Clothing for Mass

[PeteZaHut]

I know this has been discussed before, but I am not sure if this has been posted:

From the Catechism: 1387 To prepare for worthy reception of this sacrament, the faithful should observe the fast required in their Church.220 Bodily demeanor (gestures, clothing) ought to convey the respect, solemnity, and joy of this moment when Christ becomes our guest.

At one point, it was in my mind that God doesn’t at all care what you wear for church as long as it is modest, so the rules for clothes at church wouldn’t really be different from anywhere else. Now I am kind of thinking should we dress up for Church even though we have no way of knowing if a suit and tie looks better to God than a t-shirt and shorts. Should we use society’s standards to say what is clothing that conveys respect, solemnity, and joy? Although, I do not think it is society’s standards that tell us that a plain colored shirt is more solemn than a t-shirt with a logo. That just seems like common sense to me.

Also, is it immodest to wear shorts? why?

 

[Phemie]

I know this has been discussed before, but I am not sure if this has been posted:

From the Catechism: 1387 To prepare for worthy reception of this sacrament, the faithful should observe the fast required in their Church.220 Bodily demeanor (gestures, clothing) ought to convey the respect, solemnity, and joy of this moment when Christ becomes our guest.

At one point, it was in my mind that God doesn’t at all care what you wear for church as long as it is modest, so the rules for clothes at church wouldn’t really be different from anywhere else. Now I am kind of thinking should we dress up for Church even though we have no way of knowing if a suit and tie looks better to God than a t-shirt and shorts. Should we use society’s standards to say what is clothing that conveys respect, solemnity, and joy? Although, I do not think it is society’s standards that tell us that a plain colored shirt is more solemn than a t-shirt with a logo. That just seems like common sense to me.

Also, is it immodest to wear shorts? why?

Clean & modest has always been the criteria – I do recall that that was the answer to a question in my grade 4 catechism, lo so many years ago.

The problem is that society has seriously redefined ‘modesty’ since I was 9. A sleeveless dress in church was considered immodest back then, now if you hint that maybe that belly shirt and pubic bone grazing pants aren’t proper you’re told that God doesn’t care as long as the teens are there.

 

[benedictgal]

Here is what Cardinal Arinze (he’s the one in charge of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments) said regarding attire:

Is it appropriate for a Catholic parish to institute a dress code for Mass that requires minimum standards of modesty?

That is to demand that people must dress well before they get into the church. Well, it is a question of prudence. Perhaps it can work. Although in the world of today there are some people that are so unreasonable that if you try to push this, sometimes the person operating it gets a nervous breakdown.

However, there are some cases where there is such an offense against modesty that absolutely such people should not be allowed into a church building. Some break all the rules of common sense. But it is not the sort of thing you like to impose from Rome. It is the sort of thing that you like to leave to the good sense of those who look after a particular Church.

In our cathedral, and in various churches throughout my city, there are signs that remind people what the proper attire for church is. When my parochial vicar served as the first rector of our cathedral, he wrote a very tasteful letter regarding appropriate dress. It certainly helped.

 

[Karl_M]

I always wonder what’s going on when this subject is brought up.

Not so much why the OP is ever asking about it, but more why they need to ask-or what happened to make them ask.

People get dressed up to go to work, to go on a date, to go to the club, go to Christmas dinner at Aunt Ellie’s house, go to the prom, etc…

But suggest to people that you should dress up to go to church, and you’re labeled a Puritan. You don’t even have to dress up. Just don’t dress like an idiot.

People love to say stuff like “Jesus wore sandals, so can I.” Yes, well, they didn’t have golf shirts and black shoes at JCPenny’s in the year 30.

We had stifling heat here this past summer, so long pants, black shoes, and a polo shirt wasn’t exactly the most comfortable thing to wear in a poorly-ventilated, non-air conditioned church. But, to me, it’s showing some amount of respect for where you are.

 

[benedictgal]

I always wonder what’s going on when this subject is brought up.

Not so much why the OP is ever asking about it, but more why they need to ask-or what happened to make them ask.

