Should my friend work at a department store on Sundays?

[bigred84]

I have a question about working on Sundays. I know we are suppose to rest on the Lord’s Day, but I know someone who works sometimes on Sunday. For example, she works 1 PM to 5 PM today. She usually goes to Mass, so that is not an issue. Is it okay to work under these circumstances on Sunday? I have looked up past answer to this question, and most of them are vague. They often refer to what the Catechism of the Catholic Church says:

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. 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 (CCC 2185).

I know some jobs are essential even on Sunday: doctors, nurses, etc. It does not seem to me that working in a department store is a job that needs to be done on a Sunday though. I suppose the woman works there because she needs the money, but most people work because they need money. I know the rules on this issue leave it up the individual to decide when Sunday activity is appropriate, but it seems like this rule is almost vague enough to allow anything. Where do we draw the line? Please don’t just refer me to past answers, as I have already read many of those. I would appreciate a specific answer please.

 

[Michelle_Arnold]

Rather than scruple over whether or not your friend “should” or “needs” to work in a department store on Sundays, perhaps you should re-focus your attention to your own activities on Sundays. Instead of trying to determine whether or not your friend is transgressing the Lord’s Day, I recommend that you consider whether your own habits contribute to the need department stores have for Sunday workers. In other words, only your friend can be the judge of whether or not she must work on Sundays and whether or not this is the only job available for her to support herself and her family. But if you are concerned about Sunday workers having adequate time for worship and rest, then the way to help them is to reorder your own chores and other Sunday activities.