Sunday and its Observance as a D

The worship of God takes precedence over the daily affairs of life, with the exception of those activities, which are necessary to sustain human life or for the well-being of society. Thus, it came to be that the ordinary affairs of life gave place to the worship of God, and the rest from labor became an essential part of the worship paid to Him. Man abstained from servile labor on certain days, which sanctified these days. � Evangelization Station, 2010

Sunday and its Observance as a Day of Rest

The Catechism of the Catholic Church, reminds us of our obligation to set aside time to worship God and to honor His commandment to keep holy the Lord�s Day:

�Just as God �rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had done,� 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.

�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. 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� (�2184-5).

� Evangelization Station, 2010.

webmaster www.evangelizationstation.com