How do I explain at a job interview that I cannot miss mass?

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Maria1993

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Hi everyone.

I have been blessed enough today to have been offered a small test resulting in an interview. I marked on the application that I am open to any hours, except Sunday until after 10:30, our mass runs from 9-10 am. But she did not mention that, I doubt she saw it. The store is walking distance. On the day of the interview, How do I explain that I prefer to work on sundays after 10:30am so I do not miss mass? ESPECIALLY since most jobs want people willing to work weekends, I am, but I serve God first. The things I might be doing is stocking/unpacking, mannequins, pricing. As early as 6am. Its really hard for me to find a job as is with my previous short first job. But who knows if they will have compassion with me and allow me to do something that does not require early morning work on Sunday.

Advice needed please!!

Please Pray for me, that they may understand my need to work and will to work hard, but that they understand my Sunday obligation.

Thank you so much, God Bless!

EDIT: I know about the Sabbath, and talked to a Priest about a similar thing in the past. So I know what he told me. I will offer it up to him.
 
I worked retail for years. You can always find a way to go to Mass. Saturday night, Sunday all day. If by some chance there is no Mass you can get to except 9 am on Sunday then I’m sure the employer will accommodate. But realize that it may cut down on your hours. You cannot dictate your schedule in retail however you are not the first Christian whatever company you work for has had that likes to go to Church or Mass. It will work out.👍
 
Tell them that you have religious obligations. I dunno how it is in the US, but here in Canada if you say that you have religious obligations the employer will bend over backwards to accommodate you. Of course they will fear a lawsuit more than just being cooperative.
 
I really hope so.

There were a couple others on the list. It get’s me down in a way. Because it’s easier for them to hire others who need no accommodations, than to hire some who does. But, this is my conviction. Please do pray for me.
:o

Lord, I put this in your hands, and at your feet. You know I need employment, and I do not want to miss mass. Lord may you give me the strength to ace the interview, regardless of accommodations. Amen.
 
CleverUserName said:
How did it go?
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It’s not until Wednesday, thank Goodness. So I have time to prepare, today she had me put together an outfit, and try to sell it to her. She liked it. I said Jesus, I Trust in you! as I did it.

It’s a store I have been wanting to work at for quite some time. Interview is Wednesday. I thought about that as well, the whole “law suit” thing. I hope and pray for the best. I was online looking up some Sunday mass at 6pm, it’s a Latin mass, but at least I would be able to go!
 
I think most employers will help if they can, especially as you have been upfront in your application. I would simply keep a copy of the application as you filled it out, and carefully add the same statement to any contract etc you are given to sign, including anything that references other documents like store policies. I always take committment to religious obligations as a sign that people will be more likely than average to live up to other obligations. Same applies to family, sporting and community obligations. Could you get some inexpensive legal advice from someone in your Church or family? Good luck. I do a lot of debating with believers, but I do think people should be able to practice their religions and employers should be flexible where they can.
 
Oh I didn’t realize it wasn’t until Wednesday. Sounds like you did a good job selling!

I wouldn’t preoccupy yourself with thoughts of litigation, etc. Yes, it’s the law, but as you’ve said, you are trusting Jesus with this. If you don’t get the job, will you really want to punish them for His will?

I wish you the best outcome.

Let us know how it goes.

Sadie
 
Maria1993 said:
Hi everyone.

I have been blessed enough today to have been offered a small test resulting in an interview. I marked on the application that I am open to any hours, except Sunday until after 10:30, our mass runs from 9-10 am. But she did not mention that, I doubt she saw it. The store is walking distance. On the day of the interview, How do I explain that I prefer to work on sundays after 10:30am so I do not miss mass? ESPECIALLY since most jobs want people willing to work weekends, I am, but I serve God first. The things I might be doing is stocking/unpacking, mannequins, pricing. As early as 6am. Its really hard for me to find a job as is with my previous short first job. But who knows if they will have compassion with me and allow me to do something that does not require early morning work on Sunday.

Advice needed please!!

Please Pray for me, that they may understand my need to work and will to work hard, but that they understand my Sunday obligation.

Thank you so much, God Bless!

EDIT: I know about the Sabbath, and talked to a Priest about a similar thing in the past. So I know what he told me. I will offer it up to him.
Click to expand...
Is there really only one Mass at your parish church on Sundays? Is there no evening Mass?
Remember you can also attend any Saturday evening Mass because that fulfills your Sunday obligation.
 
Maria1993 said:
Hi everyone.

