Dressing up for Church?

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Bless your heart, you’d feel at home in our parish. Our priest sometimes has the hem of his jeans showing from underneath his alb.😉 I often wear jeans to Mass in the winter (I go to the Saturday evening one) and my jeans and a sweater are neat and nice and warm too - our heating system isn’t the best.

Oddly enough, the Saturday Mass which is the most casual one in terms of dress, is the most traditional one when it comes to the use of Latin - go figure.
 
Buy a nice dress shirt and a tie. You don’t have to buy a new wardrobe. Just buy those and go to Mass. It is important to dress piously since it is Jesus Christ who becomes present on the altar.
 
Seminarian_Matt said:
Buy a nice dress shirt and a tie. You don’t have to buy a new wardrobe. Just buy those and go to Mass. It is important to dress piously since it is Jesus Christ who becomes present on the altar.
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Matt, with all due respect it’s comments like yours that have kept the OP away from Mass for fear of being shunned. ‘Dressing piously’? Who said dressing up has ANYTHING to do with piety??? It doesn’t.

St Francis used to wear whatever rags he could find, Mother Teresa’s nuns wear what is, in India, basic street dress, largely indistinguishable from the people they deal with apart from its uniform nature and the Rosaries they wear. Certainly not ‘extra special’ dress.

Sure, make an effort for Our Lord by wearing your best. I DON’T agree with putting on a false front by buying a few ‘super extra nice’ clothes for Sundays.

The OP is the same person, and an equally welcome child of God surely, in new clothes or not. I DON’T think Christ cared what people wore when they came to see and hear him while He was alive, and I DON’T think He cares what they wear to Mass now, basic requirements of decency and cleanliness apart.
 
LilyM said:
Matt, with all due respect it’s comments like yours that have kept the OP away from Mass for fear of being shunned. ‘Dressing piously’? Who said dressing up has ANYTHING to do with piety??? It doesn’t.
quote]

I completely disagree as I said in my posts already. If the OP understands, as he said himself, that his absence is due to laziness don’t pander to his laziness. Why would that entice him to go. No, giving ones best to the Master is indeed has everything to do with piety.

CDL
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outfctrl said:
I am a simple guy and a little rough around the edges. I do not dress up and mostly wear jeans and T shirts. I ride a chopper too.
I just feel with me pulling up to Church on my cycle, biker boots, jeans and a T shirt, they would probably kick me out.

Oh, numerous tattoos also.

This is one of the reasons I kinda shy away from going to church.
I keep saying to myself I will go anyways, but I am afraid I will offend some people. Everyone gets so dressed up.

and no, I am not going out to buy a wardrobe for mass.

Do you think I should still go?
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The one you are afraid of offending is God. If you have time to change dress, then do it for the Lord.

If you don’t have time, then just go to mass with whatever you have but don’t wear clothes with too much holes and shows much skins. 😃

I personally don’t want to dress up too much or wear something wild. I don’t want to create attention and distract other people.
 
I would have to agree with the posters who have recommended a polo shirt or a nice button down. You can get a couple from wal-mart for not too much.
 
Just do your best. The important thing is to get there. Worry about the rest in due time. I’m thinking you’ll be the best dressed guy there, in about six months’ time.

I’ve been working with a rodeo cowboy in RCIA lately - he’s been coming to Mass for six months now, and the first day he came - well, let’s just say, he stood out from the crowd.

The last two weeks, he was wearing long dark pants (not jeans) and a silk shirt with a nice tie. These things just come with time - I never even had to speak to him; he just figured it out on his own, from watching the other men at Mass.
 
outfctrl - bless you and your heart is in the right place. You should definitely go to mass and wear the best of whatever it is you have. As you become more comfortable while attending, notice what others have and I think you will find that you will fit right in with them.

If the spirit moves you to get a polo great - if not, don’t worry about it as long as you attend. The first step is yours - good luck and God Bless. It is great to hear about lambs returning to the Good Shepherd.
 
water said:
The one you are afraid of offending is God. If you have time to change dress, then do it for the Lord.

If you don’t have time, then just go to mass with whatever you have but don’t wear clothes with too much holes and shows much skins. 😃

I personally don’t want to dress up too much or wear something wild. I don’t want to create attention and distract other people.
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Good wisdom, here.

CDL
 
I love being Catholic. I can wear what ever I got in the closet to Mass, and I don’t have to worry about getting into a dress :heaven: I just think it is more important that I get there and actually pay attention than worry whether or not my slip is showin. Wear what you got. I am sure that the Lord would rather know that you were there. Besides, it is not what is on the outside, but what is in your heart.👍
 
I haven’t read through all the posts, but I agree with the first few.

Go to Mass. That’s the most important thing.

The only issue I have about how to dress for Mass is that I think we should dress the best we can. I used to wear jeans and t-shirts, with the occasional polo-shirt. Now, though, I dress in either a suit and tie or simply a dress shirt, dress pants and tie.

I would dress better to go out to a restaurant or the movies than I would for my Lord and God. Well, I got over that.

