Dress Like a Man

[exnihilo]

I think there is truth to the article. Attention in small things leads to attention in big things. I live in the South, which along with the East coast, tends to be more formal than the rest of the country. I don’t have a problem with khakis and a polo shirt. I do have a problem with shorts and t-shirts. There has to be a line and that is it!

My grandmother grew up very poor. She had two dresses. One for daily wear and one for Sunday. Even in their poverty they were able to show reverence to God. In modern America there are not many folks as poor as my grandmother grew up.

The other thing that gets me is people don’t show up to weddings and interviews in the shorts and t-shirts they wear to church. If they think that is appropriate wear then let them start at these event where someone most definitely will judge them.

I certainly understand exception circumstances. A person could be truly poor or coming from work. But these are exceptions and don’t explain even half of what you see.

It’s amusing that so many equate this style as “the standard” for male church garb even though its run lasted a mere 50 years or so.

But the suit still is the standard for fancy dress. It is true that my ancestors wore nice knickers and fancy, colorful sweaters when they dressed up a hundred years ago. But the point is it was still their best clothes. They had something for special occasions. T-shirts, shorts, and really jeans are not our best clothes.

 

[Denise1957]

I think there is truth to the article. Attention in small things leads to attention in big things. I live in the South, which along with the East coast, tends to be more formal than the rest of the country. I don’t have a problem with khakis and a polo shirt. I do have a problem with shorts and t-shirts. There has to be a line and that is it!

My grandmother grew up very poor. She had two dresses. One for daily wear and one for Sunday. Even in their poverty they were able to show reverence to God. In modern America there are not many folks as poor as my grandmother grew up.

The other thing that gets me is people don’t show up to weddings and interviews in the shorts and t-shirts they wear to church. If they think that is appropriate wear then let them start at these event where someone most definitely will judge them.

I certainly understand exception circumstances. A person could be truly poor or coming from work. But these are exceptions and don’t explain even half of what you see.

But the suit still is the standard for fancy dress. It is true that my ancestors wore nice knickers and fancy, colorful sweaters when they dressed up a hundred years ago. But the point is it was still their best clothes. They had something for special occasions. T-shirts, shorts, and really jeans are not our best clothes.

Well said.

 

[Mark121359]

A lot of this is the culture that exists today. Back in the 60’s proper dress was the norm at every Mass. **Every **Sunday was Easter Sunday. You wore your Sunday best at every Mass. And parents made darn sure that their children also were dressed neatly as well. Now children show up wearing Star Wars garb or their favorite super hero emblazoned on the front and back of their t-shirts. They look more like they’re dressed for the Saturday matinee than coming to visit the Lord of lords! During football season, their fathers come to Mass wearing their Ravens gear as if they’re heading to a tailgate party. Like father like son I suppose. During summer a few years back, a young girl sitting in front of us with her mother had short shorts on that were so tight and revealing, with a skimpy top to go with it, that I couldn’t help but wonder what in the world was her mother thinking for allowing her daughter to come to Mass dressed this way! So, I’m not at all surprised at some of the responses I’ve seen on here so far. Geesh!..on one thread a while back, there were some on here who were suggesting that flip flops, t-shirts, even swim wear was o.k. to wear to Mass, if you were vacationing at the beach! :bigyikes: Just a sign of the times I guess.

Peace, Mark

 

[Graceful_Lamb]

I think there is truth to the article. Attention in small things leads to attention in big things. I live in the South, which along with the East coast, tends to be more formal than the rest of the country. I don’t have a problem with khakis and a polo shirt. I do have a problem with shorts and t-shirts. There has to be a line and that is it!

My grandmother grew up very poor. She had two dresses. One for daily wear and one for Sunday. Even in their poverty they were able to show reverence to God. In modern America there are not many folks as poor as my grandmother grew up.

The other thing that gets me is people don’t show up to weddings and interviews in the shorts and t-shirts they wear to church. If they think that is appropriate wear then let them start at these event where someone most definitely will judge them.

