Can I work for an Orthodox organization? How does my Catholicism integrate with this?

[Domiy]

Hi all

Haven’t posted here in a while, hope everyone is well. Anyway, wanted to seek some advice on how I should uphold my strong Catholic values in my career choices. I’m currently looking for my first job related to my business degree, and it’s proven extremely difficult. I’ve prayed on it, and I do have faith that all will be well (it’s not an issue of money right now, thankfully, but just career and life progression).

I always hoped to work for an organization that had some role in social good, but this may not be possible. Similarly, I’d never work for an organization if I deeply opposed what they did or stood for. My Catholic faith plays a huge part in such life decisions. I now face a dilemma, as I’m in the running to be offered a paid internship with an Orthodox College (St Bishoy is their patron saint, it’s a Coptic college). It’s a temporary role, and it would suit me as it’s quite local to me and would allow me to get valuable experience (something which has been a large issue in getting many job offers).

That being said, I fear that it would present a large religious dilemma for me. How could I possibly work to promote a school which is based on a religion different to mine? Fair enough it’s still a Christian college, and I actually don’t like to categorize one Christian from another, but from what I can see there are some fundamental differences. Quite literally, I would be pretty ashamed to tell my priest or local Catholic community that I work for an Orthodox organization, but I’m sure I could get past that social stigma eventually. My main concern here is whether there is a spiritual conflict in this? Obviously it may not be a sin in itself, far from it, but would it have any influence on my spiritual adherence to Catholic values? I imagine they’d consider this in their recruitment decisions as well, so if it was a large issue then they wouldn’t offer me the position, which is quite understandable (wouldn’t bother me one bit even though it borders on illegal discrimination LOL).

Would really appreciate some advice on this if anyone has any helpful (name removed by moderator)ut. God Bless!

 

[Bob_Crowley]

It depends on what the job entails. It it’s purely administrative, groundsman work, or secular teaching (teaching a secular subject), then I don’t see the problem.

If however you were being asked to give religious instruction, then it could be a problem.

I think it would be a good chance to network with Orthodox believers. You could then defend some Catholic positions if need be, but you’d have to be careful how you do so.

If you’re honest with them about your Catholic background, and they still offer you a position, then it’s quite clear they’re not worried about it.

I’d be inclined to take it if it was me in the hot seat.

 

[JamalChristophr]

Has it occurred to you that it might just be Divine Providence that put this opportunity in your midst?

The Orthodox are our brothers. They have valid sacraments and apostolic succession. I don’t see a problem with it.

 

[PaulfromIowa]

Quite literally, I would be pretty ashamed to tell my priest or local Catholic community that I work for an Orthodox organization, but I’m sure I could get past that social stigma eventually.

I hope that you are not serious!