T
- Status
M
mdgspencer
Guest
I was a Protestant until I was 18 and I noticed after I became a Catholic that Protestants and Catholics had quite different ideas about what to wear at church. Protestants (then at least, I donât know what happens now) wore their Sunday best and felt it important to dress in fine looking clothes. Catholics didnât wear this sort of clothing at church. Of course, this was the 1960s and people wouldnât wear anything but modest dress, but Catholics didnât feel the need to dress up. This, after I consider this, seems desirable. What if you have a poor family without much money for clothes? Should they feel poorly about going to church if their clothing seem poor in comparison with the others? Frankly, if someone comes to church in blue jeans, I donât even notice it. You shouldnât have to seem prosperous or handsome to go to churchâthough I do understand why Protestant feel it desirable to wear your best at churchâthis was a cultural difference between religions.
Although Iâve read and understood (I think) many of the posts, I still must shyly admit that Iâm not sure that I understand enough as I would like⌠I guess maybe Iâm just wondering about my clothing, for example⌠I prefer to wear fair trade (clothes that in good conscience I can feel good about as theyâve been made by people paid a fair wage for their labor under humane work conditions). Anyway, these clothes arenât rich⌠they donât look expensive. I usually wear a long skirt down to my ankles, with a modest blouse up to my neck and past my elbows. Kind of hippie-ish (but not bold or anything). I wear summer sandals with the outfits as well. I like to keep it feminine, modest, fair trade, although not rich looking. I hope all this is okay? Should I dress in more expensive looking clothes (in that case, it wouldnât be fair trade anymore though, and that is something Iâm compassionate about)? I can afford either, but I want to know what is best. I know what my conscience tells me⌠I just want to do whatâs right.
T
Tigg
Guest
Someone else touched upon this and Iâd like to elaborate. We should all dress according to our means and station in life as well as being aware of the fact that Mass is a solemn, sacred ceremony. If we are wearing old tennies and ragged shirt because that is all we own, then praise God that individual is in church. If we are wearing old tennies and ragged shirt because thatâs what we wore to cut the grass and were too lazy to change, then Iâd say we need to look at our interior motivation for receiving our Lord dressed like that in a public place where the highest form of worship is being given.
I think what the bishops are trying to do is get us to dress modestly (the above clips very graphically get the message across) and dress with the dignity that befits our lifestyle, whatever it may be. Câmon everyoneâŚyou know in your hearts how you should present yourselves at Mass.
I think what the bishops are trying to do is get us to dress modestly (the above clips very graphically get the message across) and dress with the dignity that befits our lifestyle, whatever it may be. Câmon everyoneâŚyou know in your hearts how you should present yourselves at Mass.
G
Guyonthestreet
Guest
Ok it wasnt so much a case of I didnt believe you, but I was just wowed by this and thought you guys are the real deal. Then I found this video on youtube:All Franciscans go barefoot when inside.
Fraternally,
Br. JR, OSF
youtube.com/watch?v=GPokzf9FjIQ
inside, theyâre all barefoot !!!
These are franciscan friars of the renewal.
I admire and respect people who just shut up and do.
These guys are out on the street walking the walk. They seem so happy and full of ââsomethingââ and yet inside their building, itâs just about bare.
If all franciscans are like these guys - then Im blown away.
I really, honestly, did not think people gave their life to God like that anymore.
Didnt mean to derail the thread - I just thought this was incredible.
G
Greg27
Guest
In my view the risk of a formal dress code is that it would alienate the poor. I imagine some people may only be able to come in rags; that should not be a barrier to coming to church.
I can understand though if people wear risque clothing the situation can be different.
I can understand though if people wear risque clothing the situation can be different.
P
panache
Guest
I am new to this forum, but I wanted to say something about this issue. I had been searching my whole life for the ârightâ church for me. At age 51, I was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic Church. I donât agree with everything they teach you as I tend to take the Bible too literally, however, I do agree there should be a dress code when going to mass. I donât think you should have to âdress upâ but I do think people should enter the church with respect towards God. When I went to Rome and visited the Vatican, they would not allow any women in that had bare arms. As for the men and women, they were not allowed in with shorts or skirts. I had a T-Shirt on with the regular short sleeves and they wouldnât let me in. I had to (and so did many others) go to one of the street vendors and purchase paper shirts and pants to cover ourselves up. Then they allowed us in.
