EDITED: Modesty, Dress Code, Etiquette for Church

  • Thread starter Thread starter L_piperatus
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
L_piperatus said:
One more thing about the “Vatican” dress code: it applies not only for the Vatican, but also for all the churches of Rome and Italy, the Marian shrines at Knock (Ireland), Lourdes (France), Medjugorje (Croatia), and practically at all European churches. People are expected to cover their shoulders and wear pants or skirts/dresses that go below the knees, when visiting Catholic churches on the European continent.

Quote from cbsnews.com/2100-202_162-563585.html :

February 11, 2009 8:35 PM
Vatican Dress Code Steams Tourists

With temperatures soaring, tempers are flaring as the Vatican’s dress police turn back tourists in shorts and bare shoulders trying to get into St. Peter’s Basilica.

Enforcement of the dress turns into a battle each summer, but the verbal skirmishes have been heightened this July because Rome has been in the grips of a relentless heat wave.

For weeks, temperatures have reached into the 90 degrees Fahrenheit each day and the thousands of tourists trudging through the streets seem dressed more for a day at the beach – shorts, miniskirts, tank tops for both men and women.

At the Vatican, authorities have erected signs showing that no one can enter the basilica with bare legs and bare shoulders. Guards --neatly dressed in shirts and ties – patrol the entrances.

Showing true entrepreneurial spirit, vendors have popped up at various points around the vast square, keeping one step ahead of the police.

A student identifying himself as Marko from Yugoslavia, visiting the Vatican with his grandmother, plunked down a euro for paper pants,

Not only the Vatican but the diocese of Rome and its hundreds of churches require what authorities consider appropriate dress.

Quote from atheism.about.com/b/2010/08/09/vatican-dress-codes-gets-stricter.htm :

Vatican Dress Codes Gets Stricter

By Austin Cline, About.com GuideAugust 9, 2010

Visitors to the Vatican have always had to dress somewhat modestly to enter St. Peter’s Basilica – no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops allowed. Recently, though, the Swiss Guards have been imposing similar restrictions before tourists can enter the entire Vatican grounds, not just St. Peter’s.

The tough dress code also applied to Romans using the Vatican’s pharmacy, supermarket and post office.

Quote from iamdomo.com/2009/10/02/rihanna-gets-kicked-out-of-church/ :

Rihanna Gets Kicked Out of CHURCH?

By Domo October 2, 2009 Catholic church Celebrities go to church Rihanna Rihanna too sexy for church

www crunktastical net is reporting that Rihanna attempted to go to church [St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, Italy] for a little mid-day worship but the Catholics were NOT having it. They sent her away to cover up those shoulders and legs. Its reported that she went back and found a make-shift get-up that was reminiscent of some red Martha Stewart sheets.

Quote from anythinghollywood.com/2009/09/rihanna-barred-from-church/ :

Rihanna Barred From Church

30Sep09

Rihanna is barred from church. Not any church, but Rihanna was kept from entering St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice! Rihanna had on a scandalous outfit with a leopard print bra sticking out…hello! You’re in a holy historical shrine.

Yikes. That’s not something Rihanna should be proud of. From the Sun:

She has since been ticked off by no lesser authority than the Catholic Church for her racy outfits.

After a taking a trip on a gondola , the skimpily clad star tried to enter Saint Mark’s Basilica in the city’s famous Piazza San Marco.

But strict rules mean shoulders and legs must be covered.

To beat the ban, she rustled up a makeshift ensemble which looked suspiciously like she had just grabbed two red tablecloths from a nearby restaurant.

Read more: anythinghollywood.com/2009/09/rihanna-barred-from-church/#ixzz1zx2xmJC5
Click to expand...
Many have posted quotes from past decades, centuries, and millenia. Modesty doesn’t go out of style, but what is considered modest does change with time and culture. The bottom line on what is considered modest in our times, by the Church, is what is shown in that picture you have posted. Others may choose to dress as though they are in a different time, based on modesty regulations of times gone by, but the Church has spoken and made it clear (so clear they posted a picture lest no one get confused or misinterpret) what constitutes modesty to enter a Vatican Church. If it’s good enough for Rome and the Vatican, it should be good enough for the rest of us faithful to the Magisterium.
 
