Ash Wednesday in IB
Ash Wednesday is a week from now. Traditionally, I’ve gone to church that day and received the ashes, which if you don’t know is a black cross on the forehead. The vast majority of my group is not Catholic (other religion or irreligious). I have absolutely no problems with that at all, but I would likely be the only one with the ashes, which would make me stand out quite a bit.
I can get the ashes in the morning and wear them all day, or I can leave work for an evening mass and get the ashes then. As a first year analyst, I feel like making myself unavailable in the evening for ~1 hour would be unwise, but I also feel that it wouldn’t be a good idea to have the ashes during the working day.
Any advice? Additionally, any thoughts on what I should give up for lent lol
I wanna disclose that I am not in IB, rather WM, and things are obviously more relaxed in my field. However, I am catholic myself and had similar thoughts to your situation. I would agree that making yourself unavailable for an hour in the evening wouldn't be ideal so definitely hit that morning mass.
In regards to wearing the ashes all day, two thoughts:
One the ashes usually naturally wear off after a few hours so maybe that will help your decision making.
Secondly, if anyone in your group would consider it unprofessional for having ashes / judge you for your religious beliefs, you might have to reflect on who your working with and if you really want to be apart of that team. (It is literally a protected class lol). No one should ever be ashamed of any religious faith they hold, especially in the office.
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes". -Romans 1:16-17
In regards to lent - giving up any drink other than water (Soda, Ice tea, etc.) was a good one for me. Hope this helps.
I've done it both ways (morning vs evening), and it didn't really matter. My largely Jewish and Indian team were always supportive.
I was in IB. The church near my office had a mass around lunchtime; that was convenient. I left my ashes on my forehead - a friend privately messaged me and thought I had something on my face, but it came off shortly after. I was the only (practicing) Catholic in the group around me.
For Lent, I try to give up social media because that's particularly difficult.
Also following as this will be my first Lent. Appreciate in advance any suggestions for what to give up as well
You don’t necessarily have to give up something. You can choose to give back by doing works of mercy (7 corporal and 7 spiritual) You don’t have to do all of them, but even if you do a couple during Lent it is good for the soul and pleases God.
You are much more religious than me. Some time we need to hash out your inputs, vs my 8 years of parochial education, followed by another 8 of Jesuit, four of which were from possibly the best HS in the US, and why I ended up an atheist and you super religious. Much love. Deo Et Patriae Christinia Erexit.
Just go when you want. It doesnt matter
I've seen it most managers/directors and above have seen it. They don't care or really even acknowledge it. It's common if you live in a city.
No one really cares. Most people know what it is and probably will not ask about it.
No one cares that your Christian. No one cares you have ashes. No one cares you believe in that. Do as you please.
I work in a very mixed group in NYC. Conceptually it's a couple hours of what the orthodox Jewish guy does every day with his yamaka. Pick your time, and don't let it take much out of the workday and nobody will care. ~25% of the office will have a dirty smudge on their foreheads that day. (S&P 500 AM Firm)
Wish I saw this before Ash Wednesday as I'm Catholic too lol.
What has always been clutch for me is St. Patrick's Cathedral on 5th Ave in Midtown usually has like an all day ash giving thing lol. Like a legitimate "drive by" that usually takes me 5-10 minutes.
If you're concerned about standing out with ashes on your forehead in an IB setting, the best approach is to go in the morning and let them wear off naturally. Most people in the industry won’t care or even notice, but if you prefer discretion, you can wipe them off after receiving them.
As for Lent, some good things to give up or do:
In general, Lent is more about self-discipline and reflection, so choose something meaningful for you.
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