Another "clothes worn to mass" thread

[heathernoel]

I don’t know what I’m seeking here, but I need to get it out.

Yesterday I commented to my friend that I was aggravated when my daughter came to me with shorts and a shirt on before we went to Mass. This has NEVER been acceptable, and when I asked her what she was thinking “My friends don’t dress up!”.

We aren’t wealthy by any stretch of the imagination. My third daughter is lucky to have two older sisters…we’ve not had to buy her clothes at all, and I am wearing clothes I got three years ago. But, I’ve always taught out children that when going to Mass, we are going to His house, and we should show respect for ourselves and Him by dressing modestly and with respect.

We live in Florida, and I can’t tell you how many parishioners come with flip flops, shorts, hair in pony tails, and looking like they just rolled out of bed. I’m not in favor of a dress code, but when did it become normal to wear casual clothes to church? or am I reaching too far back into my protestant days?

I ended up in a bit of a tiff with my friend. Yes, I know His followers didn’t always have even basic clothing! But, neither does that mean you should go to church in a bathing suit!

We don’t need a dress code. Just some common sense!!

 

[saskatoon]

Maybe there should be a dress code, common sense is not so common anymore. I’ve noticed what people wear to church and wonder how they could wear such things to mass! If you’re going to a ball game or picnic after mass, bring a change of clothes and change after mass. Though society has changed its standards as well. When did we find it acceptable to wear pjs in public? Yet many do. Modesty has been thrown on the road and run over several times. I really think this all boils down to how mass is said. The parishoners (in some cases) see little to no reverence by the priest, so why should they have any reverence. Mass has become a social event, look at other posts here where people complain about others talking before and during mass, how people dress, and how priests act. The Mass is no longer seen as the unbloody sacrifice of Calvary and the True Presence. It (seems to me) to to be more of a festive party, come as you are setting. Granted, we don’t need to spend gobs of money on fancy clothes for church, but surely we are capable of doning a dress or skirt, WITH A SLIP, PLEASE!!, or a shirt and tie. Yeah, they can be uncomfortable but deal with it.There are far worse things in the world wearing these. I understand heat and humidity, I live in Wisconsin and we have heat and humidity at least 3 days out of the year . My church has a dress code and is followed. We probably wouldn’t kick you out unless you are really poorly dressed, ie Daisy Dukes and a tank top, and our priest would not hesitate to give a sermon on the subject either.

 

[my6kidsmomMS]

I feel your pain…This is a constant source of frustration for me also. I have six children (four adult, two still at home) and I teach in a Catholic school. I just KNOW that if these children were invited to visit the President they would not dress the way you describe (and I see every Sunday). I can only assume they don’t really know or believe that they are going to be with the King of Kings. I can’t blame the children, but I do believe their parents know better. We have to hold a higher a standard!

 

[heathernoel]

It’s funny. I have a friend who belongs to a non denominational mega church. He scoffed at me when he learned of this little conversation. “God doesn’t care what you wear, why should you?”. I nearly jumped out of my skin.

Then I thought maybe I was being unreasonable.

 

[Hiskid1973]

Here’s a few comments…In the early days they used to all wear inter/outer garments all the same what even they did…Only the rich had fancy cloth…They met in homes and it was informal…Where I go there is a variety…I usually were jeans/slacks and a shirt…We both were jeans if we take the bike…Lot of older men wear suits…What’s the most important thing as we gather exulting Christ, the condition of our heart.

Another thing, tares are mixed in with all of us…We have those who have a form of religion but deny His power…Here’s the thing as a believers mature they learn meat and realize that the low cut top(female) they want to wear might effect the man beside her…My beloved wears long and shorter skirts and blouses…She asks me if something can be seen through…Those seeking don’t really think of what they are wearing…God looks at the heart and changes us from the inside out when we trust Him for our salvation…

Here’s where love comes into play realizing that all believers are at at various levels in maturity…We have the grace to understand as those more mature to set an example…We are to love those who don’t fit our mold, praying for them to grow in their faith…

Peace to you…Kim

 

[Hiskid1973]

It’s funny. I have a friend who belongs to a non denominational mega church. He scoffed at me when he learned of this little conversation. “God doesn’t care what you wear, why should you?”. I nearly jumped out of my skin.

Then I thought maybe I was being unreasonable.

And again read my post about the maturity of a believer and the grace we offer to the immature and the unbeliever…And I agree with your friend and that God is looking at their heart…He can fix the little things a we find Him and grow…

 

[Lynxdk]

Reverence is something you have, not something you wear.

 

[heathernoel]

So attending Mass in a bathing suit is acceptable? I think not!!

I take exception. You wouldn’t think about showing up to a job interview, a funeral, or a baptism dressed like you just got out of bed. Why do the same when going to Mass?

Reverence is something you have and you show it through your dress and demeanor.

 

[ljubim]

Reverence is something you have, not something you wear.