I know you don’t want a discussion but

what is the point of dressing appropriately if ones heart is in disgrace and that person receive communion in the Catholic Church?

May as well dress inappropriately and heart be in grace and not receive Communion in the Catholic Church for all what is…

God Loves us for us. I am not saying I disagree with or agree with the dress code. But God Loves us and wants us to freely Love him.

Its Man who puts rules and rules onto things which makes it more and more complicated. I wonder how many would recongise Jesus if he came in wearing jeans and a string vest and trainers, with long hair blown about because of the wind,(as he did) may be slightly overweight? and came and sat in the pew next to you. What would you do? Shuffle up a little because not sure he is dressed appropriately and you feel uncertain? so you miss the fact he is indeed Jesus? I know I would be blinded by his clothes because the church places so much emphasis on what they consider is decent. We are taught to love our neighbour. Does that mean we should be judging what they wear too 🤷
 
My friends are at the Vatican today! I hope they followed the code! 👍
 
Here’s an illustrated dress code from a Catholic church in metro Manila, the Philippines:

 
I like that sign from the church in the Philippines. Easy to understand and follow. If only more people would do what it asks for in my opinion.
 
englishredrose said:
I know you don’t want a discussion but

what is the point of dressing appropriately if ones heart is in disgrace and that person receive communion in the Catholic Church?

May as well dress inappropriately and heart be in grace and not receive Communion in the Catholic Church for all what is…

God Loves us for us. I am not saying I disagree with or agree with the dress code. But God Loves us and wants us to freely Love him.

Its Man who puts rules and rules onto things which makes it more and more complicated. I wonder how many would recongise Jesus if he came in wearing jeans and a string vest and trainers, with long hair blown about because of the wind,(as he did) may be slightly overweight? and came and sat in the pew next to you. What would you do? Shuffle up a little because not sure he is dressed appropriately and you feel uncertain? so you miss the fact he is indeed Jesus? I know I would be blinded by his clothes because the church places so much emphasis on what they consider is decent. We are taught to love our neighbour. Does that mean we should be judging what they wear too 🤷
Click to expand...
Not “may as well” for there is a better way, demonstrating love. Good example should always be set for others.
 
Mater Dei Catholic Church (FSSP) Dress Code from their site:
**
Mater Dei Catholic Church Dress Code**
materdeiparish.com/about

In charity to God and neighbor, please respect the following dress code at Mater Dei:
Click to expand...
Gentleman:
Please wear collared shirts, slacks, and dress shoes – preferably with a tie and a jacket. Please do not wear jeans, tee shirts, and sneakers.
Click to expand...
Ladies:
Please cover everything from the shoulders to the knees (even when seated), inclusive – and a veil is always welcome. A blouse should not be cut lower than two fingers width below the pit of the throat. Please do not wear tight or see-through clothing.
Click to expand...
 
We have truly beat this topic in the ground and has become a zombie topic. :eek::eek::eek:

There is NO dress code in the Church. What is modest and/or descent varies significantly.

Less than a 100 years ago it was the tradition of the tribe I am descended from, for the woman entering into a sacred space (church) to be topless (bare breasted). This custom still continues in very specific instances (although not in church any longer). White, Middle-Class Americans seriously need to get over the idea that their cultural dress and actions are superior to everyone else.

Act like Christians [edited].
 
Kevin812 said:
We have truly beat this topic in the ground and has become a zombie topic. :eek::eek::eek:

There is NO dress code in the Church. What is modest and/or descent varies significantly.

