Do you ever wear blue jeans to Sunday Mass?

[Karin]

maryalene:

I really don’t understand this. Why would it be considered inappropriate in some areas to wear your best clothes to church?

I have to laugh…if my husband decided to show up at Sunday Mass wearing a Tuxedo (my husband does own his)…this is what he would consider his “best clothes”…I guess I would have to wear my strapless gown then to match him

 

[cheese_sdc]

I wear jeans every Sunday to mass. The only exception is Christmas and Easter, I sometimes wear slacks.

Come to think of it, last Christmas I wore jeans.

 

[bear06]

In fact, I’d say that it’s rarely the custom, especially considering that many women wouldn’t be caught dead in church wearing their “best” because they’d consider it inappropriate.

I don’t know if I’d agree with you here. The term “Sunday best” didn’t evolve from nothing. I do think, however, many people just don’t give it must thought. I also know very few whether they do it or not who would find it “innappropriate” to wear their best to Church. There may not be a person in the Church that does it but do you really think if somene walked in wearing a suit or nice dress that people would say “Oh my!”?

It was pretty clear that you weren’t bashing poor people for simply not having more expensive clothing… I certainly didn’t mean to imply that.

Mucho gracias.

As people have intimated, formality and expensive don’t always go hand in hand. In the California example of mine, the people in sandals were not poor, by any wild stretch of the imagination. It was simply a beach-oriented culture, very far removed from the old ways of the Eastern US.

My husband and I are both born and raised here. In most cases I’ve seen, the attire worn to Mass is usually not thought of as much as attire to attend a wedding. That said, I never intimated that formality and expense go hand in hand. In fact, I even mentioned an $8 dress I used to wear.

I don’t agree that we should always wear our best clothes for Mass - and I think there are ways to defend such a position (local custom, appropriateness, avoidance of materialism, avoidance of pride, etc).

What can I say? I disagree. If we don’t wear our best to Mass, then when? The fact is, while many people can’t afford this, that or the other, many (especially here in California) don’t care. Like I’ve said, out of all of the weddings I’ve attended (all in California now that I think of it) people are dressed far fancier than at Church). Why? It’s a sign of respect for the bride and groom. I think the same respect should be shown for “Our Lord”.

Maybe if I live many, many more years, I will be able to worry about issues like clothing at Mass, but for the forseeable future I’ll have plenty of spiritual things to work on…

Come on now, this is just a “She only thinks of fashion not Faith” comment and you really have no proof that I’m not a spiritual person. Having lived in California, you should know that there’s a terrible lack of belief in the Real Presence - especially in Southern California under Mahoney.

Well, here’s what the CCC says on this issue. Please not that the parenthesis are **not ** mine.

scborromeo.org/index2.htm

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.

I just found a great article on ths subject:
catholic.net/rcc/Periodicals/Homiletic/2000-06/toborowsky.html

 

[Monica37]

Great article, Bear06! Thanks for the link. I sent to a friend who is a new Mom and her husband is just coming into the church. They both dress up, but I thought the article was a good reminder for us parents that our children look to us to set the example.

 

[AltarMan]

Caelicola:

…In the California example of mine, the people in sandals were not poor, by any wild stretch of the imagination. It was simply a beach-oriented culture, very far removed from the old ways of the Eastern US…

You’re wrong. It had nothing to do with California being a “beach-oriented culture” – which is debatible at best. It had to do with people dressing like slobs in the middle of the summer to say their goodbyes to a fallen president.

Keep in mind that Simi Valley (where President Reagan’s body laid in state) is a rather conservative, NON-beach-oriented culture while San Francisco (for example) is right on the water where many people dress as formally as they do in Chicago…

 

[GloriaPatri4]

I haven’t read through all the posts but here in Southern California I would have to say the majority dress beach casual at Sunday Mass. I see many families coming to church in jeans, sweat shirts, shorts, flip flops sometimes even house slippers (Midnight Mass two years ago in a parish in South County I saw teenage girls attired in their pajamas and house slippers). Nobody ever says anything to them so the casual attire continues. There are probably only three or four churches in our diocese where people still dress in their Sunday best and they are: St. Michael’s Abbey, St. Mary’s by the Sea, Annunciation Byzantine and maybe a couple others that I’m unaware of but The Protestants and Mormans probably win the best Sunday dressed award in Southern California.

A couple of Catholic churches I know of, one in our diocese and the other in the LA diocese have signs on the doors that ask their parishioners to please dress modestly.

 

[Caelicola]

AltarMan, I was talking about -my- California example, not Reagan. Sorry for not being more explicit! Where I grew up was the definition of a beach-oriented culture.

bear06,

Come on now, this is just a “She only thinks of fashion not Faith” comment and you really have no proof that I’m not a spiritual person.

