Clerical garments?

[grampben]

Hey guys, sorry, i couldn’t think of a better thread title.
Just wondering, I know priests have to wear their clerical collar, but are there certain styles permitted and not permitted, for example obviously i’ve mostly seen priests wearing the roman collar, and a few with the ‘tab collar’ but what i haven’t seen is a catholic priest wearing the white collar tottaly uncovered, such as many protestant priests/ministers wear.
Also, what are the requirements in the western church for what priests have to wear, and is the wearing of a cassock encouraged?
thanks in advance,
ben

 

[BenFischer]

Hey guys, sorry, i couldn’t think of a better thread title.
Just wondering, I know priests have to wear their clerical collar, but are there certain styles permitted and not permitted, for example obviously i’ve mostly seen priests wearing the roman collar, and a few with the ‘tab collar’ but what i haven’t seen is a catholic priest wearing the white collar tottaly uncovered, such as many protestant priests/ministers wear.
Also, what are the requirements in the western church for what priests have to wear, and is the wearing of a cassock encouraged?
thanks in advance,
ben

The collars are a personal choice. Fr. Trigillio on EWTN wears the white collar that goes all the way around the neck. Most priests wear the “tongue-depressor” type as you say.

I rarely see a priest in a cassock, except for more traditional groups (like FSSP).

 

[BritishCatholic]

Correct.

And you musn’t forget that many religious orders have their own distinctive habit.

Pope John Paul II was very firm about that fact that priests should wear their collars or habit on a daily basis(with the occasion of vacations, sports, and other personal leisure activities). “for the sake of their identity as vowed servants of Christ” he said.

 

[grampben]

thanks, that clears it up.
while i’m here, say it’s warm weather, can a priest wear shorts with the shirt and collar?

 

[BritishCatholic]

thanks, that clears it up.
while i’m here, say it’s warm weather, can a priest wear shorts with the shirt and collar?

LOL yes, he can. In fact, I’m sure a few priests do that from time to time. While we don’t see it that often, I’d much rather see a priest in shorts and a collar than shorts and a plaid shirt.