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onthenarrowpath
Guest
Yes, I agree with you on that.
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onthenarrowpath
Guest
Thank you for your supportive words.
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maryjk
Guest
I agree, until I read the post by osmondfan. Then it is clear that some think you should be in your “Sunday best” no matter what.
This is a quote from that post.
So since I was too busy to change, I need to pick a different Mass and since that was the last Mass of the day, I don’t belong in Mass.
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SeanTom
Guest
When I was young, I was always told that when attending Mass I should always use the same dress code as I would use when attending a wedding or other special functions requiring respectable clothing. I still follow that rule. But on the other hand, I would not look down on someone who is wearing clothing that indicates someone who probably can not afford better attire.
But I do frown on women who look as if they are wearing seductive clothing knowing that the men (or women) would be eying them for the wrong reasons. Would we dress that way if we were entering God’s Kingdom? I don’t think so. And yet that is exactly what we are doing when we enter God’s Church.
But I do frown on women who look as if they are wearing seductive clothing knowing that the men (or women) would be eying them for the wrong reasons. Would we dress that way if we were entering God’s Kingdom? I don’t think so. And yet that is exactly what we are doing when we enter God’s Church.
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choy
Guest
i only found this thread two years later, LOL
i didn’t read though all the pages but i’ll post some reaction on the OP
i left the Philippines a few months before this and i never realized this was implemented. i visited home this past May and saw postings outside of churches that say of this dress code. of course i was a little defiant, living in Canada for two years i had a hard time wearing pants and shoes in the tropical heat of the Philippines. plus May was the middle of summer and the hottest month of the year where temperatures would soar to 37-degrees celcius, and that is without any humidex factor. could be 45 or more if you factor the humidex (37C is 100F)
but my objections to it goes beyond that. 60% of the population lives below the poverty line. minimum wage per month is about US$175. requiring a strict dress code would limit access to the church to many poor people who can’t afford to buy shoes. i’m already riled that they have strict dress codes when going into government offices (such as if you’re renewing your driver’s license) which again cuts off easy access for poor people.
i do believe in dressing appropriately for Church but only enough to be decent. remember that Jesus doesn’t look at what we wear but in whats in our hearts. an expensive Armani suit will not hide your extramarital affairs or stealing from public coffers (common sins of politicans in the Philippines). but of course there are a number of women who would not dress appropriately for church. given the hot weather, extra short skirts or shorts and very revealing tops are common. and i agree that they should dress in a way that it will not cause the men to stare at them and sin in their hearts.
i agree in that there should be a level or respect, but at the same time not to demand too much from the outer appearance of people but instead demand that they go to confession regularly more than having to wear a long-sleeved shirt and dress pants.
i didn’t read though all the pages but i’ll post some reaction on the OP
i left the Philippines a few months before this and i never realized this was implemented. i visited home this past May and saw postings outside of churches that say of this dress code. of course i was a little defiant, living in Canada for two years i had a hard time wearing pants and shoes in the tropical heat of the Philippines. plus May was the middle of summer and the hottest month of the year where temperatures would soar to 37-degrees celcius, and that is without any humidex factor. could be 45 or more if you factor the humidex (37C is 100F)
but my objections to it goes beyond that. 60% of the population lives below the poverty line. minimum wage per month is about US$175. requiring a strict dress code would limit access to the church to many poor people who can’t afford to buy shoes. i’m already riled that they have strict dress codes when going into government offices (such as if you’re renewing your driver’s license) which again cuts off easy access for poor people.
i do believe in dressing appropriately for Church but only enough to be decent. remember that Jesus doesn’t look at what we wear but in whats in our hearts. an expensive Armani suit will not hide your extramarital affairs or stealing from public coffers (common sins of politicans in the Philippines). but of course there are a number of women who would not dress appropriately for church. given the hot weather, extra short skirts or shorts and very revealing tops are common. and i agree that they should dress in a way that it will not cause the men to stare at them and sin in their hearts.
i agree in that there should be a level or respect, but at the same time not to demand too much from the outer appearance of people but instead demand that they go to confession regularly more than having to wear a long-sleeved shirt and dress pants.
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Havard
Guest
I think that’s a very important point, Choy. A lot of us need to keep perspective that not everyone has the same resources.
