Working at Parish Worth It?

[tinytherese]

My parish bulletin advertised a job as a secretary for our sister parish. I applied. I discussed the opportunity with my therapist. She cautioned me that working at a parish is. Priests and other staff members will really irritate you. I think she was implying that politics regarding how the parish is run will come into play. You'll encounter a lot of people with problems. She suggested going to confession elsewhere. This is leading me to question if I should even consider the position at all.

For anyone with experience working at a parish or doing behind the scenes volunteer work, what do you think?

[chrysostom]

It's going to very much depend on which parish, and on your tolerance level and ability not to get dragged into parish politics (if there are any).

My own take is that if you go in knowing your boundaries, prepared ahead of time to leave in case working there crosses those boundaries, you would be better off than not having any plan.

[chrysostom]

I myself have worked in parish situations, and most have been fine. I've bowed out of some places before, and am prepared to do so again if necessary. My particular kind of position is pretty directly affected by the Catholicity and liturgical opinions of whoever is in charge, so on occasion that has changed. If I see a job posting that claims the church is "vibrant" I usually stay away.

[Sponsa-Christi]

Working for the Church, like in a parish, can be a great thing, but it does change your relationship with the Church somewhat. If you're used to the Church being a primarily nourishing place for you, it can be a big adjustment (if not a shock!) to take on a role where you're the one who is going to be setting your own needs aside to serve others. And of course, you do wind up seeing a very "human" side of the Church, even in a good parish, and this can be difficult for a lot of people. 

I'd say to consider the job if you feel a greater call to serve. But be very honest with yourself about your spiritual needs. If you need your parish to be a place were you can simply be taken care of spiritually--and there's nothing wrong with that!--then give the job a pass. 

And yes, if you do wind up as your parish secretary, I'd strongly recommend going to another parish for confession. (Also, it sounds like you have a good therapist!) 

[tinytherese]

21 hours ago, tinytherese said:

She cautioned me that working at a parish is.

I meant to write, "She cautioned me that working at a parish is hard."

Thank you for the replies. I know I'm in a cautious state because of my unrelenting depression that's been going on for nearly 12 years. I have anxiety as well. I feel that my spiritual life needs refreshing.

I just thought it would be neat to work at a place where I'm dedicated to the mission. I like having employment where I feel like I have a purpose to it. My current job that I started over a week ago is somewhat off to me. I don't know much about what the tasks I'm doing are even for. I just know they have something to do with retirement money.

[Sponsa-Christi]

1 hour ago, tinytherese said:

I just thought it would be neat to work at a place where I'm dedicated to the mission. I like having employment where I feel like I have a purpose to it.

If you feel like you're otherwise emotionally prepared to deal with the human side of the Church, a desire to be more mission-oriented in your work could be a good reason to apply. 

But again...it's totally ok to decide that it's not the right fit for you. 

[Lilllabettt]

Best advice I got was to have a home parish and a work parish. 

[tinytherese]

I applied, but never got to interview. I got an email saying they're going with someone else. They’re keeping my resume on their record for the next 6 months incase my skills match for another position.