Need some advice on a frustrating situation

[Kathryn_0404]

I’m at a loss as to how to handle things here…

I went to school to become an Aircraft Dispatcher (graduated August) and was hired at a reputable company. I’m on night shifts 7pm - 7am Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights and every other Sunday…obviously a day sleeper. Because of the schedule I don’t get to go to Mass every other Sunday (already talked to our priest and got a dispensation to miss on the Sunday’s I have to work) and I know I’m missing out on so much by not getting to go to Mass every Sunday…makes me so sad.

Also, because of the schedule I don’t get to spend time with friends and family (except husband who’s on a night shift, too…he switched to night shift when I started)…and don’t get to see any sunlight. In training I never imagined being on duty alone, but that’s how it’s turned out…twelve hours is a long time to work by yourself each shift. I pictured a fast paced work environment and though it can definitely be that way at times, it’s not consistently that way by any means…lots of ‘down time’…time for my brain to turn to mush… I’m usually very ‘goal-oriented’, but I’m having more and more trouble staying focused on things outside my job duties…like reading a book, etc. :banghead:

Needless to say I’m getting pretty depressed with the situation. The job is much less challenging than I imagined and not the work environment I had hoped for (lots of foul language and jokes/stories…which I try to get people to stop, but don’t seem to succeed too often).

Quiting isn’t an option at this point as we’re dependant on the income…though I can be looking for other work in the field, there aren’t very many openings here and moving for work isn’t a possiblity at this time.

So, here are my questions…

Does anyone have any suggestions of what I could do to continue spiritual growth (obviously not as good as going to Mass, but just something…)? Keepin’ mind my ‘awake hours’ are the middle of the night…

Any ideas on regaining self-discipline/focus in an isolated environment…there’s plenty of time for me to do lots of things I’m interested in (read the Bible, learn a language, etc, etc)…just no focus…ugh…

Thanks for the (name removed by moderator)ut!

 

[LSK]

I absolutely understand. When budget cuts meant the end to the program I was the administrator of for five years I was transfered to my present position. Same title, same pay and about 1/4 of the stuff to do. I finished up the online degree in Business Management and was really marking time until I can retire. So until then, I started taking every opportunity I could to study the Catechism.

I started with this:
amm.org/chss/chss.htm

and then I made the committment to become a Marian Catechist.

I also became very interested in Early Church History, and discovered a deepening of my faith as I reconnected with the Apostolic Traditions of the Catholic Church.

It’s tough when the job gets boring. HOWEVER, you are in a great position to start learning more about the Church. GO FOR IT and have some FUN…when the times change (and they will) you will be all prepared to be in great shape to be an even greater asset to your parish than you are now.

 

[Eileen_T]

I spent 20 years at home looking after my children (six). In that time I studied apologetics and LIFE issues. When I was no longer needed full-time at home I though of going to University and gaining some qualifications in IT but I received a phone call offering me work in the Pro-life field because of my knowledge.

That led to another job, researching and developing a website on Suicide, Abortion & Euthanasia www.life.org.nz which has just come to an end (the money ran out, not the work).

While I was a SAHM I had the usual comments about how I was wasting my life away etc but I didn’t see it like that. The previous poster has it right. This time could be of the greatest benefit for you if you plan it right.

My next project is to read the Theology of the Body teachings of Pope JP II and Christopher West’s works on the subject. I am thinking of taking a no-brainer job that is not intellectually demanding so I can really study it without burning out.

 

[Kathryn_0404]

Thanks for the encouragement, LSK! It means a lot!

Studying about the Church sounds like good advice to me!

I’ll get going with that website you posted…gonna start with the “We Believe” book. Any other book suggestions?

You used a phrase I’m not familiar with…Marian Catechist. Is that studying about Mary? Can you give me some info on that?

I recently read something about Malitia Immaculata…concecrating yourself to Mary…anyone have info on this?

 

[Della]

The Catechism is a great study, but you can’t just read that all night long! I’d like to recommend a truly unique author, a defender of the Catholic faith to which men like Fulton Sheen looked for inspiration. I’m talking about the writings of G. K. Chesterton see also the American Chesterton Society website. His “Orothodoxy” and “The Everlasting Man” are classics everyone ought to read who wants to see the Catholic faith and the place of Christ in history presented in a fresh way that answers the naysayers of our day, and which will leave you breathless with awe, guaranteed!

 

[LSK]

Kathryn_0404:

Thanks for the encouragement, LSK! It means a lot!

Studying about the Church sounds like good advice to me!

I’ll get going with that website you posted…gonna start with the “We Believe” book. Any other book suggestions?

You used a phrase I’m not familiar with…Marian Catechist. Is that studying about Mary? Can you give me some info on that?

I recently read something about Malitia Immaculata…concecrating yourself to Mary…anyone have info on this?

a Marian Catechist studies the Catechism AND participates in particular spiritual practices, including daily Mass etc. I was, of course, unable to do this part until recently so don’t worry about it. I did the course I sent you first…then decided I wanted to study more about the Catechism while undertaking some specific spiritual exercises. For instance, as a Marian Catechist I pledge during pre-formation, to go to Mass at least three times a week, receive the Sacrament of Reconcilliation at least once a month, pray the Rosary Daily, and do an examination of conscience every night. I also study the Catechism and submit tests to be graded. As I move along in the formation process I will do the at home version of the 30 day retreat along the guidelines of St. Ignatius of Loyola.

It will take about 2 years to complete the course. It is an interesting combination of catechism and prayer and I am enjoying it.