Employer refuses Sundays off

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lufty

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I am in a pickle, and was wondering if I could get some advice.

I am new to the CC, and am exploring an RCIA “class” that has participation in the Rites around RCIA during Sunday Mass. I have requested Sundays off from my employer, and with our department getting 4 new people, I thought this would not be a big deal ( we are really slow on Sundays as well, so slow, that most employees watch television, video game, sleep, and watch movies for the entire shift, all but for a few weeks a year).

As it turns out, I am now not allowed to request specific Sunday vacation days, Sunday PTO days, and may not get Sunday’s as a part of my regular days off.

I created new schedules for our team, that allowed an increase in staff during Sundays and Mondays, allowing me this time to participate with my RCIA group during Mass. I have however, been denied, against all logic concerning the schedule and the new employees we have.

I am at a loss to understand this, yet really like my job, but would enjoy participating with others in a RCIA experience during Mass. I can continue with my 1-on-1 RCIA experience, but what drew me to this other RCIA program, was the ability to talk with others exploring the CC and becoming a Christian. I am having a hard time validating my RCIA experience if I will be denied the Rites as a result of my not being able to attend Mass in the AM ( I can attend evening Mass however).
 
Hi lufty - I sympathize with your situation as I was working 7 days a week when I was in RCIA, although I could vary my hours during the weekends to accommodate Mass times.

My ideas are below, but I’m sure others will have better ideas. Plus, I don’t recall your line of work, so don’t know if these ideas will be doable.

(1) Can you swap hours with co-workers so you can attend Mass?

(2) Can you schedule a 1:1 with your manager about this? It could be that your manager refused someone else’s request and doesn’t want to appear to be playing favorites. The two of you could come to an arrangement that satisfies you both.

(3) Speak with your RCIA instructor or priest about your situation. They might have ideas based on past RCIA participants’ experiences.

Best of luck to you! There are others of us who had to juggle RCIA and work - and I’m praying for you!
 
Can you switch jobs and obtain a similar job elsewhere that would allow you the time off?
 
lufty said:
I am in a pickle, and was wondering if I could get some advice.

I am new to the CC, and am exploring an RCIA “class” that has participation in the Rites around RCIA during Sunday Mass. I have requested Sundays off from my employer, and with our department getting 4 new people, I thought this would not be a big deal ( we are really slow on Sundays as well, so slow, that most employees watch television, video game, sleep, and watch movies for the entire shift, all but for a few weeks a year).

As it turns out, I am now not allowed to request specific Sunday vacation days, Sunday PTO days, and may not get Sunday’s as a part of my regular days off.

I created new schedules for our team, that allowed an increase in staff during Sundays and Mondays, allowing me this time to participate with my RCIA group during Mass. I have however, been denied, against all logic concerning the schedule and the new employees we have.

I am at a loss to understand this, yet really like my job, but would enjoy participating with others in a RCIA experience during Mass. I can continue with my 1-on-1 RCIA experience, but what drew me to this other RCIA program, was the ability to talk with others exploring the CC and becoming a Christian. I am having a hard time validating my RCIA experience if I will be denied the Rites as a result of my not being able to attend Mass in the AM ( I can attend evening Mass however).
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It would not supprise me to find that your “boss” is Anti-Catholic. There are provisions within the RCIA for the Rites to take place at a Mass where “at least some of the faithful from the parish community are present”. so it is possible for the Rites to take place for you at say a morning daily Mass or a weekday evening Mass. Around here there is a weekly Wednesday evening Mass at most parishes with 10-15 people participating. The Sunday where there could be an issue would be the Rite of Election if you are not Baptized. You could say you will be out of town that weekend, which would be true.
 
Hmmmmm. That IS hard. Sometimes working on Sundays cannot be avoided. My husband and son are firefighters, for instance. Lots of people in law enforcement, the health care field and some others have no option but to work Sundays. Naturally, we go to Mass on Saturday night on those weekends. I have just taken training to be a Eucharistic Minister at the Saturday Vigil Mass and on those weekends that my husband is working Saturday nights that I am scheduled, I will probably end up going both Saturday night and Sunday morning to be able to attend with him.

