Extraordinary Ministers Inappropriate Dress

[JimR-OCDS]

So in other words, these people knew about the Shrine and planned on visiting, but chose not to dress for the Shrine, but to dress for the other sitrs instead.

Can these peopoe not were kakai’s and polo shirts to the other sites?

Who knows if they knew before hand, whether they were going to visit the shrine or not, and it may be that it was on an itinerary of other events that include wearing shorts. They also probably didn’t know before hand that there was a Mass and confession, that time of the afternoon. Once they got there they found out.

Fact is, a friend of mine who had just recently returned to the Catholic Church, took a ride out to the shrine one day, which is a 2hr drive. He had never been to a shrine, and had no idea what it was about. From the information he had from a brochure, it said that picnicking was available on the shrine property. So, he and his wife packed and dressed for a picnic, and wore shorts They got to the Shrine and discovered that they could’ve gone to confession and Mass, except they were not allowed in because they were wearing shorts. They missed confession and Mass that day.

I’m happy the Shrine changed its position, and people are no longer turned away over such a trivial issue.

BTW, people wear shorts to Mass at my parish. I don’t don’t, but I’m not one to tell others how they should dress. My town has six lakes and campers are abundant at Sunday Masses.

Sinners and beggars are welcome, in Christ’s Church even when they’re wearing shorts.

Jim

 

[Brendan]

Who knows if they knew before hand, whether they were going to visit the shrine or not, and it may be that it was on an itinerary of other events that include wearing shorts. They also probably didn’t know before hand that there was a Mass and confession, that time of the afternoon. Once they got there they found out.
Jim

It doesn’t matter if they knew if there was a Mass or not. One still doesn’t go plan on visiting a Church while wearing shorts. Period.

I could see if they were walking by and lo, there is a Church and they have the desire to stop in and pray. I’ve done that myself.

But to place a Church visit on one’s intinerary and NOT plan on dressing accordingly is simply inappropriate. Even if one’s desire is to simply tour the Church.

A few years ago, I was in Monaco. I spend some time touring the old city, but I knew that I wanted to stop by and visit the Cathedral (among other things). But BECAUSE I was visiting a church, I dressed up. I didn’t know if Mass might be going on or not. It was immaterial. I would be entering a Church were Christ resided in the tabernacle.

 

[Lepanto]

Sinners and beggars are welcome, in Christ’s Church even when they’re wearing shorts.

Would you also be as welcoming if everyone wore string bikinis or speedos? If not, then why not?

Where do you draw the line?

 

[JimR-OCDS]

Would you also be as welcoming if everyone wore string bikinis or speedos? If not, then why not?

Where do you draw the line?

Common sense usually prevails.

People generally don’t walk around wearing bikinis and speedos, but they do wear shorts. Heck, people come to work at the office in shorts.

Jim

 

[JimR-OCDS]

It doesn’t matter if they knew if there was a Mass or not. One still doesn’t go plan on visiting a Church while wearing shorts. Period.

I could see if they were walking by and lo, there is a Church and they have the desire to stop in and pray. I’ve done that myself.

But to place a Church visit on one’s intinerary and NOT plan on dressing accordingly is simply inappropriate. Even if one’s desire is to simply tour the Church.

A few years ago, I was in Monaco. I spend some time touring the old city, but I knew that I wanted to stop by and visit the Cathedral (among other things). But BECAUSE I was visiting a church, I dressed up. I didn’t know if Mass might be going on or not. It was immaterial. I would be entering a Church were Christ resided in the tabernacle.

Well I thank God, you’re not the one who makes the rules.

Jim

 

[Lepanto]

Common sense usually prevails.
People generally don’t walk around wearing bikinis and speedos, but they do wear shorts.

Only a few decades ago, shorts and other clothes that I see in Church these days were shocking. At our current trajectory towards minimalism (“what’s the littlest that I can get away with”) there will come a day when bathing suits at Mass will not be shocking. Don’t rely on “common sense.”

Heck, people come to work at the office in shorts.

Not in my office. Shorts would get you warnings and then a firing. We have a corporate dress code that prohibits the wearing of wearing shorts, halter tops, jeans, etc. because we respect each other and our customers.

(Perhaps my parish should adopt my employer’s dress code.)

 

[JimR-OCDS]

Only a few decades ago, shorts and other clothes that I see in Church these days were shocking. At our current trajectory towards minimalism (“what’s the littlest that I can get away with”) there will come a day when bathing suits at Mass will not be shocking. Don’t rely on “common sense.”

Not in my office. Shorts would get you warnings and then a firing. We have a corporate dress code that prohibits the wearing of wearing shorts, halter tops, jeans, etc. because we respect each other and our customers.

(Perhaps my parish should adopt my employer’s dress code.)

I now understand your rigid mind-set.

Jim

 

[SeekerJen]

I now understand your rigid mind-set.

Jim

Why is it rigid to expect professional dress rather than beach wear?

 

[RomanRevert]

Chalk another one up to the “Spirit” of Vatican 2. Don’t think that you would see that in the TLM. Hopefully, the “spirit” of the Holy Father’s Motu Proprio will positively influence inappropriate and disrespectful behaviour such as this. As an earlier post stated, Christ is resident in the tabernacle… would you show up at your bosses’ dinner in shorts and a t-shirt? Most people wouldn’t … why should we give the saviour of the world any less respect?

