Catholic church lays down dress code

[Lynn-D]

Are we not in Christ’s presence at ALL times? Are our bodies not the temples of the Holy Spirit?

If we feel the special need to dress up the best way we can when coming to church, why not at ALL times? Is God more concerned about our outward appearance in church than He is at other times?

Perhaps you are mistaking the need to dress in a fisherman’s cloth and the need to be neat and clean in front of the tabernacle.

Why not be naked ‘at all times’? There is a time and place for everything. It is a matter of respect or does that have no meaning anymore?

 

[paperwight]

Excellent point!

. Scriptures tell us there is a vast difference between the pre-Jesus and the post-Jesus attire of Mary Magdalene.

I was just wondering - how are you getting on with finding the exact quote to justify this assertion, Chris?

Would you like a little longer?

 

[holy_moly]

I couldn’t get the link up, so don’t know the specifics, but I’ve been to Mass dozens of times in the Philippines & all were well attended; though much of the attire was humble, I did not notice, nor was I distracted by immodest dress, male or female.

In my own parish I try not to be judgmental, but there’s one 60yr old guy that wear’s short shorts (literally ‘hot pants’) 12 months a year, whether it’s 20 below zero or 100 above. Would a dress code help? I don’t know & I’d rather not see it come to that as I would hope that people would have the inherent decency to dress respectfully (and not chew gum).

 

[Big_Willis]

You should at least dress modestly. Some people would be better off naked than wear revealing clothing. To me, revealing clothing is worse because it invites you to try and “see more”

 

[CHRIS_DICKSON]

You should at least dress modestly. Some people would be better off naked than wear revealing clothing. To me, revealing clothing is worse because it invites you to try and “see more”

Speaking from a strictly personal basis, I must agree with you. If anyone were to see me naked, they would most assuredly deem it a most nauseating experience…

 

[osmondfan]

I most DEFINITELY think that we in the US should have a Mass dress code. If you can’t put more effort and time into your appearance before you enter God’s house, then you shouldn’t be there. God never came over to my house in jeans and a t-shirt. I never wear anything but a dress or skirt to Church. If you’re too busy too change your clothes before going to Mass, then you need to pick a different Mass time and go then. The way you dress conveys your feelings about where you are, as well as your amount of respect for where you are. If you can’t give God the respect He deserves, then you don’t belong in Mass. I am not of the ‘at least they came’ mentality. Sure, they came. But if they’re dressed like they just rolled off the back of a turnip truck, then they’re probably not really in the frame of mind to worship. And money has nothing to do with it. You can find cheap clothes that are still dressy enough to wear to Mass.

 

[Lutheranteach]

As a Lutheran I recall that as a kid suit and tie was the norm for the Sunday service. Now, it seems to be business casual. I was shocked when I went to a Catholic wedding the last summer. I used to do a little work for newspapers on the police beat. I’d seen hookers wearing more modest clothes than some of the young ladies at the wedding were. If you have to double check that your breasts aren’t falling out of your dress, you should probably wear something else to church. That’s just my opinion.

 

[holy_moly]

I most DEFINITELY think that we in the US should have a Mass dress code. If you can’t put more effort and time into your appearance before you enter God’s house, then you shouldn’t be there. God never came over to my house in jeans and a t-shirt. I never wear anything but a dress or skirt to Church. If you’re too busy too change your clothes before going to Mass, then you need to pick a different Mass time and go then. The way you dress conveys your feelings about where you are, as well as your amount of respect for where you are. If you can’t give God the respect He deserves, then you don’t belong in Mass. I am not of the ‘at least they came’ mentality. Sure, they came. But if they’re dressed like they just rolled off the back of a turnip truck, then they’re probably not really in the frame of mind to worship. And money has nothing to do with it. You can find cheap clothes that are still dressy enough to wear to Mass.

worse yet I think, are the gum chewers!

 

[irmatru]

As a Lutheran I recall that as a kid suit and tie was the norm for the Sunday service. Now, it seems to be business casual. I was shocked when I went to a Catholic wedding the last summer. I used to do a little work for newspapers on the police beat. I’d seen hookers wearing more modest clothes than some of the young ladies at the wedding were. If you have to double check that your breasts aren’t falling out of your dress, you should probably wear something else to church. That’s just my opinion.

I totally agree with you.