I feel more respectful and reverent towards God when I dress the best that I can for Mass. But, regardless, Jesus wants your presence. Dress the best that you can. There’s no need to go out and buy a new wardrobe, unless you want to. Just don’t dress better than you would for less important things.
 
GregoryPalamas said:
I completely disagree as I said in my posts already. If the OP understands, as he said himself, that his absence is due to laziness don’t pander to his laziness. Why would that entice him to go. No, giving ones best to the Master is indeed has everything to do with piety.

CDL
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Exactly. Going to Mass and wearing what a person would normally wear to a cookout or the beach is not pious or appropriate. We go to Mass to receive into our souls the King of Kings. How would you dress to see the most important world leaders? Now dress like that or better because you are about to go into the presence of the King of the world.

Blessings!
 
Seminarian_Matt said:
Exactly. Going to Mass and wearing what a person would normally wear to a cookout or the beach is not pious or appropriate. We go to Mass to receive into our souls the King of Kings. How would you dress to see the most important world leaders? Now dress like that or better because you are about to go into the presence of the King of the world.

Blessings!
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You seem to be a man with a heart for God. I will pray for you as you progress toward ordination. Please also pray for me.

CDL
 
If you stay away from mass because you don’t feel you have the right clothing I would be very sad. I don’t know anymore about you than what you said in your question, but it sounds like you want to go and that your more worried about what people think about what you wear. We should not be focused on what the person next to us is wearing as long as it’s modest, we should be focused on the Mass. Now if you walked in without your shirt on or a shirt with something offensive on it I might have a heart attack.:bigyikes: But if you walk in wearing everyday clothes to come and worship the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit who am I to tell you how to dress. How do you think the apostles dressed with Jesus there in front of them. In their everyday clothes.
Of Course we should be reverent, modest, and humble ourselves in the presence of the Eucharist no doubt about it. But I’d rather encourage you to come then tell you to go spend money on new clothes that you’ll wear once a week to feel like someone your not and present yourself as someone your not in a place where you shouldn’t have to have a heavy heart.
If we all focused on the mass more you should not even have had to ask this question. And yes I do worry about how I look when I go to mass I always put on my Sunday best, but never let anyone make you feel discouraged about coming to Mass 👍
 
Thanks so much for all your responses. I will try and make it a point to go this weekend. I will get a polo shirt, I think I have a few.
Little nervous here.
#1 Havent been to confession in over 15 years. I am pretty wild and have done some things I am not proud of, but nothing really serious. Well, what I consider not serious. 😉
#2 I am divorced (civil wise), never got an annulment (The church considers me still married) They want over 500.00 to get an annulment…I looked into it…sheesh. Where does that put me in the eyes of the church?
#3 If I go to confession, How many rosaries (dont even own one) will the priest tell me to say? 15 years worth of sins? The Priest will have a career with me. I have forgotten so many prayers. I dont even know how to start in confession or say the prayers he wants me to say.
#4 I am kinda scared. All the training I had from Catholic grade school all the way through Catholic High School seems to be a blur.

I have also been reading this Catholic Magazine, that for some reason has been showing up at my house every month. I never subscribed to it. Have no idea where it came from. Been getting it for a year or so. Weird

Anyways, if I dont go now, I will just keep putting it off, like I always do. I always have an excuse not to go. Grocery shopping, motorcycle trips, work around the house, you name it, I have the excuse.
Thank you again, all of you for the spiritual support you have shown. I am really touched by all your kindness to a stranger and a newbie poster.
 
outfctrl said:
I am a simple guy and a little rough around the edges. I do not dress up and mostly wear jeans and T shirts. I ride a chopper too.
I just feel with me pulling up to Church on my cycle, biker boots, jeans and a T shirt, they would probably kick me out.

Oh, numerous tattoos also.

This is one of the reasons I kinda shy away from going to church.
I keep saying to myself I will go anyways, but I am afraid I will offend some people. Everyone gets so dressed up.

and no, I am not going out to buy a wardrobe for mass.

Do you think I should still go?
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Yes, you should go.
 
outfctrl said:
Thanks so much for all your responses. I will try and make it a point to go this weekend. I will get a polo shirt, I think I have a few.
Little nervous here.
#1 Havent been to confession in over 15 years. I am pretty wild and have done some things I am not proud of, but nothing really serious. Well, what I consider not serious. 😉
#2 I am divorced (civil wise), never got an annulment (The church considers me still married) They want over 500.00 to get an annulment…I looked into it…sheesh. Where does that put me in the eyes of the church?
#3 If I go to confession, How many rosaries (dont even own one) will the priest tell me to say? 15 years worth of sins? The Priest will have a career with me. I have forgotten so many prayers. I dont even know how to start in confession or say the prayers he wants me to say.
#4 I am kinda scared. All the training I had from Catholic grade school all the way through Catholic High School seems to be a blur.

