Shopping on Sundays....

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Athanasius

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I have read that one should not shop on Sundays (unless necessary). However, I need some help…

I live with my parents and two nieces (who are non-Catholics). On most Sundays my parents ask me to babysit my nieces while they go out doing shopping (even though they shop on other days as well). Is it all right for me to babysit my nieces for them, even though they are shopping on Sundays? I never really thought about it until just today, so I have always done it…

My little nieces are at the age where they are old enough to stay home at themselves, so that I wouldn’t have to babysit them, but lately they have gotten into trouble for doing some things, which has made my mother decide not to let them stay by themselves. (She thinks it would be too dangerous). So is it all right for me to babysit them while my parents go out shopping? Thanks.
 
Children need care every day of the week, so it wouldn’t be wrong to care for them. It’s nice if the parents get a break once in awhile.
 
I think it is great you are so connected to your neices. I wish we lived closer to ours to do the same. The Lord is allowing you to share your life with them - Perhaps you are just what they need right now 👍
 
Thanks for the replies…

What I am curious about, however, is whether I am doing anything wrong since I am babysitting for my parents while they go out shopping on Sundays (which is wrong).

Also, my parents, when they do grocery shopping on Sundays, do buy for me things not absolutely necessary for me, such as sodas (even though they could do grocery shopping on other days). Is it all right for me to accept those things? Thanks.
 
If I were you I would try and relax about the ‘rules’ and try and help your parents out. It sounds like they have a lot of responsibilities. Also, I don’t think you should be scrutinizing you parents by questioning what they’re buying. You have no idea how difficult it is to get things done in this modern world, which is very different than the world that was in Bible times. So, I think you should help your parents and not worry about what they do with this time. If you asked a priest I’ll bet he’d give you the same answer, but if you doubt me, please ask your priest.
 
Also, if you don’t want to drink the pop that they buy, don’t. It’s bad for your health anyways, so by all means don’t drink it.
 
Christ picked grains of wheat on the Sabbath. He technically “worked” and was called to task by the pharisees. Christ basically said the day of rest was made for man to become rested and refreshed, as well as to worship God, not to be a burden to men.

For many, shopping on Sunday together as a couple is restful and relaxing.
 
No matter what your parents do, you should continue to watch your nieces. They maybe old enough but what you describe they need supervision. As far as your parents are concerned bring this up for discussion on a Monday or Tuesday (NOT Sunday as they are walking out the door)–Start by saying… Is it true about what I read about people should not shop on Sunday’s? Just like you posted here but don’t metion watching your nieces and Don’t make it personal, (don’t say YOU should not shop on Sunday’s) It might make them think.
 
Good idea Kay, that sounds very tactful. I think it’s good to avoid shopping on Sunday not because it’s work for us, but it forces others to do sevile work. If no one shopped on Sunday, then people wouldn’t have to work on Sunday in order to make a living. That used to be how society was structured and actually in Europe things shut down on Sunday much more than here.
 
I shop on Sundays only if absolutely necessary…as I really think it’s a day for rest and family and if you think about it because some of us do shop it means others are forced to work…
 
Thank-you for the replies…I’ll try to take your advice to the extent possible.

Now, like I said, my parents can do their shopping on the other days of the week, but they don’t always do so. But as was posted in this thread:
I think it’s good to avoid shopping on Sunday not because it’s work for us, but it forces others to do sevile work
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That’s what I had been thinking…

Now, I’m not trying to judge my parents, of course; however, I do wish to make sure that I’m not committing any sins in this matter.

So, If they buy certain things on Sunday (like, certain types of food or a TV or something), is it still all right for me to use those things even though they were bought on a Sunday? That might be a silly question, but I just wish to make sure. Thanks.
 