 

[s4angel]

If I could get them to wear a little less perfume and cologn I would be good. That stuff smells good but have mercy on me my asthma does not like it.

I see homeless people going to church should they be banned, just because they couldn’t get any clean clothing? I agree the revealing clothing stuff is a bit much at times but then again at least they are at church and that in no way keeps me from church its the gobs of perfume that does.

 

[LisaA]

I most DEFINITELY think that we in the US should have a Mass dress code. If you can’t put more effort and time into your appearance before you enter God’s house, then you shouldn’t be there. God never came over to my house in jeans and a t-shirt. I never wear anything but a dress or skirt to Church. If you’re too busy too change your clothes before going to Mass, then you need to pick a different Mass time and go then. The way you dress conveys your feelings about where you are, as well as your amount of respect for where you are. If you can’t give God the respect He deserves, then you don’t belong in Mass. I am not of the ‘at least they came’ mentality. Sure, they came. But if they’re dressed like they just rolled off the back of a turnip truck, then they’re probably not really in the frame of mind to worship. And money has nothing to do with it. You can find cheap clothes that are still dressy enough to wear to Mass.

Worse than sloppily dressed attendees are the Eucharistic Ministers who report for duty wearing shorts and flip flops during the summer. It is SOOOO disrespectful. As Laura Ingraham said, who wants to take Communion while looking at someone’s hairy toes? EWWWWW! Or how about female lectors whose bosoms are trying to escape the snare of their bras? Geezzzzz!

You don’t have to look like the finest tiger in the jungle but at least wear something that shows respect for our faith

Lisa A

 

[onthenarrowpath]

Perhaps you are mistaking the need to dress in a fisherman’s cloth and the need to be neat and clean in front of the tabernacle.

Why not be naked ‘at all times’? There is a time and place for everything. It is a matter of respect or does that have no meaning anymore?

Where in anything I wrote did I mention, or even infer, that it was acceptable to be naked in church?

I don’t think it’s necessary to dress up in a suit and tie to show our respect for God. The attitude in our heart is what He is most concerned with. Does that mean I’m advocating that women wear halter tops and tight shorts, while men wear torn jeans and go shirtless? No, of course not. And I really don’t appreciate the tone of your response to me. Very typical Catholic attitude you’re showing, when all I’m doing is coming to this place to ask questions, express my opinion, and try to learn more about Catholicism.

And you didn’t answer my question about our bodies being the temple of the Holy Spirit. “God’s House” is not made of stone and wood. If we dress casually at home, we are just as much in the presence of God as we are in church. So how does it make it any less respectful if we come to church with a humble heart, and humble clothes, as opposed to a conceited heart and fancy clothes?

 

[maryjk]

I most DEFINITELY think that we in the US should have a Mass dress code. If you can’t put more effort and time into your appearance before you enter God’s house, then you shouldn’t be there. God never came over to my house in jeans and a t-shirt. I never wear anything but a dress or skirt to Church.** If you’re too busy too change your clothes before going to Mass, then you need to pick a different Mass time and go then. **The way you dress conveys your feelings about where you are, as well as your amount of respect for where you are. If you can’t give God the respect He deserves, then you don’t belong in Mass. I am not of the ‘at least they came’ mentality. Sure, they came. But if they’re dressed like they just rolled off the back of a turnip truck, then they’re probably not really in the frame of mind to worship. And money has nothing to do with it. You can find cheap clothes that are still dressy enough to wear to Mass.

Wow!!
A couple of months ago, the last Mass of the day was the only Mass I could attend. So, because I am not wearing what you think I should wear, I should miss Mass? I don’t belong in Mass?

Should I tell you that I had spent the rest of the day at the hospital? That I threw on clothes that morning before going to the hospital, didn’t shower but needed to be with God before I tried to sleep that night?

 

[onthenarrowpath]

Where in anything I wrote did I mention, or even infer, that it was acceptable to be naked in church?

I don’t think it’s necessary to dress up in a suit and tie to show our respect for God. The attitude in our heart is what He is most concerned with. Does that mean I’m advocating that women wear halter tops and tight shorts, while men wear torn jeans and go shirtless? No, of course not. And I really don’t appreciate the tone of your response to me. Very typical Catholic attitude you’re showing, when all I’m doing is coming to this place to ask questions, express my opinion, and try to learn more about Catholicism.