I understand your desire to participate with your RCIA class at each opportunity, but that may not be possible. Hopefully you will not have to work every Sunday. My daughter in-law went through RCIA class and became Catholic last year. Because of my son’s schedule, she was not able to attend every time either. Her class continued to meet long after Easter Vigil and I believe she still felt like she had a wonderful RCIA experience.

It may not be anti-Catholic sentiment that keeps your boss from being flexible. Or it may be, I don’t know. There will be times where you can’t compromise. I hope your schedule works out. My prayers are with you.
 
From my understanding, all Rites are unavailable to me, including the Rite of Election, except for on Sundays. At no other time does the Church I’m looking to the RCIA “class” type of experience, or the 1-on-1 I am currently in, provide for Rites on any other day then a Sunday. This is where I’m really compromised.

My job was a Godsend, and leaving here for another IT position in the city I live in would be difficult. The position I have now, I got over 350+ other applicants. One of the reasons I began looking to God and the CC was this job, and the blessings it has provided for myself and my family. I can start looking, but this position I have is a career position, and leaving would be insanity.

However, I suspect there is some anti-Catholic action happening. I can’t be sure, but I suspect this is the reason. With the scheduling, and new employees, I can find no other logical reason to prevent me from getting new days off, or allowing me to take any Sunday off as a vacation/PTO etc. for the remainder of my employment, during specific times of year (during the typical RCIA schedule for example). I just don’t get it, and feel that I will have to abandon my interest in Christianity and the CC for now, or until I can find a Parish that can accommodate the Rites required to help me become a member of the Church and a Christian…

I am totally at a loss of what to do. I will contact my local Parish and the Archdiocese tomorrow morning. However today, I can’t even begin to explain how bad I am feeling right now.
 
Lufty, you are in a bad spot:(. Is there any way that you can use your lunch hour to make it to at least part of the Mass? If your church is close enough to work, you might be able to get there in time for the rite and leave in time to get back to work. Not ideal, certainly, but better than a complete miss. Or, is there no flexibility in the schedule that would allow you to have a 90 minute lunch break and stay the extra time at the end of the day?

Our parish RCIA doesn’t even do the Rites, except for the Rite of Election, and that’s a separate meeting (all the RCIA participants in our city with the Bishop), not even part of a Mass. You aren’t alone if you score a clean miss on the Rites. Sad to say.
 
lufty said:
I am in a pickle, and was wondering if I could get some advice.

I am new to the CC, and am exploring an RCIA “class” that has participation in the Rites around RCIA during Sunday Mass. I have requested Sundays off from my employer, and with our department getting 4 new people, I thought this would not be a big deal ( we are really slow on Sundays as well, so slow, that most employees watch television, video game, sleep, and watch movies for the entire shift, all but for a few weeks a year).

As it turns out, I am now not allowed to request specific Sunday vacation days, Sunday PTO days, and may not get Sunday’s as a part of my regular days off.

I created new schedules for our team, that allowed an increase in staff during Sundays and Mondays, allowing me this time to participate with my RCIA group during Mass. I have however, been denied, against all logic concerning the schedule and the new employees we have.

I am at a loss to understand this, yet really like my job, but would enjoy participating with others in a RCIA experience during Mass. I can continue with my 1-on-1 RCIA experience, but what drew me to this other RCIA program, was the ability to talk with others exploring the CC and becoming a Christian. I am having a hard time validating my RCIA experience if I will be denied the Rites as a result of my not being able to attend Mass in the AM ( I can attend evening Mass however).
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I worked at a job where the manager had a roller coaster personality. Also, this person was a poor leader. After 5 years I got tired of it, quit and went to work for less money at place with better management.

I did not look back at the door that closed behind me. I looked forward at the door opening in front of me. No regrets.

Another thought, have you explained to the manager why you need the time off? If you do, do so with a spirit of humility and patience not one of wrath. If you do not understand the reason say so. It might be that after explaining why you need the time some accommondation might be possible.

God bless
 
Highwayhound said:
I worked at a job where the manager had a roller coaster personality. Also, this person was a poor leader. After 5 years I got tired of it, quit and went to work for less money at place with better management.

