Can Laymen wear the Alb?

[Luger]

So what’s more important? What the Church teaches, or what people understand? Are you saying wearing albs as allowed by the Church is not preferred because people misunderstand? Thanks.

What’s most important is that the people understand what the Church teaches. Far easier to buy a bunch of albs then it is to educate those in the pews of their meaning and use. The albs should not come before the education.

 

[Luger]

We have both styles at our parish, and the “off-white” ones look far nicer and “dressier.” The pure white ones look like they’re made from a bedsheet.

I would say that white albs look more like undergarments while off-white albs look more “finished” – more like stand alone vestments.

 

[Phemie]

I agree when it comes to clergy, acolytes and servers. When it came to EMsHC I think it would be an advantage – a specific uniform that differs from the rest.

I disagree. Since the alb represents only one thing, baptism, then it should be pure white and any baptized person should be able to wear it. Catechize rather than opt for a lesser symbol.

 

[Trinity117]

In my church the EMHC wear the albs, as do the altar servers. One priest had the lectors wear them as well, but the priest before and after didn’t require them to wear an alb.

 

[diggerdomer]

The Church presumably allows it on the presupposition that people do understand. g possible ways to fix that situation: by catechesis, by taking the option not to do it, etc.

Where does the Church teach this? Thanks.

 

[Luger]

I disagree. Since the alb represents only one thing, baptism, then it should be pure white and any baptized person should be able to wear it. Catechize rather than opt for a lesser symbol.

I don’t think off-white (which is actually a shade of white) is any lessor of a symbol. But if every cleric and server wore white albs while EMsHC wore uniform off-white albs, it would provide a distinction that would be most healthy in many cases.

 

[diggerdomer]

What’s most important is that the people understand what the Church teaches. Far easier to buy a bunch of albs then it is to educate those in the pews of their meaning and use. The albs should not come before the education.

I’m not sure what you’re saying. I could read this as saying that peoples’ understanding of Church teaching and sacramental practices (liturgical laws) are more important or fundamental than the actual teaching/laws themselves. Surely that’s not what you’re saying, right?

You’re saying that albs…or, let’s be honest here…any liturgical vestment…should not be worn unless we can be sure all the Faithful present understand liturgical vestments?

If so…then we shouldn’t celebrate Eucharist unless we can be sure each and every one present understand the symbolisms of the Eucharist?

Please, clarify? Thanks.

 

[SimonDodd]

SimonDodd:

Diggerdomer:

So what’s more important? What the Church teaches, or what people understand? Are you saying wearing albs as allowed by the Church is not preferred because people misunderstand? Thanks.

The Church presumably allows it on the presupposition that people do understand. Where there’s a risk that something which is optional will be misunderstood, it’s worth exploring possible ways to fix that situation: by catechesis, by taking the option not to do it, etc.Where does the Church teach this? Thanks.

Where does the Church teach what?