But chastity is a virtue. People dressed like hookers do not belong in mass… if you have even a shred of respect for Our Lord you will look YOUR best to come see Him. No, you don’t have to be in hundred dollar outfits, that’s not the point. The point is that dressing sinfully has no place in church.

 

[Hiskid1973]

But chastity is a virtue. People dressed like hookers do not belong in mass… if you have even a shred of respect for Our Lord you will look YOUR best to come see Him. No, you don’t have to be in hundred dollar outfits, that’s not the point. The point is that dressing sinfully has no place in church.

Not to discount you, but I could show a few verses where Jesus was around hookers…Where should people come to find Him and mature in their faith…

 

[Lynxdk]

But chastity is a virtue. People dressed like hookers do not belong in mass… if you have even a shred of respect for Our Lord you will look YOUR best to come see Him. No, you don’t have to be in hundred dollar outfits, that’s not the point. The point is that dressing sinfully has no place in church.

That’s ~not~ the point at all. It started as a complaint about people not dressing “their best”, and now has turned into a morality check about people coming to church in bathing suits and dressed like hookers… Which I’ve never seen, so basically you’re turning the argument into absurdity.

There’s nothing wrong with dressing casually for Mass. An argument can be made for people who dress up ~too~ much, as if they’re trying to hide something, especially so if they’re the ones overly concerned with how ~others~ dress, which is judgmental.

 

[Apologist78]

There’s nothing wrong with dressing casually for Mass. An argument can be made for people who dress up ~too~ much, as if they’re trying to hide something, especially so if they’re the ones overly concerned with how ~others~ dress, which is judgmental.

Let me ask you this: If you were invited to the White House to have a banquet with the president of the Unites States (whether you like him or not, is not the point) what would you wear? Jeans a t-shirt and flip flops, or something more appropriate?

I love the double standards- it is alright to dress informally and casually for the Divine Banquet which the Lord invites us to, but not alright to dress casually for a human banquet with human rulers.

Why should we NOT dress up for God? Why do people assume it is not important to God? Where does the Bible teach that? Where does the Church teach that? Where does Tradition teach that? How do you know it is not important to God how we dress? When did he tell you that?

I am not saying people should wear thousand dollar suits- but what is wrong with expecting people to dress a little more formally for Mass- in order to demonstrate the soleminty of the occasion, and the uniqueness of the Sabbath?

 

[Apologist78]

I don’t know what I’m seeking here, but I need to get it out.

Yesterday I commented to my friend that I was aggravated when my daughter came to me with shorts and a shirt on before we went to Mass. This has NEVER been acceptable, and when I asked her what she was thinking “My friends don’t dress up!”.

Therefore it follows that she doesn’t have to? I reply: Non-sequitar.

We aren’t wealthy by any stretch of the imagination. My third daughter is lucky to have two older sisters…we’ve not had to buy her clothes at all, and I am wearing clothes I got three years ago. But, I’ve always taught out children that when going to Mass, we are going to His house, and we should show respect for ourselves and Him by dressing modestly and with respect.

And you would be absolutely correct.

We live in Florida, and I can’t tell you how many parishioners come with flip flops, shorts, hair in pony tails, and looking like they just rolled out of bed.

That is not appropriate dress for Sunday worship. To the people who say “God doesn’t care what I look like” I reply: And you know that HOW? I also reply: that God does not have a need for us to dress up is irrelavent. It is not about what God NEEDS, rather it is about what we NEED. Think about it; when people dress up- what are they saying? They are implicitly saying they are about to do something special, unique, important. When they dress in flip flops, jeans and a t-shirt, what are they implicitly saying? That what they are doing is not special, and not unique- it is common every day stuff. I ask them: What do you think the Mass IS? What is your image of God that you think dressing like that for worship is appropriate?

I’m not in favor of a dress code, but when did it become normal to wear casual clothes to church? or am I reaching too far back into my protestant days?

Nor am I. While I don’t expect everyone to be in suits, etc- I do expect that people will dress nicer then normal when they go to Church- which means no shorts, t-shirts, jeans, flip floprs, etc.

I ended up in a bit of a tiff with my friend. Yes, I know His followers didn’t always have even basic clothing! But, neither does that mean you should go to church in a bathing suit!

Agreed. Just becasue a person is not wealthy is no excuse for not having class. It does not take money to be a person of class and common decency. Being a person of class does not cost money. You can tell your friend THAT.

We don’t need a dress code. Just some common sense!!

Problem is that no one knows what common sense is anymore.

 

[crazzeto]

Well I guess I’ll start with how I typically dress… At least now, there was a time when I was ultra casual. But now I try my best to keep it at a minimum to business casual, with Jeans. I mean nicer dress shows, with a nice button down shirt, if necessary blue jeans (assuming my good pants are dirty or otherwise not available) and a nice coat. That’s my bare minimum, usually I try to dress up more.

For Eucharistic Adoration, I won’t go that far. I’ll always have my nicest clothing ready, and I’ll dress up. I’m curious how others go to church

 

[wisdomseeker]

I don’t know what I’m seeking here, but I need to get it out.