People get dressed up to go to work, to go on a date, to go to the club, go to Christmas dinner at Aunt Ellie’s house, go to the prom, etc…

But suggest to people that you should dress up to go to church, and you’re labeled a Puritan. You don’t even have to dress up. Just don’t dress like an idiot.

People love to say stuff like “Jesus wore sandals, so can I.” Yes, well, they didn’t have golf shirts and black shoes at JCPenny’s in the year 30.

We had stifling heat here this past summer, so long pants, black shoes, and a polo shirt wasn’t exactly the most comfortable thing to wear in a poorly-ventilated, non-air conditioned church. But, to me, it’s showing some amount of respect for where you are.

The biggest problems occur when there is a wedding tacked on to the Saturday vigil. Such an event happened two weeks ago at the 5:30PM vigil. I saw everything from halter tops to strapless to some interesting showings of skin, and this was Mass, mind you. The bride had a strapless dress, as did the bridesmaids. It was more like going to the Oscars than going to Mass.

What is also pretty sad is seeing parents allow their kids to wear goth-like outfits to Mass, complete with face piercings. In the summer, come the tube tops and the halters, and the occasional micromini.

Mind you, I am not a prude; however, there needs to be a gentle reminder that we are going to Church to pray and be a part of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. When I go to the Mall to buy clothes, I have to make sure that my outfits can multi-task. This means that they are suitable for work and church, as well as for dinners and social engagements. Even casual Friday outfits need to work well with Mass. Because I have to be on a budget, I need outfits that can serve a variety of purposes. Appropriateness for Mass if my chief concern. Maybe I still have that Catholic-schoolgirl mentality (I just turned 40), but, I am reminded that there needs to be a sense of modesty, and, good fashion.

 

[tcraig]

As far as what is appropriate in the modesty department, I think it’s always safe to follow the dress code that you would have to comply with at the Vatican. Basically, no bare shoulders or sleeveless, no low-cut clothing, and nothing above the knee.

This site has a picture of the sign that is posted at St Peter’s:

mclink.it/personal/ME6428/vatican_city_dress_code.htm

As far as how casually people dress, I would like to see more people dress up a bit more at Sunday mass, but would settle for just not having to see excessive cleavage, ladies’ thongs, bare midriffs, etc…

If someone attends daily mass in a work uniform that includes shorts (e.g. UPS or Post Office workers) I’m fine with that, though I generally think the Vatican guidelines should be followed.

 

[NPC]

This is indeed a topic that I wonder about. I certainly think modesty is the crucial factor. I do think that everyone should make an effort when going to Mass to be dressed for the occasion - after all, one is going to meet and receive Christ. However, for example, if a painter with clothes covered in paint, after finishing work wants to go to Mass, this may not normally be regarded as appropriate attire, but he wants to be there. Surely his desire to meet the Lord overrides the state of his clothes! Also there are many people who don’t have the means to dress to ‘acceptable’ standards - I think these are the people the Lord would have made a point of accepting. As I have said I think one should make the effort for Mass, surely a person’s appearence isn’t the main concern of the Lord - while we see what a person has on the outside first, the Lord knows the heart and soul first. The person with the unclean clothes may be the most humble and holy person, and the person who is dressed up to the heights may be there to give their new clothes a public outing! So I think the intent of the person should be the primary concern and clothing should be a secondary matter…

 

[benedictgal]

This is indeed a topic that I wonder about. I certainly think modesty is the crucial factor. I do think that everyone should make an effort when going to Mass to be dressed for the occasion - after all, one is going to meet and receive Christ. However, for example, if a painter with clothes covered in paint, after finishing work wants to go to Mass, this may not normally be regarded as appropriate attire, but he wants to be there. Surely his desire to meet the Lord overrides the state of his clothes! Also there are many people who don’t have the means to dress to ‘acceptable’ standards - I think these are the people the Lord would have made a point of accepting. As I have said I think one should make the effort for Mass, surely a person’s appearence isn’t the main concern of the Lord - while we see what a person has on the outside first, the Lord knows the heart and soul first. The person with the unclean clothes may be the most humble and holy person, and the person who is dressed up to the heights may be there to give their new clothes a public outing! So I think the intent of the person should be the primary concern and clothing should be a secondary matter…

I can agree with your remarks about the painter and about the person’s state. However, “acceptable standards” do not necessarily mean going out to the Limited or Bebe and spending lots of money to look good. Wal-Mar, Target and other discount retailers carry suitable clothes that will not break the budget. Even Goodwill and the St. Vincent de Paul Society Stores carry modest clothing. What is irksome is, what a previous post indicated: excessive cleavage, too low a “rise” on the jeans and micro-minis.