I have been blessed enough today to have been offered a small test resulting in an interview. I marked on the application that I am open to any hours, except Sunday until after 10:30, our mass runs from 9-10 am. But she did not mention that, I doubt she saw it. The store is walking distance. On the day of the interview, How do I explain that I prefer to work on sundays after 10:30am so I do not miss mass? ESPECIALLY since most jobs want people willing to work weekends, I am, but I serve God first. The things I might be doing is stocking/unpacking, mannequins, pricing. As early as 6am. Its really hard for me to find a job as is with my previous short first job. But who knows if they will have compassion with me and allow me to do something that does not require early morning work on Sunday.

Advice needed please!!

Please Pray for me, that they may understand my need to work and will to work hard, but that they understand my Sunday obligation.

Thank you so much, God Bless!

EDIT: I know about the Sabbath, and talked to a Priest about a similar thing in the past. So I know what he told me. I will offer it up to him.
Click to expand...
I think your dedication is wonderful but there are many mass times and you should not be going into any interview with any kind a stipulation that you need a certain time off for any reason. There are many mass times to choose from either at your parish or even nearby parishes. Any employer can just pass you over for someone else who will be more flexible for the hours. Get the job first then when you have proven yourself to be a good employee then maybe you can suggest that hours could be adjusted to go to a certain mass time.
I disagree with some of the other suggests here. Yes you have a Sunday obligation but there are many mass times from Sat afternoon into Sunday and you really have no excuse not be be able to met your Sunday obligation. I have worked many years in all kinds of crazy hours on the weekend and I have always made it to mass and you can too.
 
You don’t bring it up in the interview AT ALL. It is not appropriate for them to ask and you are not obligated to discuss your religion.

IF you are offered the job, and IF you are scheduled to work at a time that conflicts with Mass, and IF you can get to no other Mass, THEN you ask for an accommodation.

And, if for whatever reason your schedule absolutely makes it impossible to get to Mass on a particular week, discuss it with your priest.
 
1ke said:
You don’t bring it up in the interview AT ALL. It is not appropriate for them to ask and you are not obligated to discuss your religion.

IF you are offered the job, and IF you are scheduled to work at a time that conflicts with Mass, and IF you can get to no other Mass, THEN you ask for an accommodation.

And, if for whatever reason your schedule absolutely makes it impossible to get to Mass on a particular week, discuss it with your priest.
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This!
That is great advice. You must remember that especially in retail many people have all sorts of schedule conflicts. If your only conflict is 1 hour a week, you should be fine. There really is not a reason to bring it up. Just say, “I am available to work most anytime.”

One of the biggest turn offs in a job interview is when the applicant starts talking about time off they need or benefits.
Just get the job, then work around the schedule for Mass.
 
I completely agree with the two previous posters. Praying for you. Hail Mary…
 
Thank You all.
You are right, but since I already filled it on the application (just had a chart, all hours were open, except on sunday i put 10:30am-open) I will just clarify that it has been worked out, and I am available to work at any time and hour.

I did some investigating last night, and I could attend a Latin Mass at 6pm, or at 3 pm.

Thank you and God Bless. Thank you for telling me this before the interview, phew!!
 
Maria1993 said:
It’s not until Wednesday, thank Goodness. So I have time to prepare, today she had me put together an outfit, and try to sell it to her. She liked it. I said Jesus, I Trust in you! as I did it.

It’s a store I have been wanting to work at for quite some time. Interview is Wednesday. I thought about that as well, the whole “law suit” thing. I hope and pray for the best. I was online looking up some Sunday mass at 6pm, it’s a Latin mass, but at least I would be able to go!
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The Latin mass is the best and God is truely blessing you.
 
The most important thing in any interview is to be honest and sincere. Start and end with a firm hand shake and keep eye contact without outright staring. Interview as if you are searching for the right job and conditions also. Ask questions about the responsibilities, the managers style, work conditions, co-workers, usual work hours benefits etc… the very last thing should be pay or salary unless it is a commission instead of set salary.

Since you had a short job duration before, you want this one to last a decent duration. Empolyers want folks who will stay on as a career. Its expensive to rehire and retrain folks too often. IF during the interview, you think this is the ideal job for you, you may even want to mention that. Find out what they are looking for in an employee.

IF you don’t have the experience already don’t lie but say you have not done that yet, but you are willing to learn. Be very confident but not cocky. It’s a fine line, but it makes all the difference in the world.

I would think all employers would be (or should be) sensitive to the religious beliefs of its employees, even if it is only to allow from someone to attend mass. AND IF they were not, would you really want to work for such an organization ??? personally I wouldn’t but I’m not in need of a job. Good luck and I hope you get the job, AND I hope the job is the right fit for you.
 
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