Dress Like a Man

[Graceful_Lamb]

Jimi

The article rebukes individuals in which the author feels is unsuitably dressed.

The exhortation is the authors guesswork, because the author does not know the real reason why these people dress in the manner in which he does not believe is correct way to be presenting themselves in front of Christ…

The article goes too far the other way.

Dressing poorly for Mass is not a sin. " Dressing poorly" is subjective.

So, if one were to wear shorts or jeans to a job interview, that would be acceptable? Or to a wedding? I think not. So, why would it be acceptable to wear to Mass. Personally, it is about respect for God, internal and external. The internal respect will usually make one think about how they are going to behave/dress.

 

[Regina7]

Whose problem is it? What are you going to do about it?

It’s everyone’s problem. For example, it shows children that the mass is no big deal if people routinely dress like that. And I can tell my kids whatever I want, but if they see that most people act differently than I teach, that will stick with them. I won’t deny that my children have said “But why do I have to dress up? Nobody else does?”

What am I doing about it? First off, I always make sure my family is in the Sunday clothes. People have actually asked us why we are so “fancy,” which is great because it starts a conversation. My husband and I also teach RE and a girls/boys group, so we do discuss the importance of dressing nicely for mass.

As for that one usher, I don’t know. Our pastor told all people who serve to dress nicely, and since then, this guy has only gotten sloppier. This particular guy frequently (and loudly) rejects Church teachings. Why he is still ushering, I don’t know.

I was raised to dress nicely for mass- no jeans, tshirts, gym shoes, etc. I was told that because we were going to God’s house, we had to look nice. We were not wealthy- my dad had three jobs. But we knew that mass was special, and part of how we knew this was important was because we had to think about our clothes. It was an outward sign of preparing to visit God’s house.

 

[eightydeuce82]

John 7:24 ►

Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly."

To make a judgement of someone based on their clothing is “mere appearances”.

Stop creating an atmosphere of leisure and sloppiness. What’s the statistic up to now 70% or close to it of people who don’t believe in the real presence IN the church? Now tell me again what caused that? Why its happening? Is it one thing or many? Can you tell me why most Catholics are just cultural catholic these days and why very few are devoted and accepting ALL the church puts forth?

You ever think that we might be a major contributing factor to that? Maybe even culpable? I bet you don’t think about that at all do you? Instead of seeing this for what it is Dressing to greet the King of Kings you have made this into your own personal hill to die on. People like you do this by overemphasizing those tired old mushy line that “God doesn’t judge” “its what’s in your heart” and so on and so forth. Its like you will not accept responsibility for something our culture and attitude toward things leads to others culture and attitude towards things. Its not about dressing up not sure why you cant get that through your head. That’s not the point at all. The point is were in a crisis and something needs to be done! ITs really amazing that when someone like the author presents something like this as a way to evangelize you overly sensitive folks just jump all over it and smash it to the ground. Truly sad. Wake up there are few who truly believe what we profess anymore and we certainly have a lot to do with it. they are among us in the pews. If wearing a suit sends a message then wear a suit. If you have the means to dress nice at church do it. If you don’t then don’t but try. Can we please restore some sense of sacredness in our church please? Just some semblance of it with out the left crying about everything I’ve read on these posts.

 

[eightydeuce82]

Jimi
So, if one were to wear shorts or jeans to a job interview, that would be acceptable? Or to a wedding? I think not. So, why would it be acceptable to wear to Mass. Personally, it is about respect for God, internal and external. The internal respect will usually make one think about how they are going to behave/dress.

I cant believe i’m agreeing with an episcopal! I think you are more catholic leaning than not

You hit the nail on the head if you spend more time getting ready for a job interview than you do to come to the most holy thing on earth where heaven meets earth then your priorities are really off. If your kids dress nice to go to prom and you let them do whatever at Mass something is wrong. Why don’t you tell your kid that you wont buy them that tux or that dress for prom because its what’s inside that matter right?

Anyone care to add more wonderful excuses for why this article is so terrible and bad? I mean we have already covered the homeless etc…

BTW I’ve seen homeless people dress nicer than some pretty well off folks. How about we restore a sense of the sacred back into our churches. How about we do everything we can to make these places appear as holy as they are so our children can break this chain that we have laid on their shoulders for the last 60 or more years…evangelization and particularly the New evangelization IS for Catholics IN the church remember that.

