Spirituality and the Workplace

[lukefan]

Would like advice on how to handle myself in the workplace. A co-worker who sits behind me is transferring to another region of the country and part of his reason, as he has voiced many times, is that he does not like living in the “belt buckle” of the bible belt. I have a picture of JPII in my cubicle and it is no secret that I am a devout Catholic. Me and another co-worker every year on Ash Wednesday take a small group, both Catholics and Protestants to the noon mass to get our ashes. It has become a tradition and those Protestants say they get their Catholic touch up. The even have a nickname for me - Popizzle. These are the ones who have respect, and I have respect for them!

Up to now it has been okay until yesterday. As the person behind me again was asked why he was transferring, he says that he has never lived in a place that so many people are “in your face” about religion. I had to stand up and tell him that I can make the same argument on the flip side, we have many that are in your face about homosexuality (we have a couple of women who live together in the office), secularism and such. Our health insurance even changed to covering “domestic partners” this year and although this may not be the only reason, our benefits changed and it is now costing more out of pocket for my health insurance!

I feel the need to defend not only the Catholic faith but Christians of any denomination from the assault on our values. But on the otherhand had my bossed walk by when this conversation was in full swing I probably would have been in trouble. If I say nothing, I feel that those around me think I agree with them.

Is it better to just shut up and pray for them?

 

[Jenlyn]

I had to stand up and tell him that I can make the same argument on the flip side, we have many that are in your face about homosexuality

I’m proud of you!

The work place should not be the place for these types of discussions but when they present themselves, they should be addressed.

We aren’t here to win popularity contets. The road to sainthood is sometimes lonely (people I mean).

Have you ever read “Introduction to the Devout Life” by St. Francis DeSales? He addresses how lay people can live a devout life. A great read.

 

[Tonks40]

It’s his right to live somewhere else where he feels he won’t be subjected to “in-your-face” religion. It’s his right to worship any way he feels in this country. Unfortunately, he’ll probably run into similar “problems” where ever he goes. We’re a nation of believers in God.

You should feel good about defending the faith and the faithful to this person. Though it occurred in the workplace, don’t let it stop you from trying to discern the truth to others. Continue doing so in charity and kindness, and thank God that you are amongst other believers at your work.

God Bless
Tonks40

 

[Jenlyn]

Side bar …

Are you Harry Potter fan Tonks40?

 

[Della]

So, what did he say when you pointed out how you see “in your face” secularism, etc. in the office?

 

[Tonks40]

Jenlyn:

Side bar …

Are you Harry Potter fan Tonks40?

Tee-hee…howja know?

 

[Rebecca_New]

Religion and politics do not belong at work-that’s what my boss and co-worker told me. Now, I am a nurse and I happen to believe that spiritual support is sometimes as important as medical support, to me they go hand in hand. I work in a Christian nursing home and am constantly fighting for dignity of the aged. The minor abuses that I see make me want to cry sometimes, but I just pray and ask Jesus to let me be his Hands, His feet, and His Word. We are all called to be the example of Christ, and if we are called “in your face” religious fanatics, count it as a blessing. I do not argue, name call, or act out of frustration. I just work and try to set an example.