How do we sanctify the Lord's Day (Sundays and holy days)?

The Catechism

Sanctifying Sundays and holy days requires a common effort. Christians should avoid making unnecessary demands that keep others from observing the Lord's Day. Traditional activities and social necessities require some people to work, but everyone should set aside enough time for leisure, and the faithful should avoid the excesses and violence sometimes tied to popular entertainment. Public authorities should ensure citizens time for rest and worship, and employers have a similar duty to employees (CCC 2187; see also CCC 2184-2186).

Dies Domini

John Paul II's Dies Domini (67-69) says Sunday rest puts daily concerns in perspective: material worries give way to spiritual values, we see the true faces of those we live with, and we can rediscover the beauty of nature. Christians are bound in conscience to arrange their rest so they can take part in the Eucharist, refraining from work and activities incompatible with the day's joy and needed rest. So that rest does not become emptiness or boredom, it should bring spiritual enrichment, freedom, contemplation and fraternal communion; the faithful should choose entertainment in keeping with the gospel, and give time to works of mercy, charity and apostolate.