What do you do to make the Lord's day Holy?

[Candescent]

I was reading a Catholic website and it made Sunday seem quite a bit like the Jewish Sabbath. Among other things, it said Catholics should not shop or eat in restaurants ( because these things forced others to do ‘servile’ work) or do ‘servile’ work. They also mention doing special activities with the family, like playing board games instead of watching TV ( I have Jewish friends who do this on the Sabbath)

What is actually expected of a good Catholic? I have seen many of the parishioners shopping after mass on Sunday ( at the grocery near the church) … so I am confused.

What do you and your families do to ‘make the Lord’s day Holy’ ?

 

[Maryann_C]

Hello and welcome. Well this question came up in my RCIA class when I went through 4 years ago. We were told that we ought not to do ‘unnecessary’ work and activities on the Lord’s day. So for example first responders, policemen, hospitals, pharmacies etc have to be open on a Sunday. Some would argue that for a single mother working several jobs Sunday may be the only day she gets to do the grocery shopping. For me personally I think when they did away with laws prohibiting commerce on Sunday that was the start of the real break down of the family. I remember when it happened England as I was growing up. I try to follow God’s teachings from scripture and the Church - I am sure it is in the catechism. The key is in the question , what is ‘unnecessary’ work . well with a little prior awareness alot o things can be unnecessary. My College student’s laundry for example…which is why I am still up technically doing it on a Sat. For several years now my family knows I do not do laundry on Sunday. I don’t lock the door to the laundry room though. I try very hard not to shop on Sunday because if people did not shop on Sunday …there would be no need for people to be asked to work on a Sunday and the workers would have that day for rest. That is the whole point really. God rested on the 7th day and we too need rest.

 

[PaulfromIowa]

From the Catechism:

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

Sunday should be kept holy as much as possible. A day of rest and devotion to family. Occasional shopping is acceptable but should not be a regular Sunday activity. There is no absolute need to abstain from TV or restaurants.

 

[Maryann_C]

From the Catechism:

Sunday should be kept holy as much as possible. A day of rest and devotion to family. Occasional shopping is acceptable but should not be a regular Sunday activity. There is no absolute need to abstain from TV or restaurants.

Thanks Paul , I knew some good person would provide what the CCC has. Interestingly the restaurant question came up in my mind recently because we frequently go for brunch on Sunday. On the one hand this is a family bonding activity and we do try to go to family owned restaurants however I started to thing of the fact that I am still causing someone to work and be away from their family so am I a hypocrite then? I imagine this is a matter of personal conscience.
ON the TV issue, I would say that one ought however not all TV is ok some is more conducive to honoring God and family than others. This is also something one ought to consider during the week though as well.

 

[MissRose73]

I do attend Mass - mainly Sunday afternoon in the Extraordinary Form, if I know I cannot go to that type, then a Sunday morning Mass locally. I do try to do some form of activity that is relaxing in nature like reading.

I try to do as little as possible in terms of errands unless on Saturday I was unable to get things done like going to the stores. I know some jobs must work on Sundays but I try to avoid unnecessary shopping more these days.