Part time job...working on Sundays...advice

[ThunderDawg09]

Hey everyone

             I need some advice about something. I'm currently in college right now. And I have been looking for a part time job. I got a offer at a repair shop changing oil and tires. The only problem I for see is that the store is open on Sundays from 9am to 3pm. And I know that we are not suppose to work on Sundays. I could get to Mass on Sunday evenings. And when I need confession I could get an appointment. Should I take the job?

I need the job so I can get tools for my career (I’m in automotive) plus pay for my cell phone. And so I can help my Dad pay for my vehicle. And so I can help out a little around the house money wise. My parents say that long as I am school I dont need to. But I feel like I am 22 that I should. I want the job. But I dont want to commit a sin by taking the job.

 

[SMHW]

In general I think we should avoid servile work on Sunday.

But there are certain careers that require Sunday hours (medical, firefighting, police work, Church ministry…) because of the nature of the job. And then there are other jobs which you take during a certain point in your life where you are just going to have to work on Sundays. When you are a student you often need to work when you can. And so long as you are able to attend Mass sometime on Saturday evening or anytime on Sunday then you can still honor the day.

I hope that when you eventually are able to work a full time regular automotive job (assuming that’s what you plan to do) that you will be able to find something that allows you to be off on most Sundays.

 

[ThunderDawg09]

I hope that when you eventually are able to work a full time regular automotive job (assuming that’s what you plan to do) that you will be able to find something that allows you to be off on most Sundays.

I am taking auto body right now. And most auto body shops are not open on Sundays that I know of. So once I graduate next year I wouldn’t have to worry about it anymore.

 

[Mel_Stones]

Observing the Lord’s day isn’t just about going to Mass.
It is also about taking time to relax, pray, and enjoy family time.
Keep this in mind.

 

[diggerdomer]

Hey everyone

             I need some advice about something. I'm currently in college right now. And I have been looking for a part time job. I got a offer at a repair shop changing oil and tires. The only problem I for see is that the store is open on Sundays from 9am to 3pm. And I know that we are not suppose to work on Sundays. I could get to Mass on Sunday evenings. And when I need confession I could get an appointment. Should I take the job?

I need the job so I can get tools for my career (I’m in automotive) plus pay for my cell phone. And so I can help my Dad pay for my vehicle. And so I can help out a little around the house money wise. My parents say that long as I am school I dont need to. But I feel like I am 22 that I should. I want the job. But I dont want to commit a sin by taking the job.

I’m not aware of any Catholic teaching that says Catholics are not supposed to work on Sundays. Can you (or anyone) give a clear reference for this?

There are many jobs that obviously require work on Sundays, and to my knowledge there’s no Catholic prohibition regarding this. Think of doctors, police, fire fighters, etc.

I don’t see the moral problem here as long as you are able to participate in liturgy (Mass).

 

[flyingfish]

I wasn’t aware you’re not supposed to work on Sundays.

How far does this go? What about intellectual work like writing? What about yard work, or just regular chores? Is it actually a sin to do those things on Sundays? Hmm!

 

[Seatuck]

ThunderDawg, It doesn’ t seem that your Sunday job is absolutely necessary. I would consider that and than also consider if it would you prevent you from meeting your Sunday Obligations.You could always pay your parents back when you get working if they are willing to pay your expenses now. If this is the only way for you to get money for the tools then it might be a necessity if you truly can’t find a job on Saturday or another day during the week.

scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s2c1a3.htm#2185

A day of grace and rest from work

2184 Just as God "rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had done,"121 human life has a rhythm of work and rest. The institution of the Lord’s Day helps everyone enjoy adequate rest and leisure to cultivate their familial, cultural, social, and religious lives.122

2185 On Sundays and other holy days of obligation, the faithful are to refrain from engaging in work or activities that hinder the worship owed to God, the joy proper to the Lord’s Day, the performance of the works of mercy, and the appropriate relaxation of mind and body.123 Family needs or important social service can legitimately excuse from the obligation of Sunday rest. The faithful should see to it that legitimate excuses do not lead to habits prejudicial to religion, family life, and health.