 

[BartholomewB]

---

(e.g. mirror-shined shoes, a crisply pressed suit, a starched shirt and a carefully knotted tie, etc.).

***Shoes. ***Yes, I still have one pair of leather shoes, but I haven’t worn them for at least five years. They were the least comfortable pair I owned, which is why they never wore out, like all the others did.

Suit. No, I no longer possess a suit, pressed or unpressed.

***Shirt. ***Starch? You’re kidding. I don’t even remember the last time my wife had starch in the house. Certainly not since 1980, and it could be quite a lot longer than that.

Tie. Yes, I still have three neckties in my drawer. The last time I wore one must have been several years ago.

Regards
Bart

 

[Ophelia23]

Stop creating an atmosphere of leisure and sloppiness. What’s the statistic up to now 70% or close to it of people who don’t believe in the real presence IN the church? Now tell me again what caused that? Why its happening? Is it one thing or many? Can you tell me why most Catholics are just cultural catholic these days and why very few are devoted and accepting ALL the church puts forth?

You ever think that we might be a major contributing factor to that? Maybe even culpable? I bet you don’t think about that at all do you? Instead of seeing this for what it is Dressing to greet the King of Kings you have made this into your own personal hill to die on. People like you do this by overemphasizing those tired old mushy line that “God doesn’t judge” “its what’s in your heart” and so on and so forth. Its like you will not accept responsibility for something our culture and attitude toward things leads to others culture and attitude towards things. Its not about dressing up not sure why you cant get that through your head. That’s not the point at all. The point is were in a crisis and something needs to be done! ITs really amazing that when someone like the author presents something like this as a way to evangelize you overly sensitive folks just jump all over it and smash it to the ground. Truly sad. Wake up there are few who truly believe what we profess anymore and we certainly have a lot to do with it. they are among us in the pews. If wearing a suit sends a message then wear a suit. If you have the means to dress nice at church do it. If you don’t then don’t but try. Can we please restore some sense of sacredness in our church please? Just some semblance of it with out the left crying about everything I’ve read on these posts.

Enough with the “people like you” statements, please.

There is one common theme in this entire thread: we all agree that we should dress nicely for the Mass because it is more than just the source and summit of our Faith. It is EVERYTHING.

Nobody is smashing anybody. Just as you feel this was a well written piece, others can feel it wasn’t. It doesn’t make you more aware of the problems in the church or make others less aware. Having different ideas on how to fix a problem is not a bad thing. And it is ok for someone to disagree with you.

Everybody breathe, be at peace, and let the love of Christ shine brighter than anything else in the world.

 

[ocdnms]

I’m jumping in late here, so I’m sorry if this has already been covered. Saying that, I see people come before the Real Presence of Jesus Christ, wearing shorts, tennis shoes, athletic wear, very high cut and revealing skirts, revealing tops, etc. So this goes both ways for men and women. Do we not believe that our Lord deserves better than this? Or is it all about our comfort and what makes us happy? Maybe it does not have to be a suit and tie necessarily, but it should be our best and no one should be excused of wearing the likes of the above mentioned. I would much rather see a man or women wear a suit from a thrift shop to Mass, than to see the same dressed in an expensive outfit that is unbecoming and inappropriate for the reception of our Lord and Savior. It is not the garment, but the intention.

 

[Ophelia23]

I’m jumping in late here, so I’m sorry if this has already been covered. Saying that, I see people come before the Real Presence of Jesus Christ, wearing shorts, tennis shoes, athletic wear, very high cut and revealing skirts, revealing tops, etc. So this goes both ways for men and women. Do we not believe that our Lord deserves better than this? Or is it all about our comfort and what makes us happy? Maybe it does not have to be a suit and tie necessarily, but it should be our best and no one should be excused of wearing the likes of the above mentioned. I would much rather see a man or women wear a suit from a thrift shop to Mass, than to see the same dressed in an expensive outfit that is unbecoming and inappropriate for the reception of our Lord and Savior. ** It is not the garment, but the intention.**

^

 

[eightydeuce82]

Enough with the “people like you” statements, please.

There is one common theme in this entire thread: we all agree that we should dress nicely for the Mass because it is more than just the source and summit of our Faith. It is EVERYTHING.

Nobody is smashing anybody. Just as you feel this was a well written piece, others can feel it wasn’t. It doesn’t make you more aware of the problems in the church or make others less aware. Having different ideas on how to fix a problem is not a bad thing. And it is ok for someone to disagree with you.

