Eleanor Finch
The Catholic Church considers servile work to be that which was historically carried out by servants or serfs. Over time, this expanded to include agricultural work such as tending crops, planting, and harvesting. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that on Sundays, followers should rest from servile labor. While the Church has not clarified what constitutes servile work, it has emphasized the importance of refraining from any work that hinders worship. Vigil Masses, which occur on the eve of solemnities, are considered separate from Sunday and Saturday masses. Attending a Vigil Mass is equivalent to fulfilling one's Sunday obligation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition of servile work | Work carried out by serfs or servants; by the Middle Ages, this included work done in the fields, tending crops, planting, or harvesting |
| Obligation | On Sundays and other holy days, the faithful are to refrain from engaging in any work or activities that hinder the worship owed to God |
| Vigil Mass | A vigil mass is a mass celebrated before certain solemnities: Easter, Christmas, Pentecost, the Ascension, the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Sts. Peter and Paul, and All Saints |
| Anticipated Mass | A mass that occurs on the night before a holy day, using the same readings as the holy day itself |
| Holy Days of Obligation | Every holy day of obligation is a solemnity, but not every solemnity is a holy day of obligation |
| Timing | Vigil masses start after 4 pm on the day before a holy day of obligation |
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What You'll Learn
- Servile work is considered labour carried out by serfs or servants
- By the Middle Ages, this included work done in the fields
- The Catechism explains that the faithful should refrain from work that hinders worship
- Vigil Masses are different from anticipated Masses, which are celebrated the night before a feast day
- Attending a Vigil Mass or anticipated Mass fulfils a Catholic's Sunday obligation
Servile work is considered labour carried out by serfs or servants
The concept of servile work is closely tied to the Christian faith, particularly in the context of observing vigils and worship on Saturdays and Sundays. While the specific nature of servile work may evolve, the underlying principle of refraining from certain labour during these days remains a constant.
Servile work, or labour, has its roots in the roles performed by serfs or servants. Historically, this type of work involved labour carried out in the fields, such as tending crops, planting, or harvesting. Over time, the scope of servile work expanded, encompassing a broader range of physical and menial tasks.
In the Christian tradition, the Catechism of the Catholic Church provides guidance on servile work, instructing followers to "rest from servile labour" on Sundays. This directive is rooted in the Third Commandment, which states, "on Sunday, 'you shall not do any work'' (Ex 20:10). The commandment is inclusive, applying not only to individuals but also to their families, work animals, and even resident aliens.
The practice of refraining from servile work on Sundays is further emphasised by religious figures such as St. John Vianney, who cautioned his parishioners against working in the fields on the Sabbath. He believed that engaging in secular activities on Sundays could lead to spiritual consequences.
While the definition of servile work may not be explicitly defined by the Church, the underlying principle is clear: believers are expected to refrain from work or activities that could hinder their worship of God on Sundays and other holy days. This creates space for prayer, worship, and spending time with family.
In summary, servile work, historically associated with the labour of serfs or servants, is considered inappropriate on Saturdays and Sundays in the Christian faith. This tradition is rooted in the Catechism and the Ten Commandments, encouraging followers to prioritise worship and spiritual observance during these days.
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By the Middle Ages, this included work done in the fields
The concept of "servile work" has evolved over time, and by the Middle Ages, it included agricultural labour such as tending crops, planting, and harvesting. This interpretation of servile work is reflected in the words of St. John Vianney, who took issue with his parishioners working in the fields on Sundays. He believed that working on the Sabbath was akin to ""carting their souls to hell," emphasizing that God had reserved the seventh day for himself.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church provides guidance on this matter, stating that on Sundays, the faithful should "rest from servile labor" (No. 2042). This commandment is not limited to individuals but extends to their families, servants, work animals, and even resident aliens. While the Church has not provided a clear definition of servile work, it does offer guidance on how to spend Sundays and holy days. According to the Catechism, these days are meant for prayer and worship, as well as time with family and relaxation (No. 2185).
The idea of refraining from servile work on vigils, Sundays, and holy days is not a new concept. In the past, these days were marked by penance, prayer, fasting, and abstinence. Over time, the practices of fasting and abstinence have been relaxed, but the underlying principle of devoting these days to spiritual pursuits remains.
The vigil, which refers to the day before a major feast day, is a time for preparation and penance. It is meant to be more prayerful and penitential than a typical day, serving as a transition into the feast day itself. This practice is in line with Our Lady of Fatima's call for penance, encouraging followers to model their behaviour after their forefathers who observed vigils diligently.
In conclusion, by the Middle Ages, the interpretation of servile work had expanded to encompass agricultural labour. This understanding is supported by religious figures like St. John Vianney and is reflected in the Catechism's instruction to refrain from such labour on Sundays. The vigil, as a day of preparation, also emphasizes the importance of spiritual devotion over servile work, aligning with the broader Christian values of worship and community.