My point is this. I think there should be a dress code, but only like they have in the Vatican. I donât think tank tops, spaghetti straps, short skirts or shorts should be allowed. I also think the Vatican went too far in making us totally cover our arms. 1/4 sleeves should be allowed. I donât think T-Shirts with sayings on them should be allowed either. As far as jeans go, some people only have jeans. I donât think this dress code would pick out or pick on anyone. Rich, middle class, poor would all be dressed the same.
My point is this. I think there should be a dress code, but only like they have in the Vatican. I donât think tank tops, spaghetti straps, short skirts or shorts should be allowed. I also think the Vatican went too far in making us totally cover our arms. 1/4 sleeves should be allowed. I donât think T-Shirts with sayings on them should be allowed either. As far as jeans go, some people only have jeans. I donât think this dress code would pick out or pick on anyone. Rich, middle class, poor would all be dressed the same.
L
LGS
Guest
]My husband and I were in Mississippi a few years ago and attended Mass. Our southern Catholic brothers and sisters would put most to shame (or at least should) by the way they dress and act when they entered the church. We should all take a lesson from them. You do not have to dress in suits and ties to attend Mass, nor do you have to wear long gowns and heals. And believe me donât tell someone to dress as if they are going to a wedding-have you been to one lately-shorts, t-shirts even flip flops! What are people thinking-thatâs the problem-they arenât. Nice slacks and tops and or shirts are the code you should follow. How would you feel if Jesus came down the isle in a torn t-shirt and cut offs? I would think He didnât care about us enough to dress up!!
P
pirojojo
Guest
I have to say that I agree with this report because itâs getting out of hand. A few weeks ago we were at Mass and a woman had one of those small dogs with her. In my opinion, this is disrepectful. Also, I live in the suburbs and the attire is much to be desired for. Sometimes it seems that people are going to the beach or the park. I do not consider myself to be old fashioned but the fashion of this time is too revealing and provocative. Perhaps if they knew why they were going to church, everything would fall into place. My 2 cents.
L
LGS
Guest
I know some families that come Mass that have very little but they come as though they have it all. They dress the best they can. If it were up to me-the ushers would have large garbage bags at the doors. You come dressed in picnic clothes-you get a bag to put around your waist and or shoulders. That is what they do in Rome-I know I was there. You see how fast people change. This is part of the problem-I feel that is wrong with our society-do what feels good for me and forget the rest. Give everyone their rights because they feel they deserve it. Give me a break! Have some reverence and respect for yourself and for God. He loves and respects you-do the same!
J
JReducation
Guest
Today is the feast of St. Clare. What a better day to reflect on the simplicity and reverence of Francis and Clare. They speak to this issue in so many ways. They wore beggerâs clothing. But they were modest and reverent. This is the best dress code that we can follow.
Fraternally,
Br. JR, OSF
Fraternally,
Br. JR, OSF
L
Lynn-D
Guest
I think you might have meant that the Vatican does not allow entry for women who are wearing short skirts. Bare arms might mean without any sleeves but most dresses and blouses do have sleeves and not always to the wrist.
My niece visited the Vatican last year and she never wears a dress but usually a skirt and blouse and I am basically the same way. She walked freely in the Vatican and was never stopped nor admonished.
Lynn-D
L
LGS
Guest
Yes, I did mean the Vatican and all the Catholic Churchâs there.
You can wear skirts or dresses but they have to have a sleeve on them and no shorts at all.
At least that is how it was when I was there a few years ago.
You can wear skirts or dresses but they have to have a sleeve on them and no shorts at all.
At least that is how it was when I was there a few years ago.
B
Birdchest
Guest
Friend, the problem is that it is a potential distractor to us âweaker brethrenâ The way some of the ladies dress in church is extremely distracting to say the least. Glad it doesnât affect you.
Jose.
W
WillieWonka
Guest
When I visited the Buddhism shrine at Kandi, Sri Lanka, I was wearing shorts and a tank top. A smiling monk at the door took a threadbare robe from a pile by the door, gestured for me to put it on, and bowed me in. I went back the next day wearing jeans and a golf shirt and didnât need the robe.
S
slyboots
Guest
I have been a social worker for the state for 15 years. For 10 of them I worked primarily with assistance for families (TANF). Most all my clientsâ incomes were below the poverty level. Most of them were also African Americans.