I have also been reading this Catholic Magazine, that for some reason has been showing up at my house every month. I never subscribed to it. Have no idea where it came from. Been getting it for a year or so. Weird

Anyways, if I dont go now, I will just keep putting it off, like I always do. I always have an excuse not to go. Grocery shopping, motorcycle trips, work around the house, you name it, I have the excuse.
Thank you again, all of you for the spiritual support you have shown. I am really touched by all your kindness to a stranger and a newbie poster.
Click to expand...
Just GO FOR IT! 😃
I think you’d be surprised about some of the things priests get to hear in confession… they aren’t going to to beat you over the head… they’re there for your conversion!

Sounds like that Catholic magazine is a neat little coincidence! 🙂

Don’t be scared… God doesn’t turn anyone away!
 
outfctrl said:
Thanks so much for all your responses. I will try and make it a point to go this weekend. I will get a polo shirt, I think I have a few.
Little nervous here.
#1 Havent been to confession in over 15 years. I am pretty wild and have done some things I am not proud of, but nothing really serious. Well, what I consider not serious. 😉
#2 I am divorced (civil wise), never got an annulment (The church considers me still married) They want over 500.00 to get an annulment…I looked into it…sheesh. Where does that put me in the eyes of the church?
#3 If I go to confession, How many rosaries (dont even own one) will the priest tell me to say? 15 years worth of sins? The Priest will have a career with me. I have forgotten so many prayers. I dont even know how to start in confession or say the prayers he wants me to say.
#4 I am kinda scared. All the training I had from Catholic grade school all the way through Catholic High School seems to be a blur.

I have also been reading this Catholic Magazine, that for some reason has been showing up at my house every month. I never subscribed to it. Have no idea where it came from. Been getting it for a year or so. Weird

Anyways, if I dont go now, I will just keep putting it off, like I always do. I always have an excuse not to go. Grocery shopping, motorcycle trips, work around the house, you name it, I have the excuse.
Thank you again, all of you for the spiritual support you have shown. I am really touched by all your kindness to a stranger and a newbie poster.
Click to expand...
My priest hears confessions at prisons! If you think your confession would be wild…there is NOTHING you could say that would shock the priest or make him judge you…they’ve heard it all. Btw, if you don’t know the prayers, just tell him that! He’s there to help!! If you don’t have a Rosary and he want’s to have you say one, just tell him. He’ll make the penance fit you. The penance isn’t important. The being sorry for your sins and confession itself is the most important thing. The penance is a reminder to us to not make that sin again. He’s there to help you, not judge you. Go…see how much better you’ll feel when you come out and you know that you are forgiven! You have a completely clean slate…it’s the most beautiful and amazing feeling.
 
outfctrl said:
Thanks so much for all your responses. I will try and make it a point to go this weekend. I will get a polo shirt, I think I have a few.
Little nervous here.
#1 Havent been to confession in over 15 years. I am pretty wild and have done some things I am not proud of, but nothing really serious. Well, what I consider not serious. 😉
#2 I am divorced (civil wise), never got an annulment (The church considers me still married) They want over 500.00 to get an annulment…I looked into it…sheesh. Where does that put me in the eyes of the church?
#3 If I go to confession, How many rosaries (dont even own one) will the priest tell me to say? 15 years worth of sins? The Priest will have a career with me. I have forgotten so many prayers. I dont even know how to start in confession or say the prayers he wants me to say.
#4 I am kinda scared. All the training I had from Catholic grade school all the way through Catholic High School seems to be a blur.

I have also been reading this Catholic Magazine, that for some reason has been showing up at my house every month. I never subscribed to it. Have no idea where it came from. Been getting it for a year or so. Weird

Anyways, if I dont go now, I will just keep putting it off, like I always do. I always have an excuse not to go. Grocery shopping, motorcycle trips, work around the house, you name it, I have the excuse.
Thank you again, all of you for the spiritual support you have shown. I am really touched by all your kindness to a stranger and a newbie poster.
Click to expand...
Outfctrl, I live in Orange Park, but my Brother & SIL moved to Mandarin and started going to St. Joseph’s about 8 months ago. They love it. I was told that the 5:30 p.m. Vigil Mass on Saturday & the 8:00 a.m. Sunday Mass are a little more relaxed. Yes , you should go! There is the largest Catholic Store in Jacksonville at 11018 Old St. Augustine Road named Queen of Angels(# is 288-0062). There you can most likely get a Catholic Book of Prayers (cost around $5.00) that will have the order of the Mass, many common prayers (including acts of contrition which you will say after confession), the stations of the cross and much more. I recommend picking one of those up to help you feel more comfortable in your coming home process! You are in my prayers:gopray2: ! God Bless you!🙂
Oh, here is the website for St. Joseph’s www.stjosephsjax.org.
 
Don’t fear Confession. Here are some links that can help you. Remember, in Confession you will be able to receive the forgiveness of Jesus. Make Confession at least a monthly thing now and you will certainly always remain in the Heart of Jesus - in His precious love.

saintaquinas.com/howto_confess.html

List of sins that need to be confessed:

fisheaters.com/penance.html#examination

In the words of Jesus Christ: “Be not afraid”!! Jesus is with you and is waiting for you in the Confessional. Go to Him to true inner peace.
 
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