Everybody breathe, be at peace, and let the love of Christ shine brighter than anything else in the world.

I never said I thought this was well written…at least I don’t think I did.

Having different ideas is a great thing! Putting them into action is even better say maybe writing an article about proper dress for church! Alas were still waiting for everyone to get onto DOING these great ideas…for 50 years even. Yet the core things like believing in the Eucharist and attending the Mass are suffering. Its all these little things that compile and everyone seems to have this “well whatever” attitude. I think maybe you missed debate 101. Arguing is involved simply rolling over and say you win is generally frowned upon and not how things work, It has nothing to do with disagreement and not being ok with that as you put it.

 

[eightydeuce82]

I’m jumping in late here, so I’m sorry if this has already been covered. Saying that, I see people come before the Real Presence of Jesus Christ, wearing shorts, tennis shoes, athletic wear, very high cut and revealing skirts, revealing tops, etc. So this goes both ways for men and women. Do we not believe that our Lord deserves better than this? Or is it all about our comfort and what makes us happy? Maybe it does not have to be a suit and tie necessarily, but it should be our best and no one should be excused of wearing the likes of the above mentioned. I would much rather see a man or women wear a suit from a thrift shop to Mass, than to see the same dressed in an expensive outfit that is unbecoming and inappropriate for the reception of our Lord and Savior. It is not the garment, but the intention.

Exactly and yes this goes for women too. If you really believed you were going to make an appearance with the lord would you wear your jersey and or low cut shirt or would you prepare both internally and externally to show the lord you care both internally and externally. If you show more respect in dress at a job interview as I said before than you do at Mass something is wrong.

Best line I’ve ever gotten was from an old lady that said “its so nice that you wear a suit every week for the lord”.

 

[Ophelia23]

I never said I thought this was well written…at least I don’t think I did.

Having different ideas is a great thing! Putting them into action is even better say maybe writing an article about proper dress for church! Alas were still waiting for everyone to get onto DOING these great ideas…for 50 years even. Yet the core things like believing in the Eucharist and attending the Mass are suffering. Its all these little things that compile and everyone seems to have this “well whatever” attitude. I think maybe you missed debate 101. Arguing is involved simply rolling over and say you win is generally frowned upon and not how things work, It has nothing to do with disagreement and not being ok with that as you put it.

If you ever met the family I grew up in, you would find that I definitely didn’t miss Debate 101, but whatever. All I’m saying here is you don’t need to go on the attack with “People like you…” statements. Be charitable, and be at peace.

 

[Graceful_Lamb]

I cant believe i’m agreeing with an episcopal! I think you are more catholic leaning than not

You hit the nail on the head if you spend more time getting ready for a job interview than you do to come to the most holy thing on earth where heaven meets earth then your priorities are really off. If your kids dress nice to go to prom and you let them do whatever at Mass something is wrong. Why don’t you tell your kid that you wont buy them that tux or that dress for prom because its what’s inside that matter right?

Anyone care to add more wonderful excuses for why this article is so terrible and bad? I mean we have already covered the homeless etc…

BTW I’ve seen homeless people dress nicer than some pretty well off folks. How about we restore a sense of the sacred back into our churches. How about we do everything we can to make these places appear as holy as they are so our children can break this chain that we have laid on their shoulders for the last 60 or more years…evangelization and particularly the New evangelization IS for Catholics IN the church remember that.

Ha! I would like to think I am more Catholic leaning than not. I am looking to start RCIA this August. :thunbsup:

I was brought up to be respectful about going to church (dress, behavior). I was taught that Sunday is an important day and to dress accordingly. I hadn’t go to church. No excuses!

 

[eightydeuce82]

If you ever met the family I grew up in, you would find that I definitely didn’t miss Debate 101, but whatever. All I’m saying here is you don’t need to go on the attack with “People like you…” statements. Be charitable, and be at peace.

You’re not Italian are you?

 

[MissRose73]

I would prefer that people come to Mass wearing either clothing that would be suited for an office that has a some type of business casual or business professional type dress code (or a uniform) that is clean & modest compared to wearing shorts, jeans, tee shirts, sports apparel, etc. for both genders. It does not matter the amount of money you make nor where you buy the clothes as I buy my clothing from a variety of sources ranging from yard sales to the clearance racks of department stores.

