Sunday Obligations?

[Ohokplease]

So I have a question about what exactly we must do on Sundays.

As far as I’ve heard, we of course must attend mass, then throughout the rest of the day we should rest, give extra prayers, and its recommended that we spend time with family. In addition, we cannot do manual compensated labor.

From what I’ve gathered, rest does not necessarily mean doing nothing. There are relaxing activities to do, but we should spend most of our time with the Lord.

This makes sense, but I would like some clarification. For instance, I find sewing is very therapeutic for me, but is also an activity that I can get very mentally involved in. It helps me let go of stress - as well as everything else in the world. Whether not it’s compensated labor I also can’t decide - I don’t profit off my sewing yet, but I’m working up to a point where I will. As of now, I do not sew on Sundays.

Extra prayer is a bit confusing for me as well. Wouldn’t it depend on how much you usually pray? I try to pray subconsciously throughout the full day, with two or three formal prayers in addition to mass. I worry far too much about exactly how much I ought to pray - I’m fairly sure I’m being scrupulous when I try to come up with an exact amount of prayer I need, but not sure enough to sleep easily most Sunday nights.

One major problem that I have with Sundays is feeling the need to stay focused on just religion throughout the day. Staying focused on any one topic is incredibly difficult and stressful for me, and most of the time I end Sundays more stressed out than I began, which does not seem helpful at all. I try to mix up prayer, reading the bible, and things like just sort of meditating on the Lord throughout the day, but for some reason it just doesn’t seem to help. In addition, I can’t tell if my ADHD is a hurdle that I need to learn to jump over, or a legitimate reason to diversify what I do on Sundays.

The biggest problem that I have is that I usually do not have means to attend mass on Sunday. I try to read the missal when I can, if I do not then I always at least read the daily readings. Nevertheless, I feel like I’ve missed a huge necessity of my Sunday, and I feel the need to make up for it all day. Most of the time, I go to sleep worrying that I didn’t do enough.

I guess maybe I need to let go? Chill out? More than anything, I need some sort of reference for an approximate balance of prayer and relaxing non-religion activities. I’m just not really sure how to do it properly.

If I cannot physically attend the mass, but I do find the word of the Lord elsewhere, is it necessary to further make up for the loss with generally extra prayer? It would naturally be recommended for your own spiritual good, but if I did not do so and only prayed as much as I would have if I did have the means to go to mass, would that be sinful?

Thank you very much.

 

[robwar]

Are you able to have communion delivered to you if unable to attend physically. Likewise, if available there is Mass on TV for you to watch. If sewing is calming for you, you do not need to give it up for Sunday, it isn’t work but therapy for you. I would contact your parish or the closest Catholic Church about your needs and situation.

 

[SuperLuigi]

In addition to what RobWar has said, I can’t see how sewing as a hobby on a Sunday is a sin or a precept violation.

 

[runningdude]

If you cannot physically attend mass, you do not have an obligation to go to mass. The church would ask you set aside approximately one hour for prayer and reflection, if possible, but this is not obligatory.

There are no strict rules as to what is allowed on Sunday. You are asked to use your prudent judgement to avoid strenuous physical labor.

 

[crenfro]

Here are 2 quotes from the catholic catechism concerning Sundays and Holy Days–> perhaps they might help you clarify things…

The Sunday obligation

2180 The precept of the Church specifies the law of the Lord more precisely: "On Sundays and other holy days of obligation the faithful are bound to participate in the Mass."117 "The precept of participating in the Mass is satisfied by assistance at a Mass which is celebrated anywhere in a Catholic rite either on the holy day or on the evening of the preceding day."118

2181 The Sunday Eucharist is the foundation and confirmation of all Christian practice. For this reason the faithful are obliged to participate in the Eucharist on days of obligation, unless excused for a serious reason (for example, illness, the care of infants) or dispensed by their own pastor.119 Those who deliberately fail in this obligation commit a grave sin.

2182 Participation in the communal celebration of the Sunday Eucharist is a testimony of belonging and of being faithful to Christ and to his Church. The faithful give witness by this to their communion in faith and charity. Together they testify to God’s holiness and their hope of salvation. They strengthen one another under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

2183 "If because of lack of a sacred minister or for other grave cause participation in the celebration of the Eucharist is impossible, it is specially recommended that the faithful take part in the Liturgy of the Word if it is celebrated in the parish church or in another sacred place according to the prescriptions of the diocesan bishop, or engage in prayer for an appropriate amount of time personally or in a family or, as occasion offers, in groups of families."120

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

 

[johnthebaptist2]

Praise the Lord for all your praying you do.If you can,t make it to church ask someone that goes to mass,if they can have somone bring you Holy Commmunion,and if you can,t make it to Mass watch it on TV,that is why they have on their, so that people that are sick or unable,it counts as if you were their.