In my area, even those who may not necessarily have the means, make the effort to get to Mass in clean and tidy clothes. If they can dress up for 15th birthday celebrations (a very popular thing here, irregardles of the income status), then, they can make the effort to dress up and tidy up for Mass.

 

[Sr_Sally]

Maybe I still have that Catholic-schoolgirl mentality (I just turned 40), but, I am reminded that there needs to be a sense of modesty, and, good fashion.

I’m right there with you Benedictgal! And to the long pants, black shoes guy–dh’s with you!

 

[Alycin]

I think perhaps this is one of those things that is more about not being a distraction to others rather than “dressing your best” for God as I was told growing up. I honestly do not think God cares in the least what I am wearing, but what my mindset was as I was getting dressed. Did I wear something that was going to make it hard for others to remain chaste in thought? Did I dress sloppily out of sheer laziness? Or, did I dress nicely because it’s an important event and I wanted to express reverence in all ways possible? God knows our hearts and I think our hearts are what matter.

As far as people not having the means to dress nicely, that’s one of those things where, again, God knows our heart. Like the story of the two giving an offering. One gave a little and one woman gave all she had–which wasn’t much monetarily… but the point was that she gave EVERYTHING she had. I think two people could get dressed and wear basically the exact same outfit… perhaps jeans and a button up blouse-- and for one person, if that is the very best they have, then that, I think, would be fine. However if someone else is wearing that just because they don’t care one way or the other, then that’s a different story.

 

[Sr_Sally]

This is indeed a topic that I wonder about. I certainly think modesty is the crucial factor. I do think that everyone should make an effort when going to Mass to be dressed for the occasion - after all, one is going to meet and receive Christ. However, for example, if a painter with clothes covered in paint, after finishing work wants to go to Mass, this may not normally be regarded as appropriate attire, but he wants to be there. Surely his desire to meet the Lord overrides the state of his clothes! Also there are many people who don’t have the means to dress to ‘acceptable’ standards - I think these are the people the Lord would have made a point of accepting. As I have said I think one should make the effort for Mass, surely a person’s appearence isn’t the main concern of the Lord - while we see what a person has on the outside first, the Lord knows the heart and soul first. The person with the unclean clothes may be the most humble and holy person, and the person who is dressed up to the heights may be there to give their new clothes a public outing! So I think the intent of the person should be the primary concern and clothing should be a secondary matter…

There is a difference between ‘dressed up’ and modesty or appropriateness. The painter should at least wash his hands and face. Presumably he hasn’t been painting in shredded pants with no shirt on. Most painters/day laborers that I know, would definately wash up for Mass and might also care a change of clothes if they plan to attend Mass after working.
The poor person would probably be more likey to have modest clothing than not. The low-rise jeans, etc usually cost more since they are ‘fashion’ clothes than a normal pair of jeans from Wal-mart, etc. And even a homeless person can go into the church bathroom and wash their hands and face and straighten up a bit before Mass.

 

[benedictgal]

I think perhaps this is one of those things that is more about not being a distraction to others rather than “dressing your best” for God as I was told growing up. I honestly do not think God cares in the least what I am wearing, but what my mindset was as I was getting dressed. Did I wear something that was going to make it hard for others to remain chaste in thought? Did I dress sloppily out of sheer laziness? Or, did I dress nicely because it’s an important event and I wanted to express reverence in all ways possible? God knows our hearts and I think our hearts are what matter.

As far as people not having the means to dress nicely, that’s one of those things where, again, God knows our heart. Like the story of the two giving an offering. One gave a little and one woman gave all she had–which wasn’t much monetarily… but the point was that she gave EVERYTHING she had. I think two people could get dressed and wear basically the exact same outfit… perhaps jeans and a button up blouse-- and for one person, if that is the very best they have, then that, I think, would be fine. However if someone else is wearing that just because they don’t care one way or the other, then that’s a different story.