Less than a 100 years ago it was the tradition of the tribe I am descended from, for the woman entering into a sacred space (church) to be topless (bare breasted). This custom still continues in very specific instances (although not in church any longer). White, Middle-Class Americans seriously need to get over the idea that their cultural dress and actions are superior to everyone else.

Act like Christians and not perverts.
Click to expand...
If we respect the OP’s wish that this not be a discussion thread, then it won’t be your typical modesty thread. Aren’t you tired of those? I am.

So, please be respectful, of the OP and others, if you have anything to post from Bishops, priests, etc, that bolsters your position, then post it.

From the OP:
Folks, this is intended as a resource thread. What kind of teachings and instructions have we received from our Popes, Bishops, and Priests, regarding modesty and appropriate dress for church? Etiquette questions can be included as well - photographing and walking around without disturbing those who pray, the need to stay silent/no loud chatting, etc.
Click to expand...
There’s a lot of information available on the internet, and I would like to post here what I found - teachings, sermons, specific how-to instructions and pictorial guides of dress code - information that has been issued, or approved by, our Catholic clergy.
Click to expand...
 
[edited]

There are NO binding teaching of the Church on this matter. Dress is NOT Dogma or Doctrine, Nor is it Tradition or tradition.
 
:o Sorry if I derailed or didn’t follow the OP’s wishes…we just have so many of these modesty threads going right now I forgot which one I was replying on.
 
[edited], here is the Catholic position on modesty:
Purity requires modesty, an integral part of temperance. Modesty protects the intimate center of the person. It means refusing to unveil what should remain hidden. It is ordered to chastity to whose sensitivity it bears witness. It guides how one looks at others and behaves toward them in conformity with the dignity of persons and their solidarity.
Click to expand...
The forms taken by modesty vary from one culture to another. Everywhere, however, modesty exists as an intuition of the spiritual dignity proper to man.
Click to expand...
Here is the Catholic dress code for Mass:
Here is dress code my bishop has:
Here is the dress code at my parish:
 
pnewton, you hit the nail on the head. While I agree that the short shorts worn by girls might be pushing the limits for Mass, it’s not mine, yours, or the OP’s concern, it’s between her and her parents. Thank God I don’t have a daughter because as a Dad, there’s no way I would let her wear those kind of shorts in public.

I looked all over my Diocese’s website and those of other Diocese’s and on no website does it mention a specific dress code for Mass, nor is there a dress code for my Parish.
 
anp1215 said:
I like this poster because it focuses on modesty and not finery.
Click to expand...
I like it too for the same reasons! And it is also clear and understandable to someone who might be vacationing in their city.
 
Quote from ionacatholic.blogspot.com/2009/01/church-in-sri-lanka-calls-for-modesty.html :

Monday, January 12, 2009
Church in Sri Lanka calls for modesty in lay dress



The clothing some young women wear to Mass at Colombo’s main Catholic Church is attracting attention, judging by the messages on the notice board asking them to dress more modestly.

Father Tony Martyn, appointed parish priest of St. Lucia’s Cathedral in 2006, says Sunday Mass there has become something of a women’s fashion parade. This may have silent admirers, but it definitely has others frowning.

“Modesty is a virtue not limited to conduct, gestures, language, reading and thought, but also to clothing,” Father Martyn told UCA News at the end of December.

“Here they (people) meet God,” the priest said.

Three priests at the cathedral and some parishioners complain that some young women come to church in revealing short skirts, halter tops and low-cut blouses. This creates an unpleasant atmosphere, sets a bad example for youngsters and distracts many people, especially young men, they maintain. They also say little was done about the situation in the past.

Since November, however, some parishioners have distributed head veils free of charge to women, especially the young, to be worn during church services. Women traditionally wore a head covering to church, but the practice has slipped.

Meanwhile, the cathedral notice board shows pictures of modest dress as well as signs parishioners have put up calling on women to dress modestly and all parishioners not to dress extravagantly. Some signs appeal to parents to educate children about this. “Begin early,” one said.