 

[thistle]

That is not correct. If you are too sick to attend Mass then there is NO obligation.
TV Mass does not fulfill the obligation but it is good to spiritually participate in it.

 

[johnthebaptist2]

That is not correct. If you are too sick to attend Mass then there is NO obligation.
TV Mass does not fulfill the obligation but it is good to spiritually participate in it.

I,am talking about those that are disabled,like those in nursing homes,or can,t get out of their bed,because their to Ill,for I have some one in one of those places,and he watches it on TV,because he can,t walk that good,they bring them Holy Communion,once a week,but he follows the Mass on TV,and said,s his Rosary daily.I was told that if a person can,t make it to Mass because he can,t, it counts,but like you say if your only sick,their is no reason that the person can,t make it too church,.

 

[PJM]

=Ohokplease;11410227]So I have a question about what exactly we must do on Sundays.

As far as I’ve heard, we of course must attend mass, then throughout the rest of the day we should rest, give extra prayers, and its recommended that we spend time with family. In addition, we cannot do manual compensated labor.

From what I’ve gathered, rest does not necessarily mean doing nothing. There are relaxing activities to do, but we should spend most of our time with the Lord

Sub “shouldnot” with “cannot” and your closer to the truth. Sunday is “a day of rest” for those who are not OBLIGATED to work it. “rest” means UNNECESSARY survile work"

This makes sense, but I would like some clarification. For instance, I find sewing is very therapeutic for me

Then for YOU, its NOT “work” and its OK

Extra prayer is a bit confusing for me as well

Sorry about cutting you off. Space is limited here.

The Guide here is ONLY “stay in touch with God” it varies GREATLY by person HOW this si accomplished. God will judge your effort here.

The biggest problem that I have is that I usually do not have means to attend mass on Sunday

This is an serious issue. TALK to your Pastor, even if ny phone and get HIS advice.

Sunday [Sat. night and Sun] Mass is a GRAVE obligation. But that does not mean that there MIGHT NOT be a jsustified reason.

IF you can attend a daily MASS in place of Sunday; and that is TRULY all you can do: God WILL understand. IF your “homebound” EWTN’s Mass is a secondary [never a TRUE substitute] option. Again speak to father ASAP:thumbsup:

Don’t get too overworked up about this. Be logivcal; do WHAT you can do; Do what you MUST do; and avoid UNNECESSARY “WORK.” Pray several times a day; even just a SHORT “I LOVE YOU JESUS” is a sufficient prayer, if done from the heart, and with some degree of regularity.

If I cannot physically attend the mass, but I do find the word of the Lord elsewhere, is it necessary to further make up for the loss with generally extra prayer? It would naturally be recommended for your own spiritual good, but if I did not do so and only prayed as much as I would have if I did have the means to go to mass, would that be sinful?

This Is a PUBLIC forum so it IS wise NOT to be too specific. Still a CORRECT reply; a full reply is not possible** without more information. TALK **to your priest. Don’t just seek the right information here!

This is a VERY serious matter and ONLY a priest can give you the answer you seek correctly!

There is no REAL substitute for fulfilling Ones “Sunday Mass Obligation” that is “one size fits all.” That is WHY you MUST speak to your priest.

I’ll keep you in my prayers. Send me any questions you may have and I’ll be able to direct you.

God Bless YOU!
Patrick [PJM]

 

[thistle]

I,am talking about those that are disabled,like those in nursing homes,or can,t get out of their bed,because their to Ill,for I have some one in one of those places,and he watches it on TV,because he can,t walk that good,they bring them Holy Communion,once a week,but he follows the Mass on TV,and said,s his Rosary daily.I was told that if a person can,t make it to Mass because he can,t, it counts,but like you say if your only sick,their is no reason that the person can,t make it too church,.

Don’t confuse receiving Communion with fulfilling the Sunday obligation. They are separate things. We are only obliged to receive Communion once a year during the Lenten period, albeit it is recommended to receive frequently.
On the other hand we are obliged to attend Mass (i.e. fulfill the Sunday obligation), unless there is good reason not to, as in the example you give when a person is sick in which case there is no obligation.
Watching Mass on tv is fine but it does NOT count in terms of fulfilling the obligation (whether a person is sick or not).

As for Communion ( a separate issue) a sick person can try to arrange to have a priest or EMHC come to the home of that person.