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Can a Catholic honor the Sabbath day on another day, other than Sunday?
For instance if an occupation requires a believer to be available on Sundays, on a weekly basis, can they go to Mass and abstain from work on a different day?
A-1
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Can a Catholic honor the Sabbath day (and abstain from work) on another day, other than Sunday? }
Mike replied:
Dear A-1,
This is what the Catechism states. I quote 2 paragraphs but you should read both sections in context by clicking on the web page links below:
The Sunday obligation.
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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." (Code of Canon Law, Canon 1247)
"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." (Code of Canon Law, Canon 1248 § 1)
Note that it says: ". . . either on the holy day or on the evening of the preceding day."
So if you can't go to Mass on Sunday, you can go to the Vigil Mass on Saturday (the prior day) which anticipates the coming of the Lord's Sabbath.
A day of grace and rest from work.
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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.
Note that it says: "Those Christians . . . 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."
So if you are just getting by financially and need to work to pay the monthly bills, you can work on Sundays after going to Mass (either on Sunday or on the preceding day, at the Saturday evening vigil.)
Which ever day you have more free time on (Saturday or Sunday) use it, if possible, to cultivate familial, cultural, social, and religious aspects of your life . . . maybe by reading the Scriptures or praying the Rosary or making a holy hour at your local Eucharistic Adoration chapel.
Think of ways of integrating faith and fun stuff, together, for the kids.
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