While they might not have fancy clothes all the time, at church they dressed like they were being presented to royalty. They wore the best they had and so did their children. Through Catholic Charities locally we were able to help them with interviewing and work clothes which they also wore to church.
Just because you are poor it does not mean you have to come to church in dirty, torn clothes. There are agencies and thrift stores (I have bought some of my things in those) and clothing giveaways around.
If you are poor and donât know what your resources are go to the local assistance office and ask for info on resources for clothing. There will be some.
Aside from that it is usually not the poor who come dressed in jeans and halter tops and t-shirts that say unspeakable things.
Back to the African American families in churchâŚI said they dressed as if they were going to be in the presence of royaltyâŚ
Catholics at mass are in the presence of the Incarnate God. Why do we dress as if we are on our way to the beach? Or to the club? Mass is not a âstop on the wayâ. It is a destination.
Should we not dress nicely when in the the presence of the âKing of Kingsâ?
While they might not have fancy clothes all the time, at church they dressed like they were being presented to royalty. They wore the best they had and so did their children. Through Catholic Charities locally we were able to help them with interviewing and work clothes which they also wore to church.
Just because you are poor it does not mean you have to come to church in dirty, torn clothes. There are agencies and thrift stores (I have bought some of my things in those) and clothing giveaways around.
If you are poor and donât know what your resources are go to the local assistance office and ask for info on resources for clothing. There will be some.
Aside from that it is usually not the poor who come dressed in jeans and halter tops and t-shirts that say unspeakable things.
Back to the African American families in churchâŚI said they dressed as if they were going to be in the presence of royaltyâŚ
Catholics at mass are in the presence of the Incarnate God. Why do we dress as if we are on our way to the beach? Or to the club? Mass is not a âstop on the wayâ. It is a destination.
Should we not dress nicely when in the the presence of the âKing of Kingsâ?
W
WillieWonka
Guest
Itâs intersting to contrast Arab Muslim dress customs at worship with Christianity.
In Saudi, for example, many will pray for 15-20 minutes five times per day. They do this in groups where possible, if not, then alone. That could be in mosques, on the street, on a construction site, in malls, in schools, office buildings, on the side of the highway⌠anywhere.
They will wear whatever they have on. If possible, they will wash feet, arms, and hands first. If not, then they donât.
It is very interesting to see well dressed men standing in line next to foreign laborers dressed in near rags. While they may engage in horrible discrimination most of the time, at prayer time, everyone is equal and respected as a fellow Muslim. No questions asked, no raised eyebrows.
Mosques are the same. Very well dressed people will welcome the ragged street cleaner who just put down his broom. Again, no questions asked, everyone welcome as a fellow Muslim.
Itâs an obvious strength of Islam. And I will be the first to acknowledge we can find all kinds of social pathologies in the society, but they have managed to banish them from their worship services. I witnessed this same thing day after day.
In Saudi, for example, many will pray for 15-20 minutes five times per day. They do this in groups where possible, if not, then alone. That could be in mosques, on the street, on a construction site, in malls, in schools, office buildings, on the side of the highway⌠anywhere.
They will wear whatever they have on. If possible, they will wash feet, arms, and hands first. If not, then they donât.
It is very interesting to see well dressed men standing in line next to foreign laborers dressed in near rags. While they may engage in horrible discrimination most of the time, at prayer time, everyone is equal and respected as a fellow Muslim. No questions asked, no raised eyebrows.
Mosques are the same. Very well dressed people will welcome the ragged street cleaner who just put down his broom. Again, no questions asked, everyone welcome as a fellow Muslim.
Itâs an obvious strength of Islam. And I will be the first to acknowledge we can find all kinds of social pathologies in the society, but they have managed to banish them from their worship services. I witnessed this same thing day after day.
J
JMJFan4life
Guest
This is my first time on these forums, so please overlook any goofs, ok? I just had to say IMHOâŚother denominations that donât even believe God is actually present dress with more respect than we Catholics do . . . yet we profess to believe Jesus is actually present! I find that disrespectful, very prideful and presuming on Our Lordâs love. No one expects coattails, ties and formal wear, but modesty would be great! When I see services at the Mormon Church (on my way to Mass) they are all in their âSunday bestâ.