I did not look back at the door that closed behind me. I looked forward at the door opening in front of me. No regrets.

Another thought, have you explained to the manager why you need the time off? If you do, do so with a spirit of humility and patience not one of wrath. If you do not understand the reason say so. It might be that after explaining why you need the time some accommondation might be possible.

God bless
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Thanks for the thoughts. I have been very open in explaining exactly the reasons behind my request, and even offered to provide any information if there were questions. I feel that I have been very humble, and thankful for the time it has taken to review schedules, read my emails, etc and have also worked on a number of possible schedules based on current coverage of our department.
I will be speaking with this manager tomorrow. Any prayers the site members could offer up for me would be welcome! I will offer up the suggestion by GwenL for taking a long lunch break Sundays to attend Mass during the RCIA experience until; Easter.

Thanks everyone.
 
lufty said:
From my understanding, all Rites are unavailable to me, including the Rite of Election, except for on Sundays. At no other time does the Church I’m looking to the RCIA “class” type of experience, or the 1-on-1 I am currently in, provide for Rites on any other day then a Sunday. This is where I’m really compromised.

My job was a Godsend, and leaving here for another IT position in the city I live in would be difficult. The position I have now, I got over 350+ other applicants. One of the reasons I began looking to God and the CC was this job, and the blessings it has provided for myself and my family. I can start looking, but this position I have is a career position, and leaving would be insanity.

However, I suspect there is some anti-Catholic action happening. I can’t be sure, but I suspect this is the reason. With the scheduling, and new employees, I can find no other logical reason to prevent me from getting new days off, or allowing me to take any Sunday off as a vacation/PTO etc. for the remainder of my employment, during specific times of year (during the typical RCIA schedule for example). I just don’t get it, and feel that I will have to abandon my interest in Christianity and the CC for now, or until I can find a Parish that can accommodate the Rites required to help me become a member of the Church and a Christian…

I am totally at a loss of what to do. I will contact my local Parish and the Archdiocese tomorrow morning. However today, I can’t even begin to explain how bad I am feeling right now.
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You need to speak directly with the pastor of the parish and make sure that he understands that you have tried everything in your ower to open at least some Sundays but are being prevented outside of your control. Make sure he also nkows that ther are provisions in the RCIA for Rites to take place at other times within the parish community, actually the Rites do not even have to take place in conjunction with a Mass. He may not know this is possible.
 
Document, document document.

Start looking for a new job. The job won’t get you to heaven, practice of the Faith will.
 
I’m sure your parish pastor will be understanding. He knows it’s hard to get jobs right now.

I’m sorry you’ve had so much trouble. But you know, it’s funny how a lot of Catholics get a lot of Murphy’s Law, right before they enter the Church. It’s almost like there’s somebody bad out there who doesn’t like us… 🙂 So take heart. You must be doing something right, to get this much guff. Trust in God, and let Him know what you need.

You may also be dealing with some kind of weird thing that happened before you got your job. Possibly, he just doesn’t like new guys doing anything different until after he’s used to them being around. So keep a positive attitude toward your manager and stay patient.
 
Mintaka said:
I’m sure your parish pastor will be understanding. He knows it’s hard to get jobs right now.

I’m sorry you’ve had so much trouble. But you know, it’s funny how a lot of Catholics get a lot of Murphy’s Law, right before they enter the Church. It’s almost like there’s somebody bad out there who doesn’t like us… 🙂 So take heart. You must be doing something right, to get this much guff. Trust in God, and let Him know what you need.

You may also be dealing with some kind of weird thing that happened before you got your job. Possibly, he just doesn’t like new guys doing anything different until after he’s used to them being around. So keep a positive attitude toward your manager and stay patient.
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I have thought about just that. Perhaps there is a hazing thing at my workplace, as I’ve only been there 6 months. Perhaps this is a calling to have me wait until next year to become a Christian, and start a “class” based RCIA experience. Perhaps it’s Gods plan…I don’t know.

