Stuck working with my dad on sunday - a sin?

[JimboJones]

First post –

hi everyone. I understand that we need to keep the Lord’s Day holy by going to Mass and by not doing servile work. I’ve also read what the Catechism says about this too but it doesn’t seem too specific.

My problem is: Often times, my dad always needs my help on the weekends sometimes doing yardwork in the Spring/Summer on Sundays and other times doing other types of work around the house in Fall/Winter on Sundays.

The past several weeks, I’ve tried to pay more attention to my Catholic faith so that means going to church every week and such. I went to confession a couple weeks ago and it was great.

But every week I’m afraid what I may get into on Sundays for work because I want to also abstain from doing any type of work like it says in the Catechism. Is this a sin to help my dad? (for example: replacing a rug in the house with hardwood floor, painting, etc)

I keep praying to God for my dad to stop working on Sunday because he’s into construction so always needs to be doing something around the house when he’s not at work.

On a side question, are video games and stuff like that alright on Sunday if I make sure to set time aside to go to Mass in the morning? I just want to keep improving my Catholic faith and I’m not sure what’s acceptable.

Thanks

 

[1ke]

The Church gives us guidelines, but don’t be too scrupulous-- meaning seeing sin where there is none.

Sundays are to be set aside for rest, relaxation, family, and prayer/mass/devotion.

Let me suggest that your dad may see these projects as relaxing-- he probably enjoys yard work, tinkering around the house, etc. If you are helping him you are spending time with him, strengthening your family time together. View this as an opportunity to talk with and spend quality time with your dad, enjoying nature and the outdoors and learning skills for yourself.

Continue to go to Mass and pray. Spend time with your mom and dad. Encourage them to come with you to mass or to pray family devotions.

And, no, it is not a sin to play some video games on Sunday.

When in doubt, discuss these things with your priest.

 

[JimboJones]

The Church gives us guidelines, but don’t be too scrupulous-- meaning seeing sin where there is none.

Sundays are to be set aside for rest, relaxation, family, and prayer/mass/devotion.

Let me suggest that your dad may see these projects as relaxing-- he probably enjoys yard work, tinkering around the house, etc. If you are helping him you are spending time with him, strengthening your family time together. View this as an opportunity to talk with and spend quality time with your dad, enjoying nature and the outdoors and learning skills for yourself.

Continue to go to Mass and pray. Spend time with your mom and dad. Encourage them to come with you to mass or to pray family devotions.

And, no, it is not a sin to play some video games on Sunday.

When in doubt, discuss these things with your priest.

Thanks for the reply. I suppose I am being scrupulous.

 

[Newbie2]

“Stuck” working with dad?

Someday you’ll look back on these days and remember them fondly. I’m pretty sure a day spent working with dad would be OK with the Almighty.

 

[teachccd]

If your work “replaces” the worship due on Sunday then there might be a problem. But I highly doubt that emergency personnel and the many other occupations that require a daily presence would go against Church teachings. Many students can only work on the weekends for their gas money and that may include Sundays. My son would always attend Mass and then I would take Him to work and his fast food establishment. Priests “work” on Sundays doing the many hospital visits and other requirements necessary for the day.

I could only wish that my dad, who is now deceased, would come back and ask me to help him today after Mass. I could not find a greater way to praise God. Enjoy the time with your dad and instead of saying, “stuck working with my dad on Sunday”, say enjoying the many activities with my dad on Sundays. God knows your heart and there is no sin. Have a great day and keep me in your prayers…teachccd

 

[JimboJones]

If your work “replaces” the worship due on Sunday then there might be a problem. But I highly doubt that emergency personnel and the many other occupations that require a daily presence would go against Church teachings. Many students can only work on the weekends for their gas money and that may include Sundays. My son would always attend Mass and then I would take Him to work and his fast food establishment. Priests “work” on Sundays doing the many hospital visits and other requirements necessary for the day.

I could only wish that my dad, who is now deceased, would come back and ask me to help him today after Mass. I could not find a greater way to praise God. Enjoy the time with your dad and instead of saying, “stuck working with my dad on Sunday”, say enjoying the many activities with my dad on Sundays. God knows your heart and there is no sin. Have a great day and keep me in your prayers…teachccd

I’ve read many of your posts and you seem like a very insightful person. Thanks for the post. You as well as the rest of the Catholic forum are in my prayers. All you guys are great.

 

[teachccd]

I’ve read many of your posts and you seem like a very insightful person. Thanks for the post. You as well as the rest of the Catholic forum are in my prayers. All you guys are great.

Thank you. That means alot and I really appreciate your prayers. God Bless…teachccd