I think that if you don’t use those things that your parents brought you with a good heart that it might hurt their feelings and make them feel like you were being a whippersnapper. Also, be careful not to be too scrupulous. It can end up hindering your walk with God. Try and use some common sense and don’t become too legalistic. Remember, we live in a 24/7 society that doesn’t support us in keeping the Lord’s day. Factor that into the equation and give your parents a break. Meanwhile, I think Kay had some good advise on how to skillfully bring up the subject without coming across as a whippersnapper.
 
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HumbleObedience:
I think that if you don’t use those things that your parents brought you with a good heart that it might hurt their feelings and make them feel like you were being a whippersnapper. Also, be careful not to be too scrupulous. It can end up hindering your walk with God. Try and use some common sense and don’t become too legalistic. Remember, we live in a 24/7 society that doesn’t support us in keeping the Lord’s day. Factor that into the equation and give your parents a break. Meanwhile, I think Kay had some good advise on how to skillfully bring up the subject without coming across as a whippersnapper.
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Thank-you for your advice. But what if the things in question were not bought for me specifically, but just for the family in general, such as snacks or a TV? (In that case, my parents feelings would not be hurt if I personally did not use them). Would it still be all right to use them?

Also, would it all right to watch TV (such as a baseball game) or listen to the radio on Sundays, even though that requires others to work on Sunday? And on vacation, would it be all right to stay at a hotel on a Sunday (requiring others to work), even if I could stay at with a relative instead who would have no problem with me staying with them (though it would be a little inconvenient for me)?

As you can see, I’m confused as to what I would or would not be acceptable on Sundays. I think I might be getting too scrupulous on this matter, but I’m not sure…(I had been too lax before). Since I heard that it is possible for certain activities on Sundays (such as unnecessary shopping) to be a mortal sin, I just wish to be on the safe side…

Perhaps someone could explain to me the general principles to apply in this matter? (That would probably be very helpful). Thanks.
 
Make an appointment to talk to a priest. On this site you’ll probably get a lot of different opinions. Talk to your priest
 
Well, I would talk to my priest, but…I’m not sure I can trust his answers. He’s a good guy, but he’s not always loyal to the Church’s teaching, so I’m hestitant to ask him…And he’s the only priest in a three-county area, so I don’t really know where else to come for answers…
 
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Athanasius:
Well, I would talk to my priest, but…I’m not sure I can trust his answers. He’s a good guy, but he’s not always loyal to the Church’s teaching, so I’m hestitant to ask him…And he’s the only priest in a three-county area, so I don’t really know where else to come for answers…
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How about the ask an apologist forum then? Do a search there first as I’m sure this question has been asked there before. If you want a more specific answer directed at your particular situation then ask them. Here you will gets lots of opinions, there you will get a direct answer that will at least be orthodox.

Malia
 
Well, I decided to try the “Ask an Apologist” forum, but as I am waiting, another question comes up…

I give money to my parents every week to help them out (such as extra grocery money or extra gas money). They don’t need the money or expect me to give it to them (though, of course, I think it’s the least I can do since they are allowing me to live with them). It just helps them buy a little more groceries or whatever than they normally would. But I also know that they will spend that money shopping on Sunday (such as for groceries) even when they could shop on another day without too much trouble.

Just to make sure, is it all right for me to still give them that money, even if I know they will spend it on Sunday? I don’t wish them to spend it on Sunday, of course, but I do wish to continue to help them out. I want to give them the extra money to buy a little more (though they don’t need it), and the fact that they will spend it on Sunday is something that I do not support, even though I know they will do it.

Is it all right to continue giving them the money? Thanks.
 
If someone could please answer the question in my last post, I would greatly appreciate it…Thanks.
 
Starting with this:
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
 
From what I read in the Catechism it sounds like shopping would be ok as long as it does not “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.” For me shopping is fun and relaxing, maybe so for your parents too.

I mean, if its ok to go to a restaurant where employees would have to really work to be able to serve you, then shopping should be ok, as long as it does not hinder the worship owed to God, etc.

In conclusion, giving them money that they use to shop should be just fine. Anyways, do they go shopping because of the money you give them, or would they go anyways even if you didn’t give them money?
 
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