! Why do we think God doesnât deserve our âbestâ?
! Why do we think God doesnât deserve our âbestâ?
J
JReducation
Guest
The problem that many Catholics have is that they have become very political and very secularized in their thinking. This comes through not only in the way that they dress for church, but in many areas. As you hang aournd here, observe how many people on these forums get upset when the Vatican says something that pricks their Americanism. I call it Americanism, because it has nothing to do with patriotism.This is my first time on these forums, so please overlook any goofs, ok? I just had to say IMHOâŚother denominations that donât even believe God is actually present dress with more respect than we Catholics do . . . yet we profess to believe Jesus is actually present! I find that disrespectful, very prideful and presuming on Our Lordâs love. No one expects coattails, ties and formal wear, but modesty would be great! When I see services at the Mormon Church (on my way to Mass) they are all in their âSunday bestâ.
You will often hear American Catholis defend their right to challenge authority, as if the Church were an divine despot. You will often hear Catholics reject anything that the Church says about the way they âexpress their individuality or their conscience.â Observe my quotation marks.
We tend to carry our political mindset into the sphere of the Church and it does not work there. We can say and do what we want in the political arena. But we must learn to be quiet and comply in the religious arena. For Americans and many Europeans, this is a very difficult concept, because of secularism and political empowerment. We have become political beings, rather than using political systems.
Eveything that the Catholic Church says is politisized. I hope that I am wrong. But thatâs the way it looks to me from where Iâm sitting. I know people who have asked our friars about obedience and when we explain that we are obedient in everything but sin, they ask us if he hung up our minds at the door when we entered the novitiate.
The answer is, âNo. But you hang up your will.â There is the fine difference that the average Catholic often forgets. We canât always do our will.
Fraternally,
Br. JR, OSF
C
Charlotte408
Guest
I think theres a big difference between a guy wearing sweats, or something like a football T, than girls wearing spaghetti strapped tanks with cleavage hanging outâŚ
I think in the case of the âsloppyâ dresser, than yes, its somewhat distracting, and you might think to yourself, âDude, get up and get ready for mass!! its only an hourâŚâ butâŚlike you guys have said, at least they GOT their behinds to massâŚand unlike a developed female, they dont have âpartsâ hanging outâŚ
now with the spaghetti straps and mini skirts, thats just WRONGâŚperiodâŚits disrespectful not only to Him, **but to the her **too (really no girl should be dressing like that at any timeâŚoutta respect for herself)âŚand its effects reach beyond herâŚit effects the teenage boy with raging hormones sitting across from herâŚit affects any man who might have issues with whatever kinda sins they might have (i dont wanna spell it out but im sure you guys get at my point here) its like, at church, they shouldnt have to deal with all thatâŚeveryday, on the streets, theres all those temptationsâŚat mass, this should be a time dedicated to Him, and all about HimâŚno distractionsâŚ
good for them they finally put it in writingâŚi think they should do it here tooâŚit does make me wonder what they would do if someone came in out of dress code tho???
i would hope a priest or someone standing at the door welcoming people in would softly say something to the person, and maybe theyâd sit at the back of the pews or something idkâŚ
I think in the case of the âsloppyâ dresser, than yes, its somewhat distracting, and you might think to yourself, âDude, get up and get ready for mass!! its only an hourâŚâ butâŚlike you guys have said, at least they GOT their behinds to massâŚand unlike a developed female, they dont have âpartsâ hanging outâŚ
now with the spaghetti straps and mini skirts, thats just WRONGâŚperiodâŚits disrespectful not only to Him, **but to the her **too (really no girl should be dressing like that at any timeâŚoutta respect for herself)âŚand its effects reach beyond herâŚit effects the teenage boy with raging hormones sitting across from herâŚit affects any man who might have issues with whatever kinda sins they might have (i dont wanna spell it out but im sure you guys get at my point here) its like, at church, they shouldnt have to deal with all thatâŚeveryday, on the streets, theres all those temptationsâŚat mass, this should be a time dedicated to Him, and all about HimâŚno distractionsâŚ
good for them they finally put it in writingâŚi think they should do it here tooâŚit does make me wonder what they would do if someone came in out of dress code tho???
i would hope a priest or someone standing at the door welcoming people in would softly say something to the person, and maybe theyâd sit at the back of the pews or something idkâŚ
- Status