Premarital counseling - required

Carla1019

I attend a large church 5,000 + members. I found out after I booked the church and secured our date that we have to do PMC before we can get married there. No problem.

The problem comes in when I call the counselor to find out when is a good time to get this done and she tells me that she works part time during the day. Well FI and I work business hours normally Monday - Friday.  So we will have to leave work early once a week in order to make these sessions.

Is it unreasonable to expect a church my size to be a little more accommodating? We must attend 4 sessions.

Any suggestions? 

hmonkey

you can ask, but expect them to say no.

Meaghann17

can you draw the 4 sessions out over more than 4 weeks?

how long do u have till the wedding? maybe one every other week won't impact work as much as doing it once a week for 4 weeks straight.

Amitzah

I work at a synagogue.  While our rabbi's may schedule meetings or counseling sessions outside of normal 9-5 hours, its rare.  There are extreme circumstances where the individual or couple live a couple of hours away and they try to accomodate their work and travel, but again, its rare.

What happens normally is that meetings are scheduled first thing in the morning so that they can then go in an hour or two late to work, or as the last meeting in the day so that they can take off an hour or two early.  Those that can meet on their lunch hour do so.  Our rabbinic staff have packed schedules as it is, and families on top of that, so time can be a bit tight.

Try talking to your boss and explain what is going on.  If they aren't flexible about it go back to the counselor and explain your situation.  If she works part time during the day she may be able to be more flexible with the hours she works and may be able to work around your and your FI work hours.

MinM

Just because there is a large number of members doesn't mean every member can provide this service. Just as with any business, you have to work around their hours. I shop at Target, but can't tell them when to open.

InksWell

See if the couselor can be bribed with food. Invite her over for dinner or offer to take her out to lunch on Sat. and do your hour then. Not that the food is the major draw, but doing it during mealtimes with you providing the meal will take some pressure off of her schedule (IE when she'd be home cooking and cleaning up). If you can remove some of her off hours obstacles, it'll be easier for her to fit you in.