Working on sundays? Is it sinful?

[THE_ENCORE]

Hello, I am a 17 years old and work at a local grocery store and they want me to work on sundays, I told them it was impossible for me to work till after 1(because of the divine liturgy of-course) and I was planning on making Sundays completely unavailable or trade in the shifts for that day, well since I just got hired i was told I would start on the 14th but after I came home from divine liturgy(All the Ukrainian catholic bishops were in the church, thousands of people, very nice place to be ) I got a call saying I had a shift today and I was late…(I didn’t think i would be scheduled for a shift till the 14th of-course) so in fear of being fired I went and worked for the next 4 hours.

I have 3 questions now, Is what I did working on the sabbath sinful even if I made the time to fulfill the Holy obligation?

Also, If your job requires you to work on sundays is it sinful?

would any of these situations lead to mortal sin?

Thanks, and God Bless.

 

[JohnnyK]

I struggle with this also, and am looking forward to any educated answers

 

[yukonbrad]

Hello, I am a 17 years old and work at a local grocery store and they want me to work on sundays, I told them it was impossible for me to work till after 1(because of the divine liturgy of-course) and I was planning on making Sundays completely unavailable or trade in the shifts for that day, well since I just got hired i was told I would start on the 14th but after I came home from divine liturgy(All the Ukrainian catholic bishops were in the church, thousands of people, very nice place to be ) I got a call saying I had a shift today and I was late…(I didn’t think i would be scheduled for a shift till the 14th of-course) so in fear of being fired I went and worked for the next 4 hours.

I have 3 questions now, Is what I did working on the sabbath sinful even if I made the time to fulfill the Holy obligation?

Also, If your job requires you to work on sundays is it sinful?

would any of these situations lead to mortal sin?

Thanks, and God Bless.

You ultimately have to make the decision yourself. Some jobs are needed even on Sundays such as doctors or police officers, and one can’t object to that. Personally I have turned down jobs that outright refused to give me Sundays off (the only day I ever ask off)but you have to decide what is in your best interests so don’t act rashly - think hard and pray on the matter before you make a decision

 

[Canuck000]

I sure hope it’s not, because I am an RN in a hospital, which requires me to work frequently on Sundays. I’m in RCIA and because I’ve been an RN for years, I have got it arranged that I have Sundays off, but I work night shift on Sat. nights till 0730 Sunday morning. I go to mass right after work, then class, and believe it or not I am wide awake!
No I asked about this a while back and was told that there are times when work requires you to be there for service. When I can’t get there Sunday, I will get there on Sat, evening and I always get there at least once during the week.
Is it possible for you to attend another mass?
Hope so, for you, God Bless.

 

[rom422]

In my opinion, you don’t need to give up your job because your employer requires you to work on Sundays. With our present economy, a job is a blessing. I remember our Lord saying, “The Sabbath is made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” You should still try to attend mass on Saturday evening or early Sunday morning, whichever suits your schedule better.

Also, if you perform your job, not merely as a form of livelihood (to make money), but as a service to your neighbor, then formally it becomes an act of charity rather than a “servile work.”

I remember the story of three men who were all digging a hole in the ground. One of them was asked, “What are you doing?” The man answered, “I am a prisoner, and I am doing this to serve my sentence.” The second man, who was asked the same question, said, “This is my livelihood; I am digging to make money for my family.” The third man, who was also asked the same question, answered: “I am a volunteer; I’m building the foundation of our church.”

You see, all three are doing materially the same act. But the act of the third man was formally a form of prayer, an act of religion, rather than an act that has a purely human purpose.

This is just my opinion and I am not a priest. You might want to talk to your parish priest for a better advice.

 

[kkollwitz]

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.

 

[Trishie]

You will find the Church’s teaching on the question in the CATECHISM of the CATHOLIC CHURCH.

The Church does recognize that in some instances people are required to work. Paragraph 2185 while readically important, does not state the full position of the Church, according to the Catechism.

I’ve bolded some sentences that relate to your question. The matter of specific hours is not mentioned in the Catechism.

The Church teachings regarding Sunday Rest (and work) includes the following paragraphs:
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.

vatican.va/archive/ccc_cs…m/p3s2c1a3.htm

 

[THE_ENCORE]

Thanks for the replies, Just to clear things up though, I DONT have to miss mass in the morning, My shift if they book me on sunday would start at 1pm, and I applied like 40 different places got 2 interviews and just took the first job I was offered, so I really don’t want to quit as I need to make some money.