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The Catechism explains that the faithful should refrain from work that hinders worship
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that on Sundays, the faithful should "rest from servile labour" (No. 2042). Servile work or labour was traditionally understood as work carried out by servants or serfs. Over time, this expanded to include work done in the fields, such as tending crops, planting, or harvesting.
The Catechism (No. 2185) further explains that "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". This means that Catholics should avoid work that interferes with their worship and instead prioritise prayer, worship, family time, and relaxation on Sundays.
While the Church has not provided a clear definition of servile work, it is generally understood to include any work that hinders one's ability to worship and fulfil one's religious obligations. This interpretation is supported by St. John Vianney's strong stance against working in the fields on Sundays, as he believed that those who did so were "carting their souls to hell".
The vigil Masses, which occur on the evening before a Sunday or Holy Day, are considered a part of the preparation for the following day's worship. Attending a vigil Mass is one way to fulfil one's Sunday obligation, as it is considered liturgically equivalent to a Sunday Mass. Vigil Masses are characterised by penance and prayer, and they often include special readings and prayers that differ from those used on the actual feast day.
In conclusion, the Catechism's instruction to refrain from work that hinders worship underscores the importance of prioritising spiritual obligations over worldly duties on Sundays and other holy days. This teaching guides Catholics to focus on prayer, worship, and spending time with family and community.
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Vigil Masses are different from anticipated Masses, which are celebrated the night before a feast day
Vigil Masses and anticipated Masses are distinct from each other. A vigil Mass is a religious service held during the night leading to a feast day. The term "vigil" comes from the Latin "vigilia", meaning "a night to watch". This practice dates back to early Christianity when the faithful would wake up in the middle of the night to pray. The vigil service would begin the night before the feast day and end the next morning.
The vigil Mass is a remnant of the proper vigils of the Masses of Pope Pius V and thus has different readings than the actual feast day. The vigil Mass often took on a more penitential character and was not as "bright" and "happy" as the feast day itself. The greatest and most significant of all Vigil Masses is Easter, which is the culmination of Lent and the peak of the liturgical year.
On the other hand, an anticipated Mass is a Mass that is celebrated the night before a feast day, and it uses the readings and prayers of the feast day itself. Anticipated Masses are also called vigil Masses by some, as they are held on the eve of a feast day. However, they are not technically vigil Masses because they do not have their own dedicated readings and prayers.
Attending either a vigil Mass or an anticipated Mass fulfils a Catholic's obligation for attending Mass on a Sunday or Holy Day. This is because, according to the Church, "a person who assists at a Mass celebrated anywhere in a Catholic rite either on the feast day itself or in the evening of the preceding day satisfies the obligation of participating in the Mass".
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Attending a Vigil Mass or anticipated Mass fulfils a Catholic's Sunday obligation
The term "vigil" is used in several ways. It most properly refers to an entire day before a major feast day (e.g., the Vigil of Christmas, which refers to the entire day of December 24). This kind of vigil is a liturgical day in itself and marks the following day as a day of greater liturgical significance. This is the proper meaning of a vigil. In a similar way, the Catechism of Perseverance, published in 1849, states: "The word vigil signifies watching. The vigils are the days of abstinence and fasting that precede the great festivals of the year."
The vigil masses introduced by Pope Paul VI are anticipated masses for the following day (Sunday or a particular Solemnity). Vigil Masses in the Extraordinary Form of the Mass are clearly not anticipated masses. They were of a different colour (violet) and were days of fasting and penance. Over the centuries, the vigil Mass often took on a somewhat “penitential” character. Vigils for the Ascension, Christmas, and so forth were not as “bright” and “happy” as the actual feast day.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that on Sunday we are to “rest from servile labour” (No. 2042). So God’s commandments and the Catechism are pretty clear about work on Sunday. Servile work or labour was originally considered work done by serfs or servants. By the Middle Ages, it included work done in the fields, individuals tending crops, planting or harvesting. St. John Vianney had a real problem with his parishioners at Ars about working the fields on Sunday. Sunday is foremost for prayer and worship, a day for families and relaxation.
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Frequently asked questions
A vigil mass is a mass celebrated before certain solemnities such as Easter, Christmas, Pentecost, the Ascension, and the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is a mass that fulfills one's Sunday obligation.
Servile work or labor was originally considered the work carried out by servants or serfs. Over time, it came to include work done in fields, such as tending crops, planting, or harvesting.
A vigil mass is not the same as a mass celebrated on Saturday night, which is called an anticipated mass. A vigil mass occurs on the night before a solemnity and has its own dedicated readings and prayers.
Yes, it is your choice whether to fulfill your obligation on Saturday or Sunday. Attending a mass on Saturday vigil is equivalent to attending on Sunday.
Praying an extra Rosary, making time for mental prayer, and praying into the evening are some practices to make vigils more prayerful and penitential. Vigils are days of penance and prayer, and some are also days of fasting and abstinence.
