Job hunting/applying on Sunday = sinful?

[The Bus Station]

I was working on my resume and cover letter today and my sister made a comment alluding to the fact that I was not keeping the Sabbath holy.  I had planned to do this application today because I worked yesterday and I don't have a day off next week until Saturday when I am going out of town.  I guess I had never thought of a job application as "work."  Thoughts?

Edited April 25, 2016 by The Bus Station

[BarbTherese]

My thoughts are that if it is necessary work, there is no problem and in your case it does seem necessary, unless you could have done it one evening.   If so, I would not kick myself around the place because of it as there was nothing quite deliberate about it (i.e.to ignore Sunday Obligations) - just keep it in mind for next time and mention in Confession if you wish even discuss it with Father - though there certainly is absolutely no mortal sin.   The important thing to keep in mind is to strive to keep Sundays free of work IF AT ALL POSSIBLE.......and of course, Sunday Mass is essential.

Relaxation is different from person to person quite probably.  If I have something that needs to be done it will press on my (bipolar/touch of OCD) mind and no way could I relax until it was done.  But it is always good to discuss things with a priest.

Common sense applies I think with attention to needs of "religion, family and health".

 

Quote

 

Catholic Answers Quick Questions : "Is it ok to work on Sundays?" 

Rest from work is necessary. We know that even God himself rests: "he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had done" (Gen. 2:2). In recognition of this, the Church obligates us to rest on the Lord’s day. The Code of Canon Law states, "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).

 

 

Edited April 25, 2016 by BarbaraTherese

[bardegaulois]

40 minutes ago, The Bus Station said:

I was working on my resume and cover letter today and my sister made a comment alluding to the fact that I was not keeping the Sabbath holy.  I had planned to do this application today because I worked yesterday and I don't have a day off next week until Saturday when I am going out of town.  I guess I had never thought of a job application as "work."  Thoughts?

First of all, if you're doubtful, then rest easy; you didn't commit a mortal sin. Any sin requires the full knowledge that it may be mortal before its commission in order for it to be mortal. As to whether it is even a venial sin or not, the general rule is that if there is a solid probability, verifiable by five or six sources, that an act might not be sinful, then even if the preponderance of evidence is that the act may be sinful, the act is then permissible.

However, none of us likely have ready access to a library of moral theology. Thus, the most advisable course of action would be to bring it up at your next confession and ask your confessor, who should from his years of hearing confessions have an excellent grasp on moral principles and how they apply to the often dubious conditions of everyday life, for clarity on the matter.

[Not A Real Name]

Baltimore Catechism 

Q. 1252. What is forbidden by the third Commandment?

A. The third Commandment forbids all unnecessary servile work and whatever else may hinder the due observance of the Lord's day.

Q. 1253. What are servile works?

A. Servile works are those which require labor rather of body than of mind.

Q. 1254. From what do servile works derive their name?

A. Servile works derive their name from the fact that such works were formerly done by slaves. Therefore, reading, writing, studying and, in general, all works that slaves did not perform are not considered servile works.

Q. 1255. Are servile works on Sunday ever lawful?

A. Servile works are lawful on Sundays when the honor of God, the good of our neighbor, or necessity requires them.

Q. 1256. Give some examples of when the honor of God, the good of our neighbor or necessity may require servile works on Sunday.

A. The honor of God, the good of our neighbor or necessity may require servile works on Sunday, in such cases as the preparation of a place for Holy Mass, the saving of property in storms or accidents, the cooking of meals and similar works.

http://www.ourladyswarriors.org/faith/bc3-32.htm

[BarbTherese]

1 hour ago, Not A Real Name said:

Q. 1253. What are servile works?

A. Servile works are those which require labor rather of body than of mind.

Q. 1254. From what do servile works derive their name?

A. Servile works derive their name from the fact that such works were formerly done by slaves. Therefore, reading, writing, studying and, in general, all works that slaves did not perform are not considered servile works.

Particularly interesting...........thank you for sharing.

[Ash Wednesday]

If someone spent the whole day job hunting and skipped mass to do it -- that would be wrong.

But if it doesn't impede someone from spending sufficient time getting some rest and attending mass, then I don't think there's anything wrong. It would be particularly understandable if finding employment is of great urgency.