 

[Ruthie_again]

I’ll selectively re-quote the Catechism for you:

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 …

I cannot condemn you for working on Sunday if you need the money. I might lift an eyebrow if you’re just doing it to pay for cigarettes and booze.

Even if you don’t need the money to help support your family, I can’t fault you. This is your first job. The days are long past when the kind of businesses that give people there first jobs were closed on Sunday. New people work weekends. And either quitting or being fired within a short time of taking your first job looks bad to future employers.

In other words, if you want to support a family some day, you are doing what is needful to make sure you will be employable then.

Folks, these days the people who have just graduated from job training, technical school, college, and grad school, can’t find jobs right away. Some have been looking for two years, and working in retail in the meantime. In my town, Hobby Lobby and Chik-fil-a are the only retail businesses that close on Sunday. And it’s a big town.

 

[Bookcat]

In addition to the Catechism it is good to read this from Pope Benedict XVI
vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/apost_exhortations/documents/hf_ben-xvi_exh_20070222_sacramentum-caritatis_en.html#The_eucharistic_form_of_the_christian_life

Also since your an Eastern Catholic --perhaps talk with your Pastor --he may have additional (name removed by moderator)ut for you.

 

[FriarDon]

If at all possible one should refrain from working on Sundays. There are always exceptions, such as working in emergency services jobs, but your goal as a Catholic is to find a job in which you don’t have to work on Sundays. With today’s economics, that isn’t always possible, but strive for it Working Sundays does NOT take you away from your Sunday obligation for Mass (which in some areas is covered by going to Saturday Vigil, but if your area doesn’t do Saturday Vigil Mass, you still must go to Mass on Sunday!), so do what you can to get to Mass each Sunday. The same goes for Days of Obligation outside of Sunday, you are still required to go on those days as well, but most Priest hold several Masses to accommodate most work schedules these days.

All that said, work with the Pastor of your Church and he will work it out with you.

In Christ,

Friar Don, OBR
Brothers of Reconciliation

 

[acadiANNA]

My parents raised us 4 children the best they knew how. About working on Sundays: If it is something that can be done during the week, do not do it on Sunday. This included sewing, heavy housecleaning (except for cleaning after meals), working in the yard, washing the car, shopping. Maybe they were a little extreme. Sundays were for going to Mass first thing,(Saturdays for Confession), cooking and sharing a meal, visiting family/friends or same visiting us, a Sunday drive, relaxing at home, board games, 6 PM reciting the Holy Rosary, and private prayer time. Sunday, the Lord’s Day was set aside for a rest for the week ahead. Their rule was no servile work. This is basically what I have personally followed. Working a five-day week, Saturday became my work day. Now I have been happy that a nurse and doctor were working on Sunday when having to go to the ER and could not wait until Monday, a Priest was available for the Anointing of the Sick for a parent, and that Policemen, Firemen, and essential Emergency Personnel do work. So I think some professions and ministries require Sunday work schedules. Is it a sin to work on Sundays? If this would be your only means of support, I wouldn’t think so. But having been raised as I have, I would feel some guilt about it. You should, as suggested, find a Mass to attend before or after work, possibly a Saturday Vigil. Joining others in praying that you will be blessed with satisfactory employment and give thanks to our Lord.

 

[THE_ENCORE]

My parents raised us 4 children the best they knew how. About working on Sundays: If it is something that can be done during the week, do not do it on Sunday. This included sewing, heavy housecleaning (except for cleaning after meals), working in the yard, washing the car, shopping. Maybe they were a little extreme. Sundays were for going to Mass first thing,(Saturdays for Confession), cooking and sharing a meal, visiting family/friends or same visiting us, a Sunday drive, relaxing at home, board games, 6 PM reciting the Holy Rosary, and private prayer time. Sunday, the Lord’s Day was set aside for a rest for the week ahead. Their rule was no servile work. This is basically what I have personally followed. Working a five-day week, Saturday became my work day. Now I have been happy that a nurse and doctor were working on Sunday when having to go to the ER and could not wait until Monday, a Priest was available for the Anointing of the Sick for a parent, and that Policemen, Firemen, and essential Emergency Personnel do work. So I think some professions and ministries require Sunday work schedules. Is it a sin to work on Sundays? If this would be your only means of support, I wouldn’t think so. But having been raised as I have, I would feel some guilt about it. You should, as suggested, find a Mass to attend before or after work, possibly a Saturday Vigil. Joining others in praying that you will be blessed with satisfactory employment and give thanks to our Lord.