 

[eightydeuce82]

Ha! I would like to think I am more Catholic leaning than not. I am looking to start RCIA this August. :thunbsup:

I was brought up to be respectful about going to church (dress, behavior). I was taught that Sunday is an important day and to dress accordingly. I hadn’t go to church. No excuses!

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.

 

[eightydeuce82]

I would prefer that people come to Mass wearing either clothing that would be suited for an office that has a some type of business casual or business professional type dress code (or a uniform) that is clean & modest compared to wearing shorts, jeans, tee shirts, sports apparel, etc. for both genders. It does not matter the amount of money you make nor where you buy the clothes as I buy my clothing from a variety of sources ranging from yard sales to the clearance racks of department stores.

I have a feeling that we are in the minority here

 

[Regina7]

Stop creating an atmosphere of leisure and sloppiness. What’s the statistic up to now 70% or close to it of people who don’t believe in the real presence IN the church? Now tell me again what caused that? Why its happening? Is it one thing or many? Can you tell me why most Catholics are just cultural catholic these days and why very few are devoted and accepting ALL the church puts forth?

You ever think that we might be a major contributing factor to that? Maybe even culpable? I bet you don’t think about that at all do you? Instead of seeing this for what it is Dressing to greet the King of Kings you have made this into your own personal hill to die on. People like you do this by overemphasizing those tired old mushy line that “God doesn’t judge” “its what’s in your heart” and so on and so forth. Its like you will not accept responsibility for something our culture and attitude toward things leads to others culture and attitude towards things. Its not about dressing up not sure why you cant get that through your head. That’s not the point at all. The point is were in a crisis and something needs to be done! ITs really amazing that when someone like the author presents something like this as a way to evangelize you overly sensitive folks just jump all over it and smash it to the ground. Truly sad. Wake up there are few who truly believe what we profess anymore and we certainly have a lot to do with it. they are among us in the pews. If wearing a suit sends a message then wear a suit. If you have the means to dress nice at church do it. If you don’t then don’t but try. Can we please restore some sense of sacredness in our church please? Just some semblance of it with out the left crying about everything I’ve read on these posts.

Amen!!!

 

[revert_jen]

The article rebukes individuals in which the author feels is unsuitably dressed.

Actually, it doesn’t. Individuals are specific people. The article does NOT say, “John Smith, you were not properly dressed for Mass last week.”

If an individual reader reads the post and takes it as a rebuke to himself, rather than a general statement of position or principle, that is really happening in his head, and maybe it’s not a bad thing. But it’s not the same as someone accosting an individual after Mass and saying, “Your clothing is inappropriate,” which is what was happening in the post I was responding to.

The exhortation is the authors guesswork, because the author does not know the real reason why these people dress in the manner in which he does not believe is correct way to be presenting themselves in front of Christ…

Why which people dress the way they do? Are there specifically identifiable people mentioned in the post? Are names mentioned? If not, then the author gets to decide the characteristics of the audience he is addressing. And the post says it is addressing people who choose to wear casual clothes when they are able to wear suits instead.

The article goes too far the other way.

That may well be true. As I mentioned before, I’m not sure I agree with the article’s conclusions. It just seems to me that a lot of people on this thread are attacking the article for saying things it doesn’t say.

If people want to argue that neatly ironed khakis and a clean and unwrinkled polo shirt aren’t necessarily a worse choice for Mass than a suit, I could see the argument for that, especially if the person doesn’t already have a perfectly good suit sitting in his closet that he’s saving for more “important” occasions.

To me, as long as the clothing doesn’t inhibit the wearer’s or other people’s ability to take the Mass seriously and concentrate on it, it’s probably fine. Skirts more than a couple of inches above the knee, neon board shorts, that sort of thing can be distracting, and that’s not kind. The attitude, if anyone has it, that “Well, I wouldn’t wear this to work, but it’s good enough for Mass,” is dangerous for the person having it. It might not mean anything is wrong, but (IMO) it is an indication that the person should spend time in prayer making sure nothing is wrong. It’s not that God cares what we wear to Mass per se. But I think He does care what attitude we have when we select our clothes for Mass, because it’s good for us to be charitable (i.e. not distracting) and respectful (i.e. realizing that this is not a trip to the grocery store).

–Jen

 

[Ophelia23]

You’re not Italian are you?

What was the give-away?!?

 

[eightydeuce82]

What was the give-away?!?

I’m Italian and were doing what we do that’s how I knew!