I certainly understand exception circumstances. A person could be truly poor or coming from work. But these are exceptions and don’t explain even half of what you see.

But the suit still is the standard for fancy dress. It is true that my ancestors wore nice knickers and fancy, colorful sweaters when they dressed up a hundred years ago. But the point is it was still their best clothes. They had something for special occasions. T-shirts, shorts, and really jeans are not our best clothes.

You said what I have been trying to say a lot better and much more eloquently.

 

[edwest2]

A lot of this is the culture that exists today. Back in the 60’s proper dress was the norm at every Mass. Every Sunday was Easter Sunday. You wore your Sunday best at every Mass. And parents made darn sure that their children also were dressed neatly as well. Now children show up wearing Star Wars garb or their favorite super hero emblazoned on the front and back of their t-shirts. They look more like they’re dressed for the Saturday matinee than coming to visit the Lord of lords! During football season, their fathers come to Mass wearing their Ravens gear as if they’re heading to a tailgate party. Like father like son I suppose. During summer a few years back, a young girl sitting in front of us with her mother had short shorts on that were so tight and revealing, with a skimpy top to go with it, that I couldn’t help but wonder what in the world was her mother thinking for allowing her daughter to come to Mass dressed this way! So, I’m not at all surprised at some of the responses I’ve seen on here so far. Geesh!..on one thread a while back, there were some on here who were suggesting that flip flops, t-shirts, even swim wear was o.k. to wear to Mass, if you were vacationing at the beach! :bigyikes: Just a sign of the times I guess.

Peace, Mark

Reverence. Reverence.

flickr.com/photos/warg2/544332109

papalaudience.org/dress-code

Peace,
Ed

 

[kozlosap]

A friend and I discussed this a few years ago and came to the conclusion that as Catholics, we live the faith everyday at home, work and YES, at mass. The manner of dress is cultural as it is with the primarily African American Protestant denominations. Both the men and the women wear very fancy clothes to Sunday services and any event at their church. Beautiful hats and gloves for women are common and men also wear hats and full three piece suits. As “cultural” Catholics going to mass is part of our everyday lives. We are part of the Body of Christ and I can find a mass everyday if I wanted. I belong to a very large Jesuit Parish that is attached to both an elementary school and university prep high school. On weekends we have six masses that are usually at least 75% full. Ties are very, very rare. Most men and women wear business casual type apparel. There are women who cover with lace mantillas and teenagers wearing nice mini-skirts that are not hoochie in the least.

Trying to insinuate that those who aren’t dressed appropriately (in ones own mind), are insulting Our Lord, is, to say the least, beyond judgemental. Maybe getting a pair of tweezers in order to take the splinter from your own eye would help. Remember that Papa Francis welcomes everyone to the Vatican, homeless people especially. I would venture a guess that none of them have suits or ties. They are grateful to have a pair of pants and a coat that are in good repair. Go to mass to celebrate Jesus, not to be the Fashion Police at the entrance to the sanctuary.

 

[Graceful_Lamb]

My mom was a Methodist until this last Easter! Finally got her to take the leap so welcome when you get here. I’ve seen the fence on both sides and honestly I can say that most protestants at least in the old rank and file churches dress infinitely better when attending services (not so much on the evangelical side) than I’ve seen in the Church for the last 33 years. Its like it was instilled (and it was) from youth to put on your Sunday best for the lord.

Yes, the Episcopal old rank nd file dresses appropriately for church. When I was still attending Episcopal xhurch, I saw teenagers dressing in jeans for church. The church was in an affluent area, so there wasn’t the excuse that there wasn’t money.

 

[styrgwillidar]

Reverence is not in one’s clothing, it is in one’s heart. God does care about us having the proper reverence-- His first words to Moses were to take off his sandals as he approached the burning bush.