Father Joseph cited Saint Paul’s admonition against extravagant dress in his First Letter to Timothy…

Quote from ucanews.com/2010/09/20/colombo-cathedral-enforces-strict-dress-code/ :

Colombo cathedral enforces dress code
Move comes amid complaints of immodest dressing

ucanews.com reporter, Colombo
Sri Lanka
September 20, 2010

Women wearing veils at Colombo’s St. Lucia’s Cathedral. Priests there are insisting that young women cover their heads while at Mass.
The move is part of a drive to have churchgoers dress appropriately during religious ceremonies.
Many Catholics have complained that churchgoers in Colombo turn up for services in short skirts, halter tops, low cut blouses and shorts.

In a recent Sunday homily, **Father John Paul Vinoth, an assistant parish priest at the cathedral, said that modest dressing would help create an atmosphere that is more “conducive to a spiritual experience.”

Appropriate dress in church is as important as flowers, decorations and incense in creating the right setting, he said. “It is essentially preparing a devotee for coming to church,” Father Vinoth added.**

Meanwhile,** the administrator of the Madhu Marian shrine [also in Sri Lanka **- it is Sri Lanka’s most famous Marian shrine - note by OP] has also appealed to pilgrims to dress modestly.

“Modest dress is beginning to disappear,” said Father Anthony Victor Sosai, who is also vicar general of Mannar diocese.

The shrine follows traditional Catholic norms and customs on dress, Father Sosai said, noting that Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim places of worship have enforced a strict dress code for centuries.

Laypeople have also expressed concern over declining dress standards.

“Who is going stop these abuses in churches?” asked Lawrance Gonsalvaz Coonghe, a senior Catholic reporter.**
 
From the website of Divine Mercy Roman Catholic Church in the city of Sungai Ara, Penang Island, Malaysia - quote from cdm.my/proper-attire-inside-the-church/ :

Proper Attire Inside the Church
  1. September, 2011
***The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life.

(LG no 11)***
  1. Our dignity as baptized children of God.
“For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”

[Gal 3:27]
  1. The sacredness of the Church as the House of God and the Eucharistic celebration urge all participants to dress and manifest the importance of what they are doing.
“The mystery of the Eucharist has found historical expression not only in the demand for an interior disposition of devotion, but also in outward forms meant to evoke and emphasize the grandeur of the event being celebrated.”

[Ecclesia de Eucharistia, no. 49]

http://www.cdm.my/images/proper.jpg

http://www.cdm.my/images/improper.jpg
 
My own observation: this poster, already shown in the thread, seems to be everywhere in the Philippines. It’s in front of various churches, it’s on the websites of various Catholic organizations (for example, just scroll down this website catholicchurch.ph/Catholic-church-Baptism-First-Communion.htm and you will find again the same poster under the heading “PROPER ATTIRE IN CHURCH POSTER”). The Filipinos apparently solved the problem of educating people regarding proper attire for church. Apparently, what’s good for Manila, it’s also good for Mindanao. And, what’s good for Mindanao, it’s good for Malaybalay as well. 😃

A question: is there a lesson to learn from the Philippines, for the rest of us Catholics in America, Europe, Australia and elsewhere? :hmmm:

How to dress for church at the Benedictine Monastery of the Transfiguration - Malaybalay City, Philippines - dubbed as the “South Summer Capital of the Philippines”

Quote from bonzenti.blogspot.com/2010/11/proper-attire-in-house-of-prayer.html :

Proper Attire in a House of Prayer



Monastery of Transfiguration, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, Philippines : The House of Prayer is a house of sacredness, solemnity and solitude. Church goers must observe proper attire. If some of us do not observe our tradition anymore —but please do give respect to the House of Prayer.

Quote from contourblog.com/2010/12/monastery-of-transfiguration-of.html :



When going to the Monastery of Transfiguration Church, this (sic) rules for proper attire inside the church should strictly be followed.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top