However, I have, a deep desire to be baptized right now, and become a Christian. Not instantly, but next year seems like a long way off before I can publicly accept Christ, and begin my journey. I feel as if I am on that path now…perhaps I should be patient.

I will pray tonight, and ask God and Christ, and even Mary who waited, to show me the way. They have done a great job so far!

Peace,

Lufty
 
Lufty,

You need to speak to the Human Resources department at your company. Go to them and explain all you have done to work out the schedule so that you can attend these important Rites. Tell them your boss is being unreasonable and irrational and will not give you any flexibility or any explanation and is denying your request for time off. If he cannot give you a legitimate business reason for denying your request for time off for religious observance, you can only conclude the reason is not a business reason but rather is discriminatory against your practice of religion.

You cannot be denied Sunday as a vacation day forever. This refusal to allow you to *ever *have time off on Sunday is unreasonable and has something behind it.

Employers are required to make *reasonable *accomodations for religious observance or they are violating the LAW. They cannot discriminate based on religion.
 
lufty said:
I have thought about just that. Perhaps there is a hazing thing at my workplace, as I’ve only been there 6 months. Perhaps this is a calling to have me wait until next year to become a Christian, and start a “class” based RCIA experience. Perhaps it’s Gods plan…I don’t know.

However, I have, a deep desire to be baptized right now, and become a Christian. Not instantly, but next year seems like a long way off before I can publicly accept Christ, and begin my journey. I feel as if I am on that path now…perhaps I should be patient.

I will pray tonight, and ask God and Christ, and even Mary who waited, to show me the way. They have done a great job so far!

Peace,

Lufty
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In my prior years in RCIA I have seen and heard of may things that the only explaination of is satan doing everything he can to prevent someone from entering the Church.
 
Thank you everyone who may have prayed for me! I got my Sundays off! It may be just until after Easter, but possibly beyond that! I went to 9PM Mass last night, and prayed wholeheartedly. This afternoon, my supervisor worked out a new schedule for me, and I’m so blessed!

I am looking forward to my new RCIA experience, and the blessing that I may attend Mass with others seeking the same path as myself! I will pray that I may meet some nice people that I could call friends with Christ!

God bless!

Lufty
 
lufty said:
I created new schedules for our team, that allowed an increase in staff during Sundays and Mondays, allowing me this time to participate with my RCIA group during Mass. I have however, been denied, against all logic concerning the schedule and the new employees we have.
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Did you explain to your employer that you want Sundays off for religious reasons? I’m not a lawyer, but my understanding is that employers must honor such requests as long as they are reasonable. For some professions, it’s not possible to grant Sundays off (police, ER nurses, and zookeepers all have to work 7 days a week). For others, Sundays off would be a “reasonable accomodation” (I think that’s the legal term).

If I were you, I would make it clear that you want Sundays off for the purpose of your religious practice. He doesn’t even need to know the details, for example that you’re not Catholic yet. From what you said, it sounds like your request could be accommodated in your work situation, so it should be. The argument that it wouldn’t “be fair” to other employees is not enough to deny an employee’s right to religious practice. Keep a positive attitude since you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar, plus it’s the Christian way to approach things, but be firm. Also show that you are willing to cooperate and even go above and beyond to make up for what some may see as special treatment. Good luck!

If you still cannot get Sundays off, and you don’t want to pursue legal options, then explain the situation to your RCIA director and/or pastor. You can’t be denied entry to the Church because of a work schedule that is beyond your control! They will come up with an alternative plan for your formation. If they refuse, I would definitely contact the bishop, because that’s gravely wrong.
 
Ask to see if you could have the 2 hours off so you can be a part of mass. Tell them you will be back for the rest of the day.

However, there are places where they do not recognized our important practices. I beleive it is illegal Im not sure, you have to check on that. However…I will tell you, that I had a problem with one of my employers about 3 yrs back.

I asked to have my hours cut because I wanted to go back to school. So I did all the paper work and the guy didnt even read my paper, just said a big fat no. I said I wanted to go to school, he told me “You have to choose…its either your job or school?” well, lets just say I told him I quite. You might get that comment and you might be put between a rock and a hard place.
 
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