(The parable of the garment isn’t about physical dress-- it’s about the necessity of doing the things in life to prepare yourself for the next, a clean soul…)

I own a tux, does that mean I have to wear it to mass? Would that show more reverence, or simply be a distraction to those around me?

First step to being a good con man is wearing what the mark expects, look the part. Plenty of people at mass look the part but don’t live the faith. Plenty of people at my Church who don’t look the part live the faith-- they teach CCD, they volunteer to support the youth groups, they visit the sick, they’re part of the prison ministry, they help out with the food drives, Christmas charity programs for the poor, are involved in the pro-life movement, the things Jesus said we would be judged by-- how much we showed our love for Him (greatest commandment) by how we treat others.

Sorry- I’m well catechized, I teach CCD, I’ve read more about the faith than most, I believe in the real presence. I still am awed by that miracle offered to us every day. I still find the mass boring at times-- but than I’ve been going to mass every week for decades. I guess I’m beyond salvageable.

Now, there certainly is some truth to the way we dress reflecting how we feel- but it differs between people and times and cultures. A lot of what the article points out as problems isn’t going to be fixed by folks dressing up- again con men are very good at that. It will be fixed by others seeing how we live our lives as Christians in joy. Even when we face adversity, that our faith buoys us up. That is every bit as important (IMHO more so) than the weekly celebration intended to give us the strength and grace to follow the path that Jesus has asked us to, in seeing Him in our fellow man and loving Him.

The young folks I’ve seen leave the Church don’t do so because of lack of reverence or catechesis, or the music in church. It’s usually pointing to hypocrisy, a lack of vibrancy, a lack of doing more than just attending mass, or lack of strong witnessing to morality, the faith is not brought alive to them.

We don’t need to dress like men, we need to live like men.

 

[Tallguy88]

I am not talking about large chucks. I am talking about microscopic particles. Unless you actually lick your hand, particles are falling on the floor when you put your hands down and walk away.

I did not say that receiving communion is “better” in the mouth. I am simply saying what scientifically happens when people receive on the hand.

wdtprs.com/blog/2009/03/hand-in-glove-02-another-communion-in-the-hand-experiment/

Isn’t the same true when a Priest handles the Host? I’ve never seen a priest lick his hands afterwards.

 

[Regina7]

Isn’t the same true when a Priest handles the Host? I’ve never seen a priest lick his hands afterwards.

He brushes his hands over the gold plate (can’t remember proper term). And that’s why we have the patens- to catch any pieces or if entire host falls.

 

[Graceful_Lamb]

Reverence is not in one’s clothing, it is in one’s heart. God does care about us having the proper reverence-- His first words to Moses were to take off his sandals as he approached the burning bush.

(The parable of the garment isn’t about physical dress-- it’s about the necessity of doing the things in life to prepare yourself for the next, a clean soul…)

I own a tux, does that mean I have to wear it to mass? Would that show more reverence, or simply be a distraction to those around me?

First step to being a good con man is wearing what the mark expects, look the part. Plenty of people at mass look the part but don’t live the faith. Plenty of people at my Church who don’t look the part live the faith-- they teach CCD, they volunteer to support the youth groups, they visit the sick, they’re part of the prison ministry, they help out with the food drives, Christmas charity programs for the poor, are involved in the pro-life movement, the things Jesus said we would be judged by-- how much we showed our love for Him (greatest commandment) by how we treat others.

Sorry- I’m well catechized, I teach CCD, I’ve read more about the faith than most, I believe in the real presence. I still am awed by that miracle offered to us every day. I still find the mass boring at times-- but than I’ve been going to mass every week for decades. I guess I’m beyond salvageable.

Now, there certainly is some truth to the way we dress reflecting how we feel- but it differs between people and times and cultures. A lot of what the article points out as problems isn’t going to be fixed by folks dressing up- again con men are very good at that. It will be fixed by others seeing how we live our lives as Christians in joy. Even when we face adversity, that our faith buoys us up. That is every bit as important (IMHO more so) than the weekly celebration intended to give us the strength and grace to follow the path that Jesus has asked us to, in seeing Him in our fellow man and loving Him.

