In honor of my brother who is spending the weekend in Eastern Canada, I thought I’d link to some Canadian news. The voters in the town of Halifax, in Nova Scotia are going to be asked to decide about whether or not to allow businesses to open on Sunday. I must add that I admire the people and leaders of Halifax for not changing this law eons ago, like most other places. The Catechism (#2185)says this about Sunday:

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. 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.

I do think that there is a way for shoppers to act in conjunction with the Catechism. For many people shopping is a leisurely way to be with friends and is more about the fellowship than any rabid materialism. However, shopping on Sunday doesn’t just involve the shopper, but also the workers, store owners, etc. The small business owners in Halifax know that if Sunday shopping is allowed, they will have to stay open to stay alive. And of course that means working, scheduling employees to work, possibly missing mass, losing family time, etc.

I admire the people of Halifax for keeping the concept of Sunday as a time for family, church, and rest. I hope when they have the chance to decide on the issue, they choose to keep the stores closed. Here in the materialist United States, on at least this issue, we could learn alot from a few of our neighbors to the north.