Is it OK to work on Sunday?
The short answer
Rest is necessary, and the Church obliges us to rest on the Lord's Day from work that hinders worship, joy and relaxation. But family needs or important social service can legitimately excuse, as long as excuses do not become habits harmful to religion, family life and health.
Rest from work is necessary; even God "rested on the seventh day from all the work he had undertaken" (Genesis 2:2). So the Church obliges us to rest on the Lord's Day. Canon 1247 says the faithful must participate in Mass on Sundays and holy days, and abstain from work and business that hinder the worship owed to God, the joy proper to the Lord's Day, or due relaxation of mind and body.
The Church also recognizes legitimate excuses. The Catechism says family needs or important social service can legitimately excuse from Sunday rest, but the faithful should take care that legitimate excuses do not lead to habits harmful to religion, family life and health (CCC 2185).
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