Being the only Catholic in your workplace — how do you handle it?

I work in a tech company in Dublin. I go to Mass on Sundays, I fast on Fridays, I do not drink at work socials (I'm in a season of abstinence), and I mentioned once that I don't use contraception. My colleagues are not hostile but I am very visibly unusual. I do not want to be preachy but I also do not want to pretend I am something I'm not. How do other young Catholics carry their faith publicly without either hiding it or making it everyone's problem?

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6 Comments

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@unknownMar 1

I work in finance in London. Very similar experience. What I have learned: people are far more curious than hostile if you are visibly at peace with your faith rather than apologetic about it. The anxiety of trying to pass as secular is worse than the occasional awkward question. When someone asks why I go to Mass, I give a real answer. Most conversations go better than I expected.

@br_thomasMar 1

There is something in the Sermon on the Mount about being a city on a hill that cannot be hidden. Trying to be invisible about your faith is not humility — it is a kind of practical atheism at work. You do not need to evangelise; you need to be genuinely yourself. That is already a witness.

@misericordiaMar 20

I think you don't need to go around evangelising, but you should practice the faith like you normally would - especially in actions rather than words, but you can also casually bring it up in conversation when someone asks what you're doing in the weekend for example. Aside of that, praying before meals etc. is a great public witness!
I found that people are often really interested. My coworkers surely have many misunderstandings about the Catholic Church, but they're not at all hostile towards it.

@juraj_2Mar 20

I think it is rather not that difficult to do it. You shouldn't be a pushover about it; otherwise you'll just push people away. From my personal experience, going to Mass every day has helped me immensely in living out my faith. I pray every day that God's will be done that day and everything follows as it should.

@sherylynb13Mar 22

Hello, I used to think that way as well. I agree with what everyone said before me.... Don't go evangelise in your work, but also don't flaunt around that you're a Catholic.

In my experience, my colleagues don't feel awkward or hostile. Some have misconceptions on Catholicism and I correct them without being angry or defensive. Don't hide your faith, but express and show it with humility and meekness. ☺️

@unknownApr 9

I think the key is to treat your faith like something normal, not something you have to defend or broadcast. If someone asks, answer simply and confidently. If they don’t, just live it out. You’re not responsible for managing everyone else’s reaction, just for being authentic.