I am reminded of the parable that Jesus told about the king who gave a wedding banquet. When the regular guests did not (or, refused to come), the king sent his servant to scour the land for guests. When the guests arrived, all of them had their festive garments on, all of them, that is, except for one person. The king asked him why he wasn’t appropriately dressed. The man said nothing. The king then threw him out of the banquet.

Now, I am not saying that jeans and a button up blouse are inappropriate. If that is the person’s best wardrobe, then, that is perfectly fine. But, I think that you are missing the point. Appropriate attire doesn’t include micro-minis, excessive cleavage and ultra low-rise. By the way, Sr. Sally, they do have low-rise jeans at the discount stores. I work for a federally funded program that assists disadvantaged teens. I see these outfits all of the time. In fact, I try to tell them not to use their clothing allowances on stuff like that. They need to use it on suitable attire.

 

[Sr_Sally]

By the way, Sr. Sally, they do have low-rise jeans at the discount stores. I work for a federally funded program that assists disadvantaged teens. I see these outfits all of the time. In fact, I try to tell them not to use their clothing allowances on stuff like that. They need to use it on suitable attire.

Oh yes, they do sell it. But even at discount store the ‘fashion’ stuff is more expensive than the ‘boring’ stuff. Thank you for encouraging the youth to buy clothes that they can wear in more than one setting. Even if they don’t go to Mass/church, I am sure their future employers appreciate them coming in looking well-groomed.

 

[BlyssfulDreamer]

I think I have seen most standards of dress at church and at the NO I attend the one that stands out is a young boy about 13 who had a t-shirt and on the back was a skull and crossbones and the words “Extreme Evil”. I was behind him in the Communion line

At the TLM I have only seen very conservative attire.

:heart:Blyss

 

[AngelRose81]

I think you should dress nice as well as conservative for Mass. It bugs me to see younger girls (teenagers) dressed in the low rise jeans with tank tops. And the same for the boys with baggy jeans and shirts, etc.

However, what bothers me more is when the EMHCs don’t dress modest at all. Even my hubby who’s not Catholic has commented on this. One lady who was an EMHC the other Sunday had on a very short dress and high heeled boots that came to her knees (which DH calls stripper boots). He still can’t get over the fact that she wore that when she had to be an EMHC much less to Church.

 

[NPC]

I can agree with your remarks about the painter and about the person’s state. However, “acceptable standards” do not necessarily mean going out to the Limited or Bebe and spending lots of money to look good. Wal-Mar, Target and other discount retailers carry suitable clothes that will not break the budget. Even Goodwill and the St. Vincent de Paul Society Stores carry modest clothing. What is irksome is, what a previous post indicated: excessive cleavage, too low a “rise” on the jeans and micro-minis.

In my area, even those who may not necessarily have the means, make the effort to get to Mass in clean and tidy clothes. If they can dress up for 15th birthday celebrations (a very popular thing here, irregardles of the income status), then, they can make the effort to dress up and tidy up for Mass.

There is a difference between ‘dressed up’ and modesty or appropriateness. The painter should at least wash his hands and face. Presumably he hasn’t been painting in shredded pants with no shirt on. Most painters/day laborers that I know, would definately wash up for Mass and might also care a change of clothes if they plan to attend Mass after working.
The poor person would probably be more likey to have modest clothing than not. The low-rise jeans, etc usually cost more since they are ‘fashion’ clothes than a normal pair of jeans from Wal-mart, etc. And even a homeless person can go into the church bathroom and wash their hands and face and straighten up a bit before Mass.