My comment was about me…?

Having lived in California, you should know that there’s a terrible lack of belief in the Real Presence - especially in Southern California under Mahoney.

Am I right that you’re trying to say this is connected to how people dress at Mass? You don’t exactly say that, but it sounds like you’re saying that no one would wear anything other than their best clothes if they understood what Mass was all about. So, if suddenly Sothern California has a conversion of heart and becomes wholly dedicated to the Real Presence, you would expect their dress at Mass to be changed?

Quote:
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.

Naturally! But how is it that you read jeans into this statement?

 

[bear06]

Am I right that you’re trying to say this is connected to how people dress at Mass? You don’t exactly say that, but it sounds like you’re saying that no one would wear anything other than their best clothes if they understood what Mass was all about. So, if suddenly Sothern California has a conversion of heart and becomes wholly dedicated to the Real Presence, you would expect their dress at Mass to be changed?

Hmmm…Actually, I would. Of course, not everyone but I think a large majority would now that I think of it.

Naturally! But how is it that you read jeans into this statement?

Again and again and again, did I specify jeans? I said their best which may or may not be jeans depending on the person. Once again, here’s what the catechism says. It doesn’t have to do with our culture, it has to do with the Mass.

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

I’m just thinking that beach apparel doesn’t “convey solemnity”. Like I said though, if it’s the best you’ve got, wear it.

 

[GloriaPatri4]

slewi:

People who wear blue jeans often say “God wouldn’t mind”. How do we know either way?

I don’t think I am worthy enough to speak for God. Do you? I would much rather dress nicely than to look like I don’t care. Not showing God his due reverence is a huge problem these days.

Would you dress in blue jeans to meet the president or Pope? Probably not. Let’s show God the same courtesy.

S

My thoughts exactly. Many friends I have dress impeccability to go to work during the week and then come Sunday it’s like they just rolled out of bed and picked something off the floor. Now I would rather see them in church dressed badly then not in church at all but it leaves me wondering.

Isidore_AK:

I get kinda T’d off about this particular topic. Some of us just don’t have money to waste on fancy clothing. I wear jeans everyday, every where I go. And ya know what? They’re WalMart jeans

I too shop at WalMart and many of the clothes (dresses, blouses, sweaters and skirts) I wear on Sunday are from WalMart. You don’t have to shop at expensive boutiques to dress in your Sunday best. I understand that some people, maybe homeless people (we have many in this area) only have one or two changes of clothes and that is something completely different but for people that have the means, and dress nicely for everything else except church this is what angers me.

 

[bear06]

I too shop at WalMart and many of the clothes (dresses, blouses, sweaters and skirts) I wear on Sunday are from WalMart. You don’t have to shop at expensive boutiques to dress in your Sunday best. I understand that some people, maybe homeless people (we have many in this area) only have one or two changes of clothes and that is something completely different but for people that have the means, and dress nicely for everything else except church this is what angers me.

Viva Wal-Mart! I live right around the block from one!

Originally Posted by Isidore_AK
I get kinda T’d off about this particular topic. Some of us just don’t have money to waste on fancy clothing. I wear jeans everyday, every where I go. And ya know what? They’re WalMart jeans

Once again, if you don’t have money, wear your best jean. I personally have a computer, internet, a tv, vcr, etc., etc. etc. There’s usually a place I could scale back a little. I realize that not eveyone is in the same boat. Heck, I wasn’t in this boat until a few years ago.

 

[Caelicola]

bear06:

Hmmm…Actually, I would. Of course, not everyone but I think a large majority would now that I think of it.

Are you sure? That sounds scarily close to saying that most people who wear jeans and have better clothing to wear to Mass likely don’t believe in the Real Presence. Now, I know you don’t believe that, but your logic is at least leading towards such a conclusion.

Again and again and again, did I specify jeans? I said their best which may or may not be jeans depending on the person.

In a sense, yes you are specifying jeans because the majority of people have other, better, clothes to wear. Everyone understands the exceptions you grant, but you are using the exceptions to dodge any arguments against what you believe the rule to be.

Once again, here’s what the catechism says. It doesn’t have to do with our culture, it has to do with the Mass.

It has everything to do with culture because it talks about conveying respect, solemnity, and joy via clothing. That will always be cultural.

