Keeping the Sabbath holy and work

[MissRose73]

I know the commandment about keeping the Sabbath day holy etc.

I work at a job (technical/customer support) where my weekend is not Saturday/Sunday per my job requirements but it is Thursday/Friday. I do attend Saturday evening Mass at 5pm (as I work Saturday to Wednesday, 7am to 4pm). Sunday morning Mass attendance is only possible if I have taken the day off work in advance.

But how does one not do certain types of servile work on Sunday or am I excused because I must work to support myself as a woman who lives alone with a job that does not have conventional weekends off? Should I use a different day for “rest” from work perhaps? Should I not do any household chores and/or errands that are unnecessary to be done to honor the day even though I was required to work?

 

[beeliner]

I know the commandment about keeping the Sabbath day holy etc.

I work at a job (technical/customer support) where my weekend is not Saturday/Sunday per my job requirements but it is Thursday/Friday. I do attend Saturday evening Mass at 5pm (as I work Saturday to Wednesday, 7am to 4pm). Sunday morning Mass attendance is only possible if I have taken the day off work in advance.

But how does one not do certain types of servile work on Sunday or am I excused because I must work to support myself as a woman who lives alone with a job that does not have conventional weekends off? Should I use a different day for “rest” from work perhaps? Should I not do any household chores and/or errands that are unnecessary to be done to honor the day even though I was required to work?

Employment to earn a living is not ‘servile work’. ‘Servile work’ is, as you state, work like housecleaning, that could easily be done on another day.

The entire concept of the Jewish Sabbath, as originally promulgated, was to protect slaves from overwork, assuring them of at least one day off per week.

Also, in areas of the world where there are very few Catholics, the “Lord’s Day” is whichever day of the week the circuit-riding priest is scheduled to visit and say Mass.

 

[Lucky_Scrunchy]

Oh oh… I do housecleaning on Sunday, not hardcore cleaning but light housekeeping. Is it still a sin?

 

[john81]

I would always ask my parish priest what is best in these situations. However, my advice would be to always seek a job that is most compatible with your faith. If you are having trouble keeping your Sunday obligation, then perhaps that is not the best job for you (or your soul). If this is not an option (and it may very well not be since we live in a “pagan” world), then I would suggest taking at least one Sunday off a month to attend Mass and keep the day holy. What better way to love God then to sacrifice time off by going to Mass and serving him.

Is housecleaning a sin? I had a priest tell me once that any unnecesary work that is done on a Holy day which takes more than an hour of your time would be considered a sin. This is a general rule he stated to follow. There are always exceptions and of course asking a priest in the confessional is the best way to find out for sure in a particular situation.

Hope this helps and God bless!

 

[Rence]

I know the commandment about keeping the Sabbath day holy etc.

I work at a job (technical/customer support) where my weekend is not Saturday/Sunday per my job requirements but it is Thursday/Friday. I do attend Saturday evening Mass at 5pm (as I work Saturday to Wednesday, 7am to 4pm). Sunday morning Mass attendance is only possible if I have taken the day off work in advance.

But how does one not do certain types of servile work on Sunday or am I excused because I must work to support myself as a woman who lives alone with a job that does not have conventional weekends off? Should I use a different day for “rest” from work perhaps? Should I not do any household chores and/or errands that are unnecessary to be done to honor the day even though I was required to work?

Going to Mass on Saturday evening meets your Mass obligation. You should talk to your priest about the rest. You obviously have to make a living, and unless you can find another job that gives you Sunday’s off, I’d just be grateful in this economy and the high rate of unemployment that you have a job at all As to household chores and/or errands, I’d do the essential things, and leave the non-essentials to another day if you can. But seriously, talk to your priest about your concerns.

 

[MissRose73]

I live in Michigan, and good paying jobs are not easy to find so I best stick with what I have as it pays decently.

I will try not to do anything unnecessary / non essential like heavy cleaning or laundry on Sunday besides working the job that allows me to pay my bills, keep a roof over my head, have food to eat etc. I am sure my pastor will be able to guide me better as it is possible I am not the only one in the congregation who does not have a conventional work week & work hours.

 

[MusicMan]

The Sabbath was made for man. Man was not made for the Sabbath. Why do we worry so when Christ gives us clear instruction?

 

[MissRose73]

He had no issues with certain things being done on the Sabbath, but I am sure He want even those who are required to work by their employers on Sundays to observe the Sabbath in some way before or after work is done.

The Sabbath was made for man. Man was not made for the Sabbath. Why do we worry so when Christ gives us clear instruction?

 

[MissRose73]

Going to Mass on Saturday evening meets your Mass obligation. You should talk to your priest about the rest. You obviously have to make a living, and unless you can find another job that gives you Sunday’s off, I’d just be grateful in this economy and the high rate of unemployment that you have a job at all As to household chores and/or errands, I’d do the essential things, and leave the non-essentials to another day if you can. But seriously, talk to your priest about your concerns.

I am grateful to God I have a job especially in Michigan. I will have to speak to my pastor and I am sure I will not be the first to ask that question.