everywhere, and it is up to us to bring the Catholic culture to those that don’t know it.

Congratulations on your new job! God is good:thumbsup:!!

 

[E_7]

MarieVeronica,

I’m a person who will go against anyone who tries to make me take off my scapular. I never take my scapular off, period. I shower with it, I travel between continents and get scanned at airports with it on. Once at the airport, they asked me to take it out and I said “no, this is a religious habit.” and they had to let me wear it. For my wedding day, I just pinned my scapular into my inside wedding dress between my chest. I find ways to not have it off, no human respect. I encourage you to do the same!

Blessings,
Elizabeth

 

[marywarfield]

That’s funny.

But is the scapular a real gang sign or was the supervisor suggesting that Catholicism is a ‘gang’ or just that it could be misconstrued that way? I know that the Rosary beads is a common symbol of Catholic gang-ness to some but the scapular is less recognisable as a Catholic thing.

Yes the view was that anything that identified a person
as belonging to a group was out. I could point out all
day long there were no scapulars hanging alongside
Nikes on phone lines in our hood but no one cared.
I just put it inside my clothes cause going into violent
offender units as a lone female didn’t seem wise without
a scapular. The day I leave home without it will be
the day I’m run over by a bus. Like the OP I’m not
superstitious- but I’m Irish!

 

[Jerurussia]

Just snip off the shoulder cords and sew the brown wool scapular(s) into your new uniform shirt(s) inside front and back. The Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel is a garment signifying we are wool-wearing servants of the Handmaid of the Lord. I will note that I have worn mine on my leg during medical procedures. Again, this is a pair of wool servant’s overalls and I’m not sure it must be worn as overalls per se but must be worn and must be wool and I wouldn’t be without mine. God bless you and your new prayer opportunities at work.

 

[Sunbreak]

Put it in your pocket. Rules about things hanging around your neck are not just about food safety - something that hangs from your neck could also get caught in machinery and equipment. At least, that’s part of the reasoning for not wearing anything around your neck.

 

[yellowbird]

But this is the problem. I will be working for the PUBLIC school system. I seriously doubt that anyone at the public schools… would understand why I wish to keep my Brown Scapular around my neck. I will not be working in a Catholic environment.

Thanks for your answers. God bless.

Why would you think that there wouldn’t be anyone at the PUBLIC school who wouldn’t understand why you wear a scapular?

I’m not sure how it is where you live, but my parish is large and lots of Catholics work in the public school system.

I think you might be pleasantly surprised.

Good luck on your new job!

 

[LongingSoul]

Why would you think that there wouldn’t be anyone at the PUBLIC school who wouldn’t understand why you wear a scapular?

I’m not sure how it is where you live, but my parish is large and lots of Catholics work in the public school system.

I think you might be pleasantly surprised.

You would be surprised at the hostility that still exists towards Catholics in the world. Not against the ‘Catholic in name only’ people, of which there are many, but the Catholic spirituality which is strong and really hugely objectionable to some people. The ‘battle’ as it were, still goes on in a more subtle way than you might be aware of.

 

[Patavium]

MarieVeronica,

I’m a person who will go against anyone who tries to make me take off my scapular. I never take my scapular off, period. I shower with it, I travel between continents and get scanned at airports with it on. Once at the airport, they asked me to take it out and I said “no, this is a religious habit.” and they had to let me wear it. For my wedding day, I just pinned my scapular into my inside wedding dress between my chest. I find ways to not have it off, no human respect. I encourage you to do the same!

Blessings,
Elizabeth

I agree!. Don’t stop wearing it. Find a way!

 

[thewanderer]

Thank you all, very much for your considered responses. There are lots of good ideas here.

I actually did hear from them today, and I was hired! After over a year of trying… I’m so grateful to God. Yippee!!

But this is the problem. I will be working for the PUBLIC school system. I seriously doubt that anyone at the public schools… would understand why I wish to keep my Brown Scapular around my neck. I will not be working in a Catholic environment.

All of us, who are posting here at Catholic Answers, know… that the Brown Scapular is not a “necklace”. But the Public School System most assuredly does NOT know that. Anything worn around the neck, including a lanyard for example (the type that a school coach would wear) is considered a “necklace” by them… and will be required to be removed, while working in the school cafeteria.

As the Lord once said… “Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s. And unto God, what is God’s”. We don’t have a command from God, to wear the Brown Scapular. It is a privilege given to us. But not a command. As I said in my original post, I’ve never worn my Brown Scapular with a spirit of superstition… and I know that Our Good Lord surely understands my plight.

That in order to work and keep my job, I will have to follow the rule from the school to remove all “jewelry” while working. I think that keeping it pinned, inside my clothing is probably the best idea… and I will give that a try. I will be with me, at least.

Thanks for your answers. God bless.

Have you ever thought of wearing it more like a belt? around your waist? As I understand it all that is important is that you have some brown cloth in front and some behind. And this way there really is no danger whatsoever of a part of it peaking out and being seen and so getting you in trouble. Just a thought.

 

[lily22]

Pin it to your clothes