Working on Sunday

[ozso]

There are many occupations that do not follow a Monday through Friday work week. Such as Medical, Police, Fire Department, Airlines, Trains, Buses, Trucking etc. Are Catholics allowed to hold any of these and similar jobs where Sunday is a scheduled mandatory work day?

 

[SeekFirst0]

Catholic Answers addresses this question excellently:
“On Sundays and other holy days of obligation, the faithful are obliged to participate in the Mass. Moreover, they are to abstain from those works and affairs which hinder the worship to be rendered to God, the joy proper to the Lord’s Day, or the suitable relaxation of mind and body” (CIC 1247). However, the Church also recognizes that legitimate reasons excuse from this obligation. The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains, “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).”

 

[ozso]

Catholic Answers addresses this question excellently:
“On Sundays and other holy days of obligation, the faithful are obliged to participate in the Mass. Moreover, they are to abstain from those works and affairs which hinder the worship to be rendered to God, the joy proper to the Lord’s Day, or the suitable relaxation of mind and body” (CIC 1247). However, the Church also recognizes that legitimate reasons excuse from this obligation. The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains, “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).”

Is important social service the same as what's called essential services? For instance during the covid lockdowns I was given a waver because my occupation is considered an essential service. But then again maybe so were janitors. Does janitorial work and the like fall under the category of important social service?

Am I correct in the interpretation that if you have to work on Sunday, it's permissible. But if you can take Sundays off then it's a sin not to?

 

[SeekFirst0]

Is important social service the same as what's called essential services? For instance during the covid lockdowns I was given a waver because my occupation is considered an essential service. But then again maybe so were janitors. Does janitorial work and the like fall under the category of important social service?

Am I correct in the interpretation that if you have to work on Sunday, it's permissible. But if you can take Sundays off then it's a sin not to?

I believe you have the correct interpretation.

 

[Gnarwhal]

Am I correct in the interpretation that if you have to work on Sunday, it's permissible. But if you can take Sundays off then it's a sin not to?

That's basically it. There's sort of a hierarchy of priorities. God must be worshiped, and if we can we should spend quality time with our families (ideally in a continuation of Sunday worship somehow, be it reading scripture and learning more about God together, praying a rosary, etc but obviously that stuff won't fill an entire day either so just spending time together in wholesome ways is great). Exceptions are made for jobs like first responders who protect and serve the public good, so I believe they receive a dispensation from the Sunday obligation if they must, and short of that they're given a lot of flexibility in meeting that obligation.

Outside of first responders people are generally expected to avoid "unnecessary servile labor", so even things like yard work shouldn't be performed on Sundays. The exception comes in if it's to meet your family's needs. In my case, I work seven days a week because I'm the sole provider for my family. So I have a full-time Monday-Friday job and then I have a part time job on Sat/Sun/Mon nights. I can still attend Mass, and if I'm lucky I do get some quality time in with my wife and kids, but it's not as much as I want and I wish I could be home with them all day rather than at my job, but it's necessary to provide for them.

 

[RileyG]

I’m in retail and work most Sundays. I always make it to Mass, though.

 

[AveChristusRex]

I assure I don't work on Sundays, for the reasons stated above; but I also feel a sense of shame if I do so after going to Church, that may be me personally. Praying for you!