Firstly, my initial point on this topic was that modesty is most certainly an important consideration when it comes to clothing in church. Secondly, I thought this thread was about clothing - not whether one washes one’s hands and face before coming to Mass. Hence I gave my view on clothing. It may be so that the poor person is more likely to have modest clothing, but my point is that it is us that are setting the standard - a person is deemed to be dressed appropriately for Mass on our judgement, by our norms. While St V de P do great work, people still get left behind in society. It is harsh to generalise those ‘without means’ by saying they could dress up for their birthday but not for Mass - this is a bit naive really since there is much more serious poverty than this. I personally would rather have an untidy person beside me at Mass who actually desires to be there rather than one who is there for show, not for God…

 

[Sr_Sally]

Firstly, my initial point on this topic was that modesty is most certainly an important consideration when it comes to clothing in church. Secondly, I thought this thread was about clothing - not whether one washes one’s hands and face before coming to Mass. Hence I gave my view on clothing. It may be so that the poor person is more likely to have modest clothing, but my point is that it is us that are setting the standard - a person is deemed to be dressed appropriately for Mass on our judgement, by our norms. While St V de P do great work, people still get left behind in society. It is harsh to generalise those ‘without means’ by saying they could dress up for their birthday but not for Mass - this is a bit naive really since there is much more serious poverty than this. I personally would rather have an untidy person beside me at Mass who actually desires to be there rather than one who is there for show, not for God…

I don’t think that changing out of ripped jeans or washing your face are things done for show, but should be always be done for Mass (or even for just going out in public in general)!

 

[benedictgal]

Firstly, my initial point on this topic was that modesty is most certainly an important consideration when it comes to clothing in church. Secondly, I thought this thread was about clothing - not whether one washes one’s hands and face before coming to Mass. Hence I gave my view on clothing. It may be so that the poor person is more likely to have modest clothing, but my point is that it is us that are setting the standard - a person is deemed to be dressed appropriately for Mass on our judgement, by our norms. While St V de P do great work, people still get left behind in society. It is harsh to generalise those ‘without means’ by saying they could dress up for their birthday but not for Mass - this is a bit naive really since there is much more serious poverty than this. I personally would rather have an untidy person beside me at Mass who actually desires to be there rather than one who is there for show, not for God…

The 15th birthday celebrations are a Mexican cultural observance. By this I mean that everyone dresses up (gowns, tux/suit, updo, etc).

The point that I was trying to make is that excessive cleavage, low-rise pants/jeans, halters, and tube tops are not appropriate clothing for Mass. There are some very basic hygeine issues that Sr. Sally expressed in her response to you that should be noted.

 

[NPC]

Ok, I think this argument is getting to be a bit petty really. I think we all agree that certain types of clothing are not suitable for Mass and that people should endeavour to dress appropriately. I suppose my points were really theological or philosophical, perhaps, on the nature of God, and whether a person who does not have the means to appear at Mass in attire which is up to common standard (I’m not talking about excessive cleavage, low-rise jeans etc.-I’m talking about those below the poverty-line, for example) is necessarily less acceptable to God…after all, surely God will not judge people by the clothing they wear as we mere mortals tend to do. Of course everyone can make the effort to come to Mass presentable - yes, something must be done where people are barely clothed, showing excess cleavage etc, but for others - whether they are ‘up to our standard’ or not- surely their desire to meet Christ at Mass should be the main point of focus?

 

[benedictgal]

Ok, I think this argument is getting to be a bit petty really. I think we all agree that certain types of clothing are not suitable for Mass and that people should endeavour to dress appropriately. I suppose my points were really theological or philosophical, perhaps, on the nature of God, and whether a person who does not have the means to appear at Mass in attire which is up to common standard (I’m not talking about excessive cleavage, low-rise jeans etc.-I’m talking about those below the poverty-line, for example) is necessarily less acceptable to God…after all, surely God will not judge people by the clothing they wear as we mere mortals tend to do. Of course everyone can make the effort to come to Mass presentable - yes, something must be done where people are barely clothed, showing excess cleavage etc, but for others - whether they are ‘up to our standard’ or not- surely their desire to meet Christ at Mass should be the main point of focus?

NPC, I didn’t mean to get into detail about the 15th birthday custom. As I live along the Texas-Mexican border, I see this happen a lot. It was perhaps, not quite germaine to the thread (as I mentioned before).

I do agree with your theological assessment. But, as you, yourself mentioned, my main concern is low-cut, low-rise skin-baring attire that is not appropriate for the Mass. It doesn’t have to be couture or Neiman Marcus attire. It just needs to be neat, clean and modest, which is the standard the nuns taught us (even as late as the mid 1970s to early 1980s).