The charity of truth seeks holy leisure- the necessity of charity accepts just work.124

2186 Those Christians who have leisure should be mindful of their brethren who have the same needs and the same rights, yet cannot rest from work because of poverty and misery. Sunday is traditionally consecrated by Christian piety to good works and humble service of the sick, the infirm, and the elderly. Christians will also sanctify Sunday by devoting time and care to their families and relatives, often difficult to do on other days of the week. Sunday is a time for reflection, silence, cultivation of the mind, and meditation which furthers the growth of the Christian interior life.

2187 Sanctifying Sundays and holy days requires a common effort. Every Christian should avoid making unnecessary demands on others that would hinder them from observing the Lord’s Day. Traditional activities (sport, restaurants, etc.), and social necessities (public services, etc.), require some people to work on Sundays, but everyone should still take care to set aside sufficient time for leisure. With temperance and charity the faithful will see to it that they avoid the excesses and violence sometimes associated with popular leisure activities. In spite of economic constraints, public authorities should ensure citizens a time intended for rest and divine worship. Employers have a similar obligation toward their employees.

2188 In respecting religious liberty and the common good of all, Christians should seek recognition of Sundays and the Church’s holy days as legal holidays. They have to give everyone a public example of prayer, respect, and joy and defend their traditions as a precious contribution to the spiritual life of society. If a country’s legislation or other reasons require work on Sunday, the day should nevertheless be lived as the day of our deliverance which lets us share in this “festal gathering,” this "assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven."125

 

[margya]

If the job is necessary would be o.k. to work Sunday, providing that you get to Mass. The confession can be done by appointment.

 

[Catholic1954]

I would take the job. Jobs are hard to come by just now, especially for students. Just be sure to attend Mass , NO MATTER WHAT. You are providing a service for people and you are helping to relieve the financial burden from your father plus you just might learn a few things related to your studies.

 

[TAllan]

My two cents: inform the hiring manager that your religious beliefs forbid you from working on Sunday. If they are smart, they will be agreeable with this stipulation.

 

[faith_seeker]

If you really need the job then take it .

 

[Cat]

My two cents: inform the hiring manager that your religious beliefs forbid you from working on Sunday. If they are smart, they will be agreeable with this stipulation.

Nope. This won’t happen in the U.S. An employer is not obligated to hire everyone who interviews for his/her job. He/she has the right to hire an employee who can actually do the job. This employer needs someone who can work Sundays, and if ThunderDawg09 can’t do that job, then he/she can’t be hired. There are plenty of other people available who ARE willing to work on Sunday.

I agree with all who say take the job, just make sure to make your Mass.

When you are out of school, you will learn that many MANY of us, not just doctors, cops, etc., have to work Sundays. Think about it–that organist or pianist that you see playing at Mass is “working.” My husband is a systems administrator (computers) and he is often on call on weekends. When he attends Mass, he has often had to leave in the middle when he receives a page.

I think it’s very likely that depending on where you live, you will work Sundays in the automotive fields. In fact, our auto mechanic has occasionally worked on our cars on Sundays in emergencies.

And finally, many people who would not normally end up working on Sundays take on extra jobs to help pay off a huge bill or to help make ends meet for their families. One of my friends is a Med tech, and when his wife ran up a twenty-thousand dollar credit card bill during one of her manic phases, he took on two extra jobs–a second shift job in another hospital, and a third job working as a gas station clerk. You BET he worked Sundays!

That’s life in the United States in the 21st Century, everyone. You can try hard to live counter-culturally, but it’s difficult. Even farmers work Sundays nowadays.

 

[sanctamaria17]

I work on Sundays…because I like being able to pay my rent.

I’m in school too and that’s reality. I wasn’t born wealthy, nor do I expect my parents to give me a full ride, even if they could have afforded it. So I work to pay for what I need. This school year, I’ll be tutoring as well as waiting tables. But it’s only for one more year.

I’m also hoping to be a midwife in the future. So work on Sunday will just be reality for me.

 

[Mrs_Sally]

Hey everyone

             I need some advice about something. I'm currently in college right now. And I have been looking for a part time job. I got a offer at a repair shop changing oil and tires. The only problem I for see is that the store is open on Sundays from 9am to 3pm. And I know that we are not suppose to work on Sundays. I could get to Mass on Sunday evenings. And when I need confession I could get an appointment. Should I take the job?

