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." 117 "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." 118
2181 The Sunday Eucharist is the foundation and confirmation of all Christian practice. For this reason
the faithful are obliged to participate in the Eucharist on days of obligation, unless excused for a serious reason (for example,
illness, the care of infants) or dispensed by their own pastor.119 Those who deliberately fail in this obligation
commit a grave sin.
2182 Participation in the communal celebration of the Sunday Eucharist is a testimony of belonging and
of being faithful to Christ and to his Church. The faithful give witness by this to their communion in faith and charity.
Together they testify to God's holiness and their hope of salvation. They strengthen one another under the guidance of the
Holy Spirit.
2183 "If because of lack of a sacred
minister or for other grave cause participation in the celebration of the Eucharist is impossible, it is specially recommended
that the faithful take part in the Liturgy of the Word if it is celebrated in the parish church or in another sacred place
according to the prescriptions of the diocesan bishop, or engage in prayer for an appropriate amount of time personally or
in a family or, as occasion offers, in groups of families."120
A day of grace and rest from work
2184 Just as God "rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had done,"121 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.122
2185 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.123 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.
The charity of truth seeks holy leisure- the necessity
of charity accepts just work.124
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.
2187 Sanctifying Sundays and holy days
requires a common effort. Every Christian should avoid making unnecessary demands on others that would hinder them from observing
the Lord's Day. Traditional activities (sport, restaurants, etc.), and social necessities (public services, etc.), require
some people to work on Sundays, but everyone should still take care to set aside sufficient time for leisure. With temperance
and charity the faithful will see to it that they avoid the excesses and violence sometimes associated with popular leisure
activities. In spite of economic constraints, public authorities should ensure citizens a time intended for rest and divine
worship. Employers have a similar obligation toward their employees.
2188 In respecting religious liberty and the common good of all, Christians should seek recognition of
Sundays and the Church's holy days as legal holidays. They have to give everyone a public example of prayer, respect, and
joy and defend their traditions as a precious contribution to the spiritual life of society. If a country's legislation or
other reasons require work on Sunday, the day should nevertheless be lived as the day of our deliverance which lets us share
in this "festal gathering," this "assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven."125
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