 

[Monica37]

I have to say that I don’t think Bear06 is saying at all that people who wear jeans don’t believe in the Real Presence. I think it is a symptom of a greater problem not the cause and to a certain extent, I believe that Mass should transcend culture. It is set apart and timeless. When we start using the culturally acceptable as norms, we lose that distinction and timelessness. I also agree with what bear06 is saying about those WHO HAVE THE ABILITY to dress up should dress as though Mass were the most important thing they have planned for thier Sunday. It does take a little more thought and effort, but… And I don’t have a lot of money to spend on church clothes either, so my parish gets to see my entire church wardrobe within a month or less depending on how creative I can get, but so be it.

 

[bear06]

Are you sure? That sounds scarily close to saying that most people who wear jeans and have better clothing to wear to Mass likely don’t believe in the Real Presence. Now, I know you don’t believe that, but your logic is at least leading towards such a conclusion.

I’m starting to believe you haven’t read all of my posts. I, myself, have donned jeans so why would I say that? I think you’re trying to put words in my mouth to prove your point. Still, that said, I think that many more people who don’t wear there best simply because they don’t believe that the Holy Eucharist is anything special would start making an effort to dress to “convey the respect, solemnity, and joy of this moment when Christ becomes our guest.” Of course, not everyone is physically able to do this for various reasons.

In a sense, yes you are specifying jeans because the majority of people have other, better, clothes to wear. Everyone understands the exceptions you grant, but you are using the exceptions to dodge any arguments against what you believe the rule to be.

What, exactly, do you think I’m dodging? I would never say that everyone should avoid wearing jeans. It’s impossible for everyone to do this. My point, in case you’ve missed it, is to do your best for Our Lord. For some, this may even be jeans with holes. You apparently want me to say something I am not and for some reason I cannot figure.

 

[netmilsmom]

bear06:

You apparently want me to say something I am not and for some reason I cannot figure.

I think you are saying that we all know what is “Our best” is in our hearts. I agree with this.

Here is an example…
Today at my parish, we had Benediction with a Monstrance blessed by JPII. It was also my week to clean the bathrooms. I came in Jeans and a t-shirt that said “Colorado” on it. Over it I wore a long black sweater. While I normally wear a dress to mass, it would not work to wear a dress for bathroom cleaning.
Jeans were appropriate. ( it helped that I was toting cleaning supplies!)

Also, more than the denim in one’s pants is the position of that denim on one’s behind. If those jeans show the crack of your butt, they are not appropriate.
If they are new, reserved for mass or a different color than blue, why not?
Better than the skin tight, low cut, well above the knee dresses that I have seen some girls wear!

 

[bear06]

Here is an example…
Today at my parish, we had Benediction with a Monstrance blessed by JPII. It was also my week to clean the bathrooms. I came in Jeans and a t-shirt that said “Colorado” on it. Over it I wore a long black sweater. While I normally wear a dress to mass, it would not work to wear a dress for bathroom cleaning.
Jeans were appropriate. ( it helped that I was toting cleaning supplies!)

Great example. Sometimes it’s just not possible but when it is, we should try. We also shouldn’t frown on those that don’t because we don’t know what their reasons are. The important thing is that we try to do our best for God.

 

[mylo]

I’m pretty habitual about wearing jeans to Mass. I walk to and from Masses (2-3 miles round trip), which is easiest in jeans. I do make sure that they’re Good Jeans - clean, not tight or provacative, no holes, and I don’t wear them as much during the week (if at all). I pair that with a sweater or a solid colour T-shirt, also not too tight or revealing or whatnot.

I’ve visited a few churches where there was a LOT of judging about who wore what and how much faith they had; it was hard on me. Sometimes I feel pretty bad walking in wearing jeans (I’m still waiting for someone to get cranky at me), but I focus on God and Mass, and the rest tends to fall into place. I do intend on getting Sunday Best Clothes, but until then, jeans for me.

 

[Caelicola]

bear06:

I’m starting to believe you haven’t read all of my posts. I, myself, have donned jeans so why would I say that?

That was when you were camping, clearly an exception that everyone will regard as reasonable. Again, I argue the main point, and you simply state an obvious exception.

I think you’re trying to put words in my mouth to prove your point.

I was only trying to get at what you actually believe by following your logic. Here is how I view your logic:
a) People should wear their best clothes at Mass.
b) Jeans are not usually someone’s best clothes.
c) Most people in California would dress up for Mass more often if they actually believed in the Real Presence (regardless of their culture)

a,b, and c seem to lead to d)

d) People who have nicer clothes to wear than jeans, but still wear jeans, are less likely to believe in the Real Presence.

Now, I’m not trying to claim that you believe d) (though you may), only trying to find out where I am misunderstanding you since it seems like we’re having a conversation and feeling that the other person isn’t understanding anything we say.