And you didn’t answer my question about our bodies being the temple of the Holy Spirit. “God’s House” is not made of stone and wood. If we dress casually at home, we are just as much in the presence of God as we are in church. So how does it make it any less respectful if we come to church with a humble heart, and humble clothes, as opposed to a conceited heart and fancy clothes?

I’m quoting myself because I can’t edit this post.

Allow me to temper my comment and apologize if I insulted you with the “typical Catholic attitude” remark. It truly isn’t my intention to do that.

That being said, I still stand by my thoughts about this matter. Dressing up for church doesn’t impress God, or show any higher level of respect - in my humble opinion - than going to church in casual dress with a humble heart full of love and praise.

 

[Deacon_Ed_B]

That being said, I still stand by my thoughts about this matter. Dressing up for church doesn’t impress God, or show any higher level of respect - in my humble opinion - than going to church in casual dress with a humble heart full of love and praise.

There is nothing wrong with modest, casual dress. However, I would add, office casual. not beach casual.

 

[LisaA]

Wow!!
A couple of months ago, the last Mass of the day was the only Mass I could attend. So, because I am not wearing what you think I should wear, I should miss Mass? I don’t belong in Mass?

Should I tell you that I had spent the rest of the day at the hospital? That I threw on clothes that morning before going to the hospital, didn’t shower but needed to be with God before I tried to sleep that night?

Can we apply some common sense to this discussion? There are certainly times when people attend mass in what would be considered casual or work clothing. No one is talking about these instances. I attended an early morning mass with men wearing their workboots and overalls and thought nothing of it. Certainly their desire to attend mass before work was admirable.

What has been at issue here are people who wear provacative or revealing dress or those who show up like they just walked off the beach when there was opportunity and ability to change into something more appropriate.

Lisa A

 

[CHRIS_DICKSON]

I’m quoting myself because I can’t edit this post.

Allow me to temper my comment and apologize if I insulted you with the “typical Catholic attitude” remark. It truly isn’t my intention to do that.

That being said, I still stand by my thoughts about this matter. Dressing up for church doesn’t impress God, or show any higher level of respect - in my humble opinion - than going to church in casual dress with a humble heart full of love and praise.

I totally agree here. My everyday dress would be considered to be that of a poor man, as well it should be; tan shirt, tan linen slacks and sandals. For it is said: “The men belonging to this brotherhood shall dress in humble, undyed cloth, the price of which is not to exceed six Ravenna soldi an ell, unless for evident and necessary cause or temporary dispensation be given.”

Saint Francis of Assisi
FIRST RULE OF THE THIRD ORDER
For the Brothers and Sisters of Penance

When attending Mass, I wear the same clothing, that of*** il Poverello d’Assisi (the Little Poor Man of Assisi) unless I am Eucharistic Minister, at which time I put on a sport coat, tie, and dress shoes. Why? To show my respect for them, whom Christ deigned to die on the Cross for them*…

 

[Havard]

That raises an interesting point, I don’t see Chris Dickson’s sandals being a problem, but then earlier people talked about “flip-flops” being inappropriate.

Perhaps I shouldn’t over-analyze, but I have a pair of sandals that are leather, but made in the “flip-flop” style. I don’t wear them to Mass, but would they be inappropriate if I did? What factor makes one sandal appropriate/respectful and another, not?

 

[kalel76]

I don’t think that it’s the lack of a dress code that’s the issue. The issue is where people place their priorities. What the church needs to do is address people’s weird behavior. For example, why do people get all decked with a suit and a tie for a wedding and limit themselves to a polo shirt and khaki’s for mass?

Can you blame people for being casual though? Church’s nowadays look like big living rooms. Their carpeted and they have couches — er —I mean the pews are padded.

 

[LisaA]

I don’t think that it’s the lack of a dress code that’s the issue. The issue is where people place their priorities. What the church needs to do is address people’s weird behavior. For example, why do people get all decked with a suit and a tie for a wedding and limit themselves to a polo shirt and khaki’s for mass?

Can you blame people for being casual though? Church’s nowadays look like big living rooms. Their carpeted and they have couches — er —I mean the pews are padded.

Interesting point…the guitars and clapping during the singing of “Glory to the Loard” frankly makes me nutz! Wish it were not so casual and you might be correct, this casual atmosphere in worship might translate to a casual approach with respect to dress and behavior.

Lisa A

PS given dress at my parish I’d be delighted with polo and khaki…better than shorts and tank tops!