I need the job so I can get tools for my career (I’m in automotive) plus pay for my cell phone. And so I can help my Dad pay for my vehicle. And so I can help out a little around the house money wise. My parents say that long as I am school I dont need to. But I feel like I am 22 that I should. I want the job. But I dont want to commit a sin by taking the job.

I agree with you that at 22 you should start being able to pay your own bills. Yes, you are still in school, but it sounds like you are finishing up. I would take the job. Just because the store is open on Sundays doesn’t mean you will always be scheduled. Also as you get to know your co-workers, you can swap shifts as needed

We should avoid ‘servile’ work on Sundays, but as others have said many professions need to be working every day. The church also recognizes that many people cannot fully control their work schedules (especially those like you who are just beginning to work). You will be able to get to Mass on Saturday/Sunday evenings or early Sunday morning those times when you might be scheduled for the entire Sunday shift.

Also look at several parishes for their Mass and confession schedule. Our parish has confession every Wednesday evening, another nearby has confession each First Friday. You may find a parish with a Sunday Mass as late as 7pm.

 

[purplesunshine]

As an employeer i must state that if I had two equally qualified canidates, one who worked their way through school and worked in their field, and one who had extensive training…even twice as much…but did only sporadic work in their field I’d hire the one who worked their way through.

You’re going to be entering the workforce at 23 or 24. While employeers can’t ask your age they’re certainly going to look at your HS graduation and do the math…and ask what you’ve been doing for the past five years.

We are also in tough times, and you need to be prepared for your parents to cut you off through no fault of theirs. God rewards hard work when we need to do it.

I worked some sundays in college. I managed 6 classes, two jobs (totaling 35hrs) and 3 clubs (2 of which I was a leader for) and graduated on time with a decent gpa. I had to be self-sufficient.

What I’d do is put serious effort and prayer into your relationship with God, beit saturday or sunday.

 

[ThunderDawg09]

As an employeer i must state that if I had two equally qualified canidates, one who worked their way through school and worked in their field, and one who had extensive training…even twice as much…but did only sporadic work in their field I’d hire the one who worked their way through.

You’re going to be entering the workforce at 23 or 24. While employeers can’t ask your age they’re certainly going to look at your HS graduation and do the math…and ask what you’ve been doing for the past five years.

We are also in tough times, and you need to be prepared for your parents to cut you off through no fault of theirs. God rewards hard work when we need to do it.

I worked some sundays in college. I managed 6 classes, two jobs (totaling 35hrs) and 3 clubs (2 of which I was a leader for) and graduated on time with a decent gpa. I had to be self-sufficient.

What I’d do is put serious effort and prayer into your relationship with God, beit saturday or sunday.

I was working during those 5 years. I was not just sitting around on my butt. And I know my parents wouldnt cut me off. Because they have told me that they would rather me just focus on school.

 

[Bluegoat]

I think it would be ok to take the job. Just be sure to get to Mass in the evening, or Saturday night, and try to take some time during the week to dedicate to prayer and study, which is what we are supposed to be doing on our day of rest.

 

[purplesunshine]

I was working during those 5 years. I was not just sitting around on my butt. And I know my parents wouldnt cut me off. Because they have told me that they would rather me just focus on school.

I said through no fault of their own. They could easily loose their jobs and be forced to have you pay for your own things.

 

[Cat]

I said through no fault of their own. They could easily loose their jobs and be forced to have you pay for your own things.

Sad but true.

Or they may decide to be more circumspect with their money and set more aside in the event of a job loss. My husband and I are trying to plan for the possibility of one or both of us losing jobs in this economy (although Pres. Obama just announced yesterday that things are on the upswing again!),and we are definitely curtailing the amount of money and perks that we give our two grown daughters.

 

[Cat]

I was working during those 5 years. I was not just sitting around on my butt. And I know my parents wouldnt cut me off. Because they have told me that they would rather me just focus on school.

You asked for advice. Take it when it is given by older people with more experience than you. Hopefully you would never use the word “butt” in a job interview, or take a defensive tone when responding.

And in the future, unless you have been totally consistent all your life on keeping the Lord’s Day holy, I would be very careful about citing religion as a reason not to work on Sundays–it gives an interviewer the impression (even if you don’t intend it) that you are holier than they are, and they are wrong to work on Sundays. Be careful. Like I said, there are lots of people who will be happy to take the job.