What ever happened to Sundays are for resting and church?
Well, the leader of the Catholic church in Detroit is trying to “reclaim” Sunday as a day of worship, rest and family time.
With that, Archbishop of Detroit Allen H. Vigneron Wednesday announced a new policy to cease youth sporting activities on Sunday.
“In our time, Sunday has slowly lost its pride of place,” Vigneron said in the pastoral note. “In the Archdiocese of Detroit, we are committed to setting aside this day as much as possible for God-centered pursuits” such as Mass, personal prayer and Bible studies as well as dedicated family time and activities centered on sharing faith with others.”
Youth involved in sports through the Catholic High School League (CHSL) and Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) will see the policy implemented this fall in their practice and game schedules. Officials with CHSL and CYO said they will ensure teams enjoy a full line-up of practices, scrimmages and games, taking advantage of a Monday through Saturday schedule.
“In shifting our sports to Monday through Saturday, we aim to help our dedicated student athletes continue following their passions without sacrificing Sunday worship, rest and family time,” said Vic Michaels, Director of CHSL and of the Archdiocese’s Department of Health, Athletics, Physical Education and Safety.
Archbishop Vingeron introduced the new policy in a pastoral note called: “The Day of the Lord,” alongside a discussion of the scriptural and traditional foundation for Catholics honoring Sunday as a holy day.
Dating to the early years of the Church, he said, Catholics set aside Sunday for rest and worship in recognition of Jesus Christ’s Resurrection, the pouring out of the Holy Spirit on the first Pentecost Sunday, and the first “rest” of God after the work of creation.
