Should I tell my non-Catholic parents about work on Sunday etc.?

[Hermione]

Do you think God wants me to tell my parents (who don’t have a particular faith, and are probably agnostic in their beliefs) that the Catholic Church teaches it’s a sin to do unnecessary work on Sunday etc.?

Also, just what is unnecessary work?

Thanks!

 

[vern_humphrey]

Hermione:

Do you think God wants me to tell my parents (who don’t have a particular faith, and are probably agnostic in their beliefs) that the Catholic Church teaches it’s a sin to do unnecessary work on Sunday etc.?

Also, just what is unnecessary work?

No.

Your parents are, as you say, of no particular faith and porbably agnostic. Why would you expect them to follow the rules of a church in which they do not believe? They will probably see it as nagging and exasperating.

If your purpose is to convert them, the best way is through example – let them see how faith makes you a better person. Talk about the inner peace you feel.

If they want to know more, they’ll ask. Be sure to answer the questions they want answers to, not the questions you want them to ask.

 

[AlanFromWichita]

vern humphrey:

No.

Your parents are, as you say, of no particular faith and porbably agnostic. Why would you expect them to follow the rules of a church in which they do not believe? They will probably see it as nagging and exasperating.

If your purpose is to convert them, the best way is through example – let them see how faith makes you a better person. Talk about the inner peace you feel.

If they want to know more, they’ll ask. Be sure to answer the questions they want answers to, not the questions you want them to ask.

 

[bkniceley]

why is it a sin to do unneccesary work on sunday? We are called to offer up every day as living for God so why would it be a sin just on sunday? Or any day at all? Maybe it would help if you could clarify unneccesary work… is that work that does not glorify God? In that case we should never do that? Or is it something else? just confused thats all

 

[Hermione]

bkniceley:

why is it a sin to do unneccesary work on sunday? We are called to offer up every day as living for God so why would it be a sin just on sunday? Or any day at all? Maybe it would help if you could clarify unneccesary work… is that work that does not glorify God? In that case we should never do that? Or is it something else? just confused thats all

I think some quotes from the Catechism would be helpful:

2168 The third commandment of the Decalogue recalls the holiness of the sabbath: “The seventh day is a sabbath of solemn rest, holy to the LORD.”

[2185](javascriptpenWindow(‘cr/2185.htm’) 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.

vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p3s2c1a3.htm

I think the unnecessary work in question are things like spending the day cleaning the garage, not working as an ER doctor or serving food in a soup kitchen.

 

[Island_Oak]

not to be flip…but it would seem doing work on the sabbath might be the least of the issues in their faith life or lack thereof.

 

[Hermione]

Island Oak:

not to be flip…but it would seem doing work on the sabbath might be the least of the issues in their faith life or lack thereof.

I agree… but am I under a moral duty of some sort to tell them? Maybe I should just post the 10 commandments on the fridge or something!

Edit: I have compulsions sometimes to do things, and I can never figure out if it’s because of scrupulosity/obsessiveness or if it’s actually God’s will.

 

[Island_Oak]

Given that they are your parents, I will assume they are fully aware of their options to pursue a religious faith and have chosen not to. This doesn’t make it any less painful for you to watch them flounder spiritually. But it is not your duty, nor likely within your power, to propel them into the faith. Your example may inspire them, but it may also turn them away. Pray for them and love them always, but don’t take on the burden of feeling responsible for their faith or lack of it.