Summer 1 - The Dignity of Work

The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.

Genesis 2:15

Do not take advantage of a hired worker who is poor and needy, whether that worker is a fellow Israelite or a foreigner residing in one of your towns. Pay them their wages each day before sunset, because they are poor and are counting on it. Otherwise they may cry to the Lord against you, and you will be guilty of sin.

Deuteronomy 24:14-15

 “When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.’

Matthew 20:8

 Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you.

James 5:4-6

The Dignity of Work

The dignity of work has been a key principle of Catholic social teaching from the very beginning. Catholic Social Teaching believes that work is dignified, special and very important. Therefore, workers must always be respected – this includes fair wages and fair working conditions. Jesus himself was a worker. He became “like us in all things, devoted most of the years of his life on earth to manual work at the carpenter’s bench.”

The Church says that the worker is always more important than the work. Work exists for the sake of people, not the other way around. In our work we participate in God’s work of creation. It should give people a sense of self worth, as they contribute to society, and support themselves and their family. Everyone should have safe working conditions and correct pay.

Chosen Saint - Saint Joseph

Saint Joseph, husband of Mary, played a key role in the story of Jesus. He was chosen by God to protect and care for Jesus and Mary. Although the Bible does not record his words, his actions speak loudly. He showed great faith by trusting God’s messages and following His plan. The Gospel of Matthew calls him a “righteous man,” meaning he was an observant Jew who obeyed God’s law. 

Saint Joseph worked as a carpenter, providing for his family with hard work and dedication. He raised Jesus and taught Him about work, faith, and family life. Joseph’s love and care as a foster father remind us of the importance of putting family first.

The Church honours Saint Joseph as a model of faith, humility, and obedience. He is the patron of workers, fathers, families, and the universal Church. Catholics turn to him in prayer, asking for his protection and guidance. His life shows us how to trust God and serve others with love.

The first feast day of Saint Joseph is on March 19th. This date was passed down through the years and formalised by Rome in the 15th century. It was officially added to the Roman calendar in 1621.

However, in 1955, Pope Pius IX decided that there would be a second feast day for Saint Joseph. As he is known as the patron saint of workers, May 1st would be celebrated as the Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker. 

This is particularly apt, as May 1st is also the date of International Workers’ Day.

What does the Dignity of Work look like in Saint James'?