The observance of Labor Day on Sept. 7 launches us into the month of September, and for many, marks the conclusion of the summer season.
In the Catholic tradition, work is more than a way to make a living; it is a form of continued participation in God’s creative action. Labor Day provides an opportunity to give thanks to God for the gift of work which ‘anoints’ us with dignity; to ask for God’s assistance in providing our nation and world with work for all that is decent and fair, and to invite God’s help in making us faithful stewards of his creation to the benefit of all humankind. It is also an opportunity to pray for those who must work in jobs that ignore their dignity and for those who’ve lost their jobs and are seeking work at this time.
With the recent publication of Pope Leo XVI’s first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, this year’s observance of Labor Day is an especially apt time to reflect on the dignity of work in this modern age where AI is becoming more commonplace. In a statement for Labor Day, Most Reverend Shelton J. Fabre, Archbishop of Louisville and Chairman of the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, writes:
“Labor Day is an opportunity to celebrate workers and honor the dignity of work. Work is more than a way to make a living; it is a form of participation in God’s creation. This year, we focus on young people and vulnerable communities who face uncertainty in today’s economy. […] As new technology reshapes our economy and our work, let us be “builders of communion” (no. 16), ensuring that innovation and development is for the benefit of all, not just a few, and that each person can contribute to the Kingdom of God through their work.”
For reflection:
As we mark Labor Day each year, we are invited in a special way to reflect on the persistence of low wages and inequality in our workplaces.
In your own experience of work—in an office setting, serving others, as a student, or working in the home—how have you experienced work as a form of participation in God’s creative action? How are persistent low wages a barrier to full participation in that creative action? What can you do to support workplaces built upon justice and dignity?
Ways to make prayer part of your Labor Day weekend:
- Take a few minutes, morning and evening, to give thanks to God for a restful night’s sleep. Seek his blessings throughout the day and thank God in the evening for all that’s taken place that day. Make an examination of conscience and look for areas where you can improve.
- Pray at meals, or while driving in the car
- Pray the rosary as a family, spend time with Jesus through eucharistic adoration, or practice another type of devotion.
- Attend Mass, or if unable to attend in person, watch Mass online or on TV.
Additional resources
View diocesan, parish, and school employment opportunities
Job seeker support: St. Patrick-St. Anthony Parish, Grand Haven | St. Robert of Newminster Parish, Ada
From the USCCB:
Labor Day Resources
The Dignity of Work and Rights of Workers
Labor and Employment
We wish you and your family a safe and happy Labor Day! The diocesan offices at Cathedral Square Center will be closed on Monday, Sept. 7 for the Labor Day holiday. Our staff will return to serve you on Tuesday, Sept. 8.