I talked to my Priest and he said as long as I make a Sunday service than its alright, again as I stated before my work starts at 1pm on sundays so I will be able to make a Mass sunday morning every sunday for sure

 

[KCT]

There are always exceptions, such as working in emergency services jobs, but your goal as a Catholic is to find a job in which you don’t have to work on Sundays.

Our goal as Catholics is to find a job in which we don’t work Sundays?

 

[The_Reginator]

Also, if you perform your job, not merely as a form of livelihood (to make money), but as a service to your neighbor, then formally it becomes an act of charity rather than a “servile work.”

I, too, have to work on Sunday afternoon or evening.
The way you’ve expressed this jumped out at me. Since my employer requires me to do work at this time I can do it as an act of service. (Especially considering the type of work I am doing at the moment.)
If you absolutely have to work to keep your job (just so long as it does not prevent you from assisting at Mass, of course) you can always offer your work up to our Lord as a prayer. We can even direct this prayer of our work for a special intention.

• Reg.

 

[FriarDon]

FriarDon;9777007:

There are always exceptions, such as working in emergency services jobs, but your goal as a Catholic is to find a job in which you don’t have to work on Sundays.

Our goal as Catholics is to find a job in which we don’t work Sundays?

Maybe not in those words, I agree, but you have read it in “Keep the Sabbath for God” (or words to that effect). Every priest I have talked to says that unless you are in emergency services (including hospitals), you should work towards a job that does not require you to work on Sunday. To support that, you should not be going out on Sundays shopping, eating, etc. Shop during the rest of the week, and eat at home on Sundays.

Friar Don, OBR

 

[KCT]

KCT;9785401:

FriarDon;9777007:

There are always exceptions, such as working in emergency services jobs, but your goal as a Catholic is to find a job in which you don’t have to work on Sundays.

Maybe not in those words, I agree, but you have read it in “Keep the Sabbath for God” (or words to that effect). Every priest I have talked to says that unless you are in emergency services (including hospitals), you should work towards a job that does not require you to work on Sunday. To support that, you should not be going out on Sundays shopping, eating, etc. Shop during the rest of the week, and eat at home on Sundays. Friar Don, OBR

I used to be a teacher, so I worked Monday- Friday. Now I’m a DRE and work on Sunday mornings.

Should parishes not have Religious Ed on Sundays so DREs and catechists don’t have to work on Sundays? Or is Religious Ed part of keeping holy the Sabbath?

 

[The_Reginator]

As my dear Granny Smith used to say, quoting the ten commandments:
“Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thine odd jobs on Sunday.”

 

[FriarDon]

FriarDon;9787129:

KCT;9785401:

I used to be a teacher, so I worked Monday- Friday. Now I’m a DRE and work on Sunday mornings.

Should parishes not have Religious Ed on Sundays so DREs and catechists don’t have to work on Sundays? Or is Religious Ed part of keeping holy the Sabbath?

Sunday is a day for the Lord. PSR is the continuation of Mass (per say!) and the learning of God’s Word, and is considered acceptable in the eyes of the Church.

Friar Don, OBR

 

[Walden_Pond]

The answer as to whether it is OK to work on Sunday depends on the type of work and how you use the work and the products of the work (i.e. your wages). St. Catherine Laboure
stated it is OK to work on Sunday, evening missing Mass, if the work you are doing is for the good of the Lord. (I’m summarizing her quote as I don’t have her biography at hand).

Also, Matthew 12:12 Jesus answers the Pharisees question about the disciples ‘doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath’ by harvesting grain with “If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out? How much more valuable is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.”

If your work is fulfilling God’s will and the wages of your work help to fulfill God’s will, then working on Sunday is OK. As Catholics, we are fortunate that we can attend Mass Saturday evening, many times on Sunday morning and even Sunday evening. Hopefully you can find time to attend Mass and “Remember to keep holy the LORD’S Day.”