The young folks I’ve seen leave the Church don’t do so because of lack of reverence or catechesis, or the music in church. It’s usually pointing to hypocrisy, a lack of vibrancy, a lack of doing more than just attending mass, or lack of strong witnessing to morality, the faith is not brought alive to them.

We don’t need to dress like men, we need to live like men.

While I agreement you, part of it is dressng the part, too. Dressing as well as one can to Mass. Coming to Mass dressed in jeans or shorts doesn’t cut it.

 

[Denise1957]

The young folks I’ve seen leave the Church don’t do so because of lack of reverence or catechesis, or the music in church. It’s usually pointing to hypocrisy, a lack of vibrancy, a lack of doing more than just attending mass, or lack of strong witnessing to morality, the faith is not brought alive to them.

We don’t need to dress like men, we need to live like men.

It’s rather sad when Catholics look for hypocrisy in others - because it can be found in any of us, really. It’s a prideful thing to do.

Dressing like men is a part of living like men.

 

[kozlosap]

Yes, the Episcopal old rank nd file dresses appropriately for church. When I was still attending Episcopal xhurch, I saw teenagers dressing in jeans for church. The church was in an affluent area, so there wasn’t the excuse that there wasn’t money.

i was with my daughter when she spent $150 on a pair of jeans. I assume those would suffice.

 

[dreamer29]

I don’t think “dressing like a man” necessarily means “dressing like a middle-class Western man who has an office job.” Many men don’t have suits and ties today.

Maybe, just maybe they should invest in a suit and tie. I see people shopping in pajamas these days, next why wear clothes when pajamas are more comfortable. Pure laziness and excuses.

 

[Graceful_Lamb]

i was with my daughter when she spent $150 on a pair of jeans. I assume those would suffice.

No. That is exactly what I am talking about. If someone can spend that kind of money on a pair of jeans I would think that they can also afford to buy a $30.00 or $40.00 pair of slack, blouse/dress shirt, or a skirt (ladies). Jeans are NOT appropriate for church.

About a month ago, I had to wear a very tight in the stomach pair of slacks to church, because I didn’t have anything else appropriate to wear. I own jeans, but that is not appropriate dress for Mass. I have since bought pants that fit better and are appropriate for Mass.

 

[Graceful_Lamb]

Maybe, just maybe they should invest in a suit and tie. I see people shopping in pajamas these days, next why wear clothes when pajamas are more comfortable. Pure laziness and excuses.

Exactly! The Salvation Army sells ties, and I would imagine that St. Vincent De Paul sells clothing as well.

 

[triumphguy]

Tiny particles of the Eucharist get on your hand when you touch it. During consecration, do you see the priest put his hands over the chalice so that any particles go in there? What do you think happens when a person takes the Eucharist and walks away? Those particles of Jesus are now on the floor.

If there is no appearance of bread and wine then then the Body and Blood and Soul and Divinity of Christ is not present.

Microscopic particles no longer look like bread.

 

[Draper]

He brushes his hands over the gold plate (can’t remember proper term). And that’s why we have the patens- to catch any pieces or if entire host falls.

No where in the rubrics of the Mass does it direct the priest to brush his hands over the paten.

 

[Draper]

If there is no appearance of bread and wine then then the Body and Blood and Soul and Divinity of Christ is not present.

Microscopic particles no longer look like bread.

Thank you.

 

[Draper]

…But the suit still is the standard for fancy dress. It is true that my ancestors wore nice knickers and fancy, colorful sweaters when they dressed up a hundred years ago. But the point is it was still their best clothes. They had something for special occasions. T-shirts, shorts, and really jeans are not our best clothes…

No, not really. It was the standard for BUSINESS dress – and that is quickly vanishing too.