A Catholic Way to Celebrate Labor Day
Growing up in New Jersey “back in the day,” Labor Day was always the last hurrah of summer break before school started again…a day thus marked with a certain amount of sadness, even as we were celebrating. My family would go to the public pool one last time, have a cookout, and then put all the pieces together needed for a successful first day back in class: shoes, Catholic school uniforms pressed, backpack organized, Ecto Cooler, juice in my lunchbox.
But what exactly are we celebrating this first Monday of September, and is there a way to do so in a more authentically Catholic way?
Beginning as isolated movements of local worker’s unions, Labor Day grew in popularity and became a national holiday in 1894. The day’s purpose was to give recognition and rest to laborers in honor of their hard work, contributions, and sacrifices. Cities would treat it almost as a mini Independence Day, with parades, concerts, and communal leisure activities.
Our Catholic faith has much to say about the dignity of work and the rights of workers. See, for instance, the encyclicals Rerum Novarum by Pope Leo XIII or Laborem Exorcens by St. John Paul II.
Also, the feast of St. Joseph the Worker on May 1 also serves as a “Catholic Labor Day.” It was established in 1955 by Pope Pius XII as a Catholic alternative to the worldwide Communist-sponsored May Day celebrations for workers. The feast recalls St. Joseph’s specific role as a carpenter and an exemplary model for all who work. As we honor him, we honor all laborers, recalling the dignity of human work as a participation in the creative work of God Himself.
But what can we do this weekend so it’s about more than hotdogs and pool parties? Here are a few ideas to celebrate Labor Day in a more intentionally Catholic way:
- Pray: in thanksgiving for the work you have and for those out of work.
- Reflect on if and how your work gives glory to God. Adjust accordingly.
- Use your purchasing power to help protect human dignity by being educated consumers, supporting local businesses and ethically-produced products.
- Look into doing a consecration to St. Joseph.
- REST!
Praised be Jesus Christ, now and forever!
St. Joseph, pray for us!
All you holy saints of God, pray for us!
Peace in Christ,
Fr. Michael Silloway
Pastor