Another "working on Sundays" question

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Kathrin

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I know working at a hospital or nursing home etc on Sundays is necessary.
What if it is non-CRUCIAL work? That still benefits the patients?

A woman who works at a rehabilitation facility has seen me play my guitar and sing in the street and asked me to help her with patient entertainment from time to time (she reads stories, I play some songs, we sing with the patients, etc). That is often on Sunday mornings. I told the woman my concerns - are we keeping somebody from going to mass? No, she said, ebcause during that time there is no church service at the facility). And she said she thought it was really beautiful for the patients to have something special going on on a Sunday morning.

OK, still the question of, is it “forbidden” work? I am getting paid for it. It is, of course, not necessary for survival. But I would assume that patients need some recreational activities too?

Any imput? We have made plans again for this coming Sunday (I have been doing it about once a month). Suddenly I am having second thoughts again.

Kathrin
 
Kathrin said:
I know working at a hospital or nursing home etc on Sundays is necessary.
What if it is non-CRUCIAL work? That still benefits the patients?

A woman who works at a rehabilitation facility has seen me play my guitar and sing in the street and asked me to help her with patient entertainment from time to time (she reads stories, I play some songs, we sing with the patients, etc). That is often on Sunday mornings. I told the woman my concerns - are we keeping somebody from going to mass? No, she said, ebcause during that time there is no church service at the facility). And she said she thought it was really beautiful for the patients to have something special going on on a Sunday morning.

OK, still the question of, is it “forbidden” work? I am getting paid for it. It is, of course, not necessary for survival. But I would assume that patients need some recreational activities too?

Any imput? We have made plans again for this coming Sunday (I have been doing it about once a month). Suddenly I am having second thoughts again.

Kathrin
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Non-crucial does not mean unnecessary!
 
Go for it. This might be a time that you can show your Catholic christian witness to people that need it most. This is a kindness. Maybe it will lead to the request for a priest to visit.
 
Acts of charity are not considered work. Here’s what the CCC says, citing several Scriptural references:

CCC 2173 The Gospel reports many incidents when Jesus was accused of violating the sabbath law. But Jesus never fails to respect the holiness of this day. He gives this law its authentic and authoritative interpretation: “The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath.” With compassion, Christ declares the sabbath for doing good rather than harm, for saving life rather than killing. The sabbath day is the day of the Lord of mercies and a day to honor God. The Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath.

Mk 1:21, Jn 9:16, Mk 2:27, 3:4, Mt 12:5, Jn 7:23, Mk 2:28

Being charitable toward others could be your way of honoring God. As long as you (and anyone else involved) still attend Mass.

God Bless
 
I don’t know about the other people involved, since many of them probably arent’s Catholics, but personally, yes, of course, I am not doing this “instead of” going to mass. I can go to church on Saturday evening.🙂
Kathrin
 
Always remember that intent is the driving force of sin and wrongdoing. Jesus tells of a shepherd who goes out to look for a lost sheep on the Sabbath.
Whether you are getting paid for it or not, your intent is charity - NOT compensation - which is pleasing to the eyes of God.
God bless you for your charitable acts!
 
The Catholic Church forbids **unnecessary servile work **on Sundays.

Servile work is the work of a servant or slave.

Playing music, studying, playing games and sports are not work, much less servile work. These things are all leisure time activities.
 
Chris_Jacobsen said:
The Catholic Church forbids unnecessary servile (paid) work on Sundays.

Servile work is the work of a servant or slave. (employee to employer)

Playing music, studying, playing games and sports are not work, much less servile work. These things are all leisure time activities.
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