Yesterday I commented to my friend that I was aggravated when my daughter came to me with shorts and a shirt on before we went to Mass. This has NEVER been acceptable, and when I asked her what she was thinking “My friends don’t dress up!”.

We aren’t wealthy by any stretch of the imagination. My third daughter is lucky to have two older sisters…we’ve not had to buy her clothes at all, and I am wearing clothes I got three years ago. But, I’ve always taught out children that when going to Mass, we are going to His house, and we should show respect for ourselves and Him by dressing modestly and with respect.

We live in Florida, and I can’t tell you how many parishioners come with flip flops, shorts, hair in pony tails, and looking like they just rolled out of bed. I’m not in favor of a dress code, but when did it become normal to wear casual clothes to church? or am I reaching too far back into my protestant days?

I ended up in a bit of a tiff with my friend. Yes, I know His followers didn’t always have even basic clothing! But, neither does that mean you should go to church in a bathing suit!

We don’t need a dress code. Just some common sense!!

i also live in Florida and i see this going in my area too.
we need prayers for the CC down here. what i see is not a very good picture.

people just dont seem to care.

 

[wisdomseeker]

Maybe there should be a dress code, common sense is not so common anymore. I’ve noticed what people wear to church and wonder how they could wear such things to mass! If you’re going to a ball game or picnic after mass, bring a change of clothes and change after mass. Though society has changed its standards as well. When did we find it acceptable to wear pjs in public? Yet many do. Modesty has been thrown on the road and run over several times. I really think this all boils down to how mass is said. The parishoners (in some cases) see little to no reverence by the priest, so why should they have any reverence. Mass has become a social event, look at other posts here where people complain about others talking before and during mass, how people dress, and how priests act. The Mass is no longer seen as the unbloody sacrifice of Calvary and the True Presence. It (seems to me) to to be more of a festive party, come as you are setting. Granted, we don’t need to spend gobs of money on fancy clothes for church, but surely we are capable of doning a dress or skirt, WITH A SLIP, PLEASE!!, or a shirt and tie. Yeah, they can be uncomfortable but deal with it.There are far worse things in the world wearing these. I understand heat and humidity, I live in Wisconsin and we have heat and humidity at least 3 days out of the year . My church has a dress code and is followed. We probably wouldn’t kick you out unless you are really poorly dressed, ie Daisy Dukes and a tank top, and our priest would not hesitate to give a sermon on the subject either.

well said.
i remember a CC in my home country. it was a neigborhood Church but let me tell you the priest there would not evam allow anyone in shorts or short skirt to pass by in front the Church. he demanded respect and reverence for the House of God.

 

[St_Francis]

We always dress as nicely as we can for Mass, but I remember wearing flip-flips because I had a broken toe and my foot was swollen for 4 months and I couldn’t fit into my shoes.

But I came to the conclusion that these people are where they are on their spiritual journey and at least they are at Mass, and I just stopped worrying about it. I tell my children that they have to dress nicely because, as you say, it is more important than visiting the President or the Queen of England and they would dress up for that, and they are lucky that they have someone to teach them that.

But in this day and age when teens do wear jeans to job interview—and get the job!!!—and then wear earrings in weird places at work… it can be hard to convince them that they are not wearing their best when they are wearing those types of clothes.

But stick to your guns with your children!!!

 

[glenconnor]

I wish that people would dress modestly with clothes in good repair, but I try my very hardest not to let that annoy or distract me from what I am at Mass for. I honestly have a harder time with people who laugh and joke during the whole Mass. I think it is disrespectful. I am very fortunate in that both of the Churches I attend Mass at, the priests are very reverent, while also being able to be witty and funny. It is a joy to attend services thanks to them. I’m not asking for rows and rows of people with solemn, stony faces. I myself smile often during prayer or just thinking about what has been said. But when I hear other people having conversations (not quietly either) that have nothing to do with the Mass, nor the Church, or see people horsing around…well that’s when it is hardest to hold my tongue.

 

[Hiskid1973]

Yep…Had a wise pastor tell me once about being “fishers of men” …We bring them in…God cleans em up…Don’t worry if they don’t quite meet up to what we feel…God works from the inside out…peace to you…

 

[Maria65]

i also live in Florida and i see this going in my area too.
we need prayers for the CC down here. what i see is not a very good picture.

people just dont seem to care.

I, too, live in Florida. I see some pretty skimpy outfits in church. They keep the air-conditioning in my church pretty chilly during the summer - intentional, perhaps?

At the beginning of fall semester, as the college students were trickling in, the priest gave a good - not too harsh, but fair - sermon about dressing modestly for church, making the points several made here, that it says you think the Mass is important and God is important and worth putting on your good clothes for. He also mentioned getting ready early enough to arrive on time, because it is important, not an afterthought. Unfortunately, I see no abatement of the things he spoke about.