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cthulhubryan
Guest
This subject is difficult. Obviously, it is better for everyone to dress modestly. I like the fact that the article makes no references to “dressing up” for this can easily become a problem. In many protestant churches, for example, the idea of wearing your “Sunday best” gets turned into a status issue where people who dress in jeans and t-shirts may get looked down upon and ultimately may stop going to church for being made to feel unwanted.
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crystalmakowski
Guest
I have also been told to wear my best to church and to always dress in a respectful manner, before I enter the house of God and my father. One day, I was in spiritual dispair and was absolutely eager to go to Church. I was hoping that the church would be open but not in service with mass, as I was dressed quite inappropriately (a short skirt and tank top). When I came to the church and saw that it was in session, I was tempted to enter, but thought better and decided not to. I did not want to disrespect the church and its parishoners. Instead, I found a closed off garden with a statue of our Blessed Mother, and began praying.
Upon reflecting on this scenario, I wonder if I did the right thing. On one hand, I wanted to be repectful to our Borthers and Sisters in worship, but then I think: Wouldn’t God want me to be there regardless of my dress? God doesn’t care about my dress but the fact hat I want to worship and praise him in his house. I don’t know where I sand with this. I feel a bit guilty about not entering the church on that particular day. I guess what we need to do is ensure that we wear respectful clothing attire when it is possible. Otherwise, everyone has a right to worship, either in rags or a beautiful suit.
Upon reflecting on this scenario, I wonder if I did the right thing. On one hand, I wanted to be repectful to our Borthers and Sisters in worship, but then I think: Wouldn’t God want me to be there regardless of my dress? God doesn’t care about my dress but the fact hat I want to worship and praise him in his house. I don’t know where I sand with this. I feel a bit guilty about not entering the church on that particular day. I guess what we need to do is ensure that we wear respectful clothing attire when it is possible. Otherwise, everyone has a right to worship, either in rags or a beautiful suit.
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Deacon_Ed_B
Guest
It is not a question of rags, but of dressing modestly and respectfully so as not to be a distraction of whatever kind to those around you. Much is said about whether people have the where-with-all to buy decent clothes. In today’s society, I find this hard to accept. I do know that in my archdiocese, a woman was entering the cathedral, very inappropriately dressed. The archbishop told her to go home and dress modestly before coming into Church. People do have modest clothes. This is where the whole issue lies. Some people are just too darned lazy to take the time to dress appropriately. That does not always mean suit and tie, etc. Modesty is the guiding factor. I would add that if you are questioning whether you are modestly dressed, then you are not.I have also been told to wear my best to church and to always dress in a respectful manner, before I enter the house of God and my father. One day, I was in spiritual dispair and was absolutely eager to go to Church. I was hoping that the church would be open but not in service with mass, as I was dressed quite inappropriately (a short skirt and tank top). When I came to the church and saw that it was in session, I was tempted to enter, but thought better and decided not to. I did not want to disrespect the church and its parishoners. Instead, I found a closed off garden with a statue of our Blessed Mother, and began praying.
Upon reflecting on this scenario, I wonder if I did the right thing. On one hand, I wanted to be repectful to our Borthers and Sisters in worship, but then I think: Wouldn’t God want me to be there regardless of my dress? God doesn’t care about my dress but the fact hat I want to worship and praise him in his house. I don’t know where I sand with this. I feel a bit guilty about not entering the church on that particular day. I guess what we need to do is ensure that we wear respectful clothing attire when it is possible. Otherwise, everyone has a right to worship, either in rags or a beautiful suit.
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LisaA
Guest
Funny how this turns into a ‘right’ instead of a privilege and a joy. “Rights” are rarely demanded in humility and selflessness.I have also been told to wear my best to church and to always dress in a respectful manner, before I enter the house of God and my father. One day, I was in spiritual dispair and was absolutely eager to go to Church. I was hoping that the church would be open but not in service with mass, as I was dressed quite inappropriately (a short skirt and tank top). When I came to the church and saw that it was in session, I was tempted to enter, but thought better and decided not to. I did not want to disrespect the church and its parishoners. Instead, I found a closed off garden with a statue of our Blessed Mother, and began praying.
. I guess what we need to do is ensure that we wear respectful clothing attire when it is possible. Otherwise, everyone has a right to worship, either in rags or a beautiful suit.
At any rate needing to be in church at that moment does not necessarily mean needing to disrupt a mass in session. I think you did the right thing by finding a quiet place for prayer and contemplation. Along with your self described inappropriate attire, you said mass was in session. It is also incredibly distracting when people arrive late (maybe add this to the thread on pet peeves). I am always amazed that the same people manage to show up ten or fifteen minutes into the mass, come sweeping in, search for a seat and crawl over five or six people to get there. Yikes!
