Most Catholic churches don’t have a dress code. So if someone wants to wear pants, we welcome them. Same if a man doesn’t wear a suit.
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Praise God for the grace he afforded you! When we keep our eyes on Jesus such things become a side issue, don’t they?
On the other hand, when I went to WYD 2000 in Rome, one of the standouts was, **that in front of many churches (especially in front of cathedrals and basilicas), was a “dress code” sign that stated that **shoulders and knees were required to be covered. ****Even if you could not read Italian, diagrams were shown which specifically showed this. And, yes, there were guards outside to make sure everyone was following the dress code. And, also, yes, this was in the middle of August, so it was hot and humid in Italy. The women could adapt, easily enough, as many wraps that could be used as both makeshift shawls and makeshift long skirts were sold near the churches, so they could put the wraps on as they entered the churches and take them off as they left. For us men, though, it generally meant that we had to be in long pants all day if we were visiting a cathedral and/or basilica that day. This was one of the crosses we had to bear.
I experienced this as well. It has everything to do with showing respect for the Real Presence of Jesus Christ. As I have heard from others, “Would you go to the Wedding Feast in shorts, tank top and flip-flops?” Our pastor has mentioned on more than one occasion this year that beach attire is not appropriate for mass, (we are a parish in the middle of a city) yet there are still those whose choose to ignore this request.
Yes, they do!Praise God for the grace he afforded you! When we keep our eyes on Jesus such things become a side issue, don’t they?
Hi Becca - I returned to the Catholic faith and Church three months ago after a 40-year absence. I was shocked to see the casual dress. I don’t know when or how the standards changed. At least those people were attending Mass all those years, and I wasn’t
Maybe more people attended if dress standards were relaxed.First of all, welcome back to the Church! And I admire you for respecting God enough to dress decently. But you are right, it is important that they are there at Mass.Hi Becca - I returned to the Catholic faith and Church three months ago after a 40-year absence. I was shocked to see the casual dress. I don’t know when or how the standards changed. At least those people were attending Mass all those years, and I wasn’t
It doesn’t matter to me what others choose. Most important is that they are there at Mass. For myself, I make the time each morning to wear clothes that are neat, not wrinkled, hair neat, and minimal make up (so I don’t scare anyone). For me, it is done out of respect for God and recognizing my body is God’s temple.
Conditioning which often comes about by what authority figures teach us is not of necessity a virtue - more like a good habit which could indeed become a freely chosen virtue on our part. Whatever we like to wear or don’t like to wear to Mass, no necessity to force one’s own standards on others, huh? If one’s parish priest was disturbed by what is worn to Mass then he might ask for some sort of dress code - and a diocesan authority might also do the same.
I am a native Angeleno of almost 57 years and relatives on my paternal side came over in covered wagons. My maternal side are Italian Catholic, from Chicago. I remember Los Angeles as it was, and attended the California public school system when it was the pride of the nation.
I was taught the same thing too. By the way! Can you check your box??