Still, that said, I think that many more people who don’t wear there best simply because they don’t believe that the Holy Eucharist is anything special would start making an effort to dress to “convey the respect, solemnity, and joy of this moment when Christ becomes our guest.”

Do you see my problem with that though? I see direct relationship between “wearing my best” and “conveying respect, solemnity, and joy.” Now, perhaps that should be the definition of what people consider their best clothing, but in common usage it just isn’t.

My point, in case you’ve missed it, is to do your best for Our Lord. For some, this may even be jeans with holes

No one disagrees that we should all do our best for our Lord. I’m just trying to see where you are coming from and what exactly you believe. I apologize if I am slow to understand!

 

[Mom_of_5]

I have a nice pair of denim pants, “dressy” jeans, and a matching jacket. I wear a nice shirt under the jacket. I also have a pretty denim dress and jacket. I feel they are appropriate almost anywhere. It does bother me to see people come to church in dirty, torn clothing. It does not matter ones financial status, everyone should always be clean when we enter the church. How we dress shows how we feel about ourselves and shows respect or disrespect for those around us.

Love and peace

Mom of 5

 

[bear06]

That was when you were camping, clearly an exception that everyone will regard as reasonable. Again, I argue the main point, and you simply state an obvious exception.

Jeans when I am camping is the exception for me. I have dressier clothes that, while an inconvenience ( because I prefer the more casual), I can wear quite easily. I also have a denim skirt and I used to have a denim dress that I also consider in my good clothes category. For the 20th time (or abouts that), if you consider your jeans your best, wear them. Can you please, oh please tell me what exactly you think the main point is?

I’ve stated it again and again, as long as it’s modest (i.e. no thong showing) I don’t care what you or anyone else wears. My point is and has always been that one should wear clothes that one would wear to show respect. If one has only jeans as some have said, wear your best ones.

I was only trying to get at what you actually believe by following your logic. Here is how I view your logic:
a) People should wear their best clothes at Mass.
b) Jeans are not usually someone’s best clothes.
c) Most people in California would dress up for Mass more often if they actually believed in the Real Presence (regardless of their culture)

Yes on A. I could probably go with you on B with the exception as shown on this thread that some only have jeans. As for C, I’d have to say if you’re telling me that there are Churches in S. Cal. that most people where beach attire then I’d have to say yes. Although, there are people who wear very fancy attire that don’t believe in the Real Presence. Still, the majority here in California, according to polls, don’t believe in the Real Presence.

d) People who have nicer clothes to wear than jeans, but still wear jeans, are less likely to believe in the Real Presence.

In my area, if I polled people who were wearing jeans, I think I would find a higher percentage of those who don’t believe in the Real Presence than those who were wearing a suit. Does that mean that everyone wearing jeans would not believe in the Real Presence. Absolutely not. Do I think if people actually believed in the Real Presence many of them would dress better? In my area yes. I’m not pulling these beliefs out of thin air. I teach Marriage prep and have a lot of interaction with people in this diocese and I can tell you that not too many of them believe in the Real Presence usually due to poor catechesis.

Do you see my problem with that though? I see direct relationship between “wearing my best” and “conveying respect, solemnity, and joy.” Now, perhaps that should be the definition of what people consider their best clothing, but in common usage it just isn’t.

Well, that would require a poll, wouldn’t it. I’d also say in the majority of our country, most would dress up in more than beach attire for a wedding and I’m a Californian so it doesn’t really have much to do with east coast/west coast.

No one disagrees that we should all do our best for our Lord. I’m just trying to see where you are coming from and what exactly you believe. I apologize if I am slow to understand!

I’m not too sure that you are trying to see where I’m coming from because I’ve told you many times and produced and article that correlates to I’m saying and still you seem to think I’m saying it’s wrong to wear jeans to Mass.

So, for one last time. I think people should wear their “Sunday best” when attending Mass if at all possible whatever that is in their lives. I am in no way putting a definition on what that is because a person’s best is not the same for any of us. I don’t think that anyone should be scorned for wearing jeans. In fact, I really don’t think that it’s anyone else’s business what we wear as long as it is not immodest so as to put someone into temptation (back to the thong example). The OP asked if it was wrong to wear jeans to Church and I answered that it wearing the best thing you can at the given moment was what was important. Netmil(name removed by moderator) gave a great example.

So, when the Church says

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

what do you think it means?

 

[weddy]

all of my pants are of denim material, black,blue or tan.

since I can’t afford anything else, that could put me in a bind for a mandatory dress code eliminating them.
all of my shirts are t-shirt types, another complaint I have heard of.

above all when I go to Mass I always look nice & presentable