Thank you for not disrupting the worship of others.
Lisa A
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Havard
Guest
This is in no way a defense of late arrivals or eye-catching outfits, but I think it’s also incumbent upon us to take responsibility for allowing ourselves to be distracted by these things. There’s no room to be concentrating on indignance or irritation.
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LisaA
Guest
Wow don’t know how you drew that conclusion. I don’t think anyone is “concentrating” on being irriitated. It is distracting to have someone arrive late to mass or wear a very provacative outfit. While it would be nice if we could be more saintly and not notice someone crawling over you to get to a seat or seeing way too much skin, it’s hard not to lose attention at the time.
Lisa A
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choy
Guest
i think that if we can and are able to, we should dress nicely to church. i admit i haven’t been doing this but now after read through this one i think i will start to wear something nicer to church
but, we shouldn’t impose. the church is supposed to be open to all and especially those who cannot afford it, we shouldn’t put restrictions on that. it should be from our own heart that we come to church looking decent and presentable to The King of Kings. BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY, its not only our outside appearance that should be pleasing to God, our hearts should be clean, loving and obedient to God. don’t forget to go to confession regularly
but, we shouldn’t impose. the church is supposed to be open to all and especially those who cannot afford it, we shouldn’t put restrictions on that. it should be from our own heart that we come to church looking decent and presentable to The King of Kings. BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY, its not only our outside appearance that should be pleasing to God, our hearts should be clean, loving and obedient to God. don’t forget to go to confession regularly
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FreeAmerican
Guest
This past Easter Sunday. I have a few men wear suits and ties to Easter Sunday mass and then some of the young women wear low cut blosses thinking that this is fashionable. It may work anywhere else, but not in church on Easter Sunday. Maybe denim jeans and flannel shirt may be okay for easter Sunday mass but not clothing that expose too much skin?
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FrPatrickFarley
Guest
I am sorry, but that is an absurd statement. The Lord Jesus wore what was appropriate to enter the Temple in Jerusalem! The modesty of the day is what the Church is after. Most of us with common sense don’t like to be told how to dress for Church because we come appropriately dressed. Sometimes people come dressed to Church coming from a situation out of their control (ie. ER) but many do not. Spaghetti straps, tanks and little shorts are not appropriate for Mass, period. There is no reason to wear stuff like that at Mass. Put on your modest best I say! Respect the House of God, the Eucharist and those around you. I think we can agree with that?
Yet, you might be one of those relativists who would say, at least they are there? It would be ideal if when people are in Church and they understand WHY they are there and Who they are there for… The Lord Jesus. Distracting others with immodest dress can lead others to sin. There is no need to be someone’s tempter in the house of God.
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Sailor_Kenshin
Guest
Amen to that.
If you wouldn’t wear it to a job interview, why wear it in God’s house?
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westboro
Guest
It is s-o-o-o-o refreshing to hear a Catholic priest speak out so definitively on this issue…especially in today’s ‘difficult’ climate for priests. Our priests need to lead us to holiness and show us the way! I have known several priests who NEVER wore their clerics! Jeans and/or shorts…most of the time. You couldn’t even tell they were priests! God bless you father for the courage you demonstrate in your words of wisdom!
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archangel04
Guest
Are you able to provide a picture of that sign? I would like to see and maybe get an idea for my parish which sometimes seems like a nightclub.Well, short skirts & shorts, spaghetti straps, extremely tight pants and tight stretchy tops are distracting to me. Although I am a woman & it is not distracting in the same manner as it is for a man, it is still distracting because I find myself wondering “what are you thinking?” by coming to Mass dressed like that!
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FreeAmerican
Guest
Before the summer, The church I go to honored high school students that graduated this year and there were some that wore flip flops for shoes and I don’t necessarily agree with this. and too much skin exposure is something that does not belong in church. It would be abomination if churchgoers wen to attend mass in their underwear or worse. There is no place for it. I would have to rebel and wear and suit and tie for mass to show on how I felt on this. Beachwear of anykind isn’t right for church. You wouldn’t wear skiwear for winter at the beach in Miami in August would you? No way Jose, no way.
Father Farley, You’re all right. What you said needed to be said and thank you for it. Right on! and Peace.
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Dale_M
Guest
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