 

[Petergee]

The thread is about dress for EMHCs, not Massgoers in general. A few times, because of my sins of disorganisation and poor time management, I have found myself in the position of being dressed in clothes that were a bit too casual or dirty to go to Mass, and/or being unshaven, but with not enough time to go home/ shower and change/ shave before getting to the last Mass I could attend that Sunday. So I have gone to Mass as I was, quickly tidying myself up as best I could. But I did NOT come forward as an EMHC on these occasions, even when the Commentator practically begged the congregation “We need two more Communion ministers. Please come forward.”

 

[Califman831]

Why is it rigid to expect professional dress rather than beach wear?

today’s mass felt like it was a hundred degrees in the church, and the over head fans were on. I’m surprised Father Green did not pass out wearing the traditional church outfit.

 

[JimR-OCDS]

Why is it rigid to expect professional dress rather than beach wear?

Now you’re calling it beach wear.

Shorts are worn during the summer months for all sorts of occasions. People go out to dine in them and to movies.

We’re not talking about bathing suits.

Jim

 

[JimR-OCDS]

The thread is about dress for EMHCs, not Massgoers in general. A few times, because of my sins of disorganisation and poor time management, I have found myself in the position of being dressed in clothes that were a bit too casual or dirty to go to Mass, and/or being unshaven, but with not enough time to go home/ shower and change/ shave before getting to the last Mass I could attend that Sunday. So I have gone to Mass as I was, quickly tidying myself up as best I could. But I did NOT come forward as an EMHC on these occasions, even when the Commentator practically begged the congregation “We need two more Communion ministers. Please come forward.”

Well if some folks get their way, there will be Mass Police to escort you out of the church, if you’re not dressed in tie and sports coat. Better shape up or ship out.

Jim

 

[DebCWil]

Ignatius–I found it interesting that the EMCH at your church wear albs.
I serve as a eucharistic minister and lector. Modest dress is a sign of respect for the congregation. Every parish to which I have belonged has emphasized this point.
My daily dress may be jeans or shorts, but for Sunday Mass I take extra care to wear a dress, skirt and blouse, or (rarely) a nice pantsuit. I have even been known to wear makeup. There may be need to step forward when there is a shortage of eucharistic ministers.
This however is not the reason I make the extra effort. I make the effort in reverance for God. How would I dress if invited to the White House or Buckingham Palace?
Daily Mass is not something I necessarily plan to attend. I am more likely to be dressed for the activity to which I am headed or from which I just came. The T-shirt or polo shirt I wear will not have distracting words or images if called to step forward. My shorts are not short running shorts but are more likely to be knee length or even capris. Then again, that is a difference between daily informality and Sundays.
I have also apologized to the priest if I personally felt my attire not appropriate to fulfill the task to which I have been called.

 

[bellesjoy]

It doesn’t matter if they knew if there was a Mass or not. One still doesn’t go plan on visiting a Church while wearing shorts. Period.

I could see if they were walking by and lo, there is a Church and they have the desire to stop in and pray. I’ve done that myself.

But to place a Church visit on one’s intinerary and NOT plan on dressing accordingly is simply inappropriate. Even if one’s desire is to simply tour the Church.

A few years ago, I was in Monaco. I spend some time touring the old city, but I knew that I wanted to stop by and visit the Cathedral (among other things). But BECAUSE I was visiting a church, I dressed up. I didn’t know if Mass might be going on or not. It was immaterial. I would be entering a Church were Christ resided in the tabernacle.

I agree with you completley. You wouldn’t go to visit your governor on a special occasion dressed in shorts. I think very few would go to your sister’s wedding dressed like that, or she would be insulted. And how much more special is a visit with Our Lord and the sacrifice of the mass?
Years ago it was unheard of for anyone to come to mass in shorts or jeans, etc.(let alone the low cut tight or sheer Tshirts, short skirts and jeans that fall off your rearend!) I lived in a very poor little lumber mill town, but everyone managed to scrape together appropriate clothing to show respect for Our Lord and the dignity of the mass. Poor or not we knew that we give our best to the Lord.
People now seem to make up excuses and do acrobatics to avoid doing what is expected of them by even the lowest of standards; better to take all that effort and put it into finding something decent to wear.

 

[JimR-OCDS]

I agree with you completley. You wouldn’t go to visit your governor on a special occasion dressed in shorts. I think very few would go to your sister’s wedding dressed like that, or she would be insulted. And how much more special is a visit with Our Lord and the sacrifice of the mass?
Years ago it was unheard of for anyone to come to mass in shorts or jeans, etc.(let alone the low cut tight or sheer Tshirts, short skirts and jeans that fall off your rearend!) I lived in a very poor little lumber mill town, but everyone managed to scrape together appropriate clothing to show respect for Our Lord and the dignity of the mass. Poor or not we knew that we give our best to the Lord.
People now seem to make up excuses and do acrobatics to avoid doing what is expected of them by even the lowest of standards; better to take all that effort and put it into finding something decent to wear.

Except in this case where the Shrine is located in a tourist area, many don’t know they’d be attending Mass, beforehand. They saw the signs for the shrine, decided to check it out and they arrived just in time for Confession and Mass. Only problem was, they were wearing shorts and the sign said, no shorts allowed.
So, they left without receiving the sacraments. This probably makes traditionalist happy, but it was sad.

Anyway, the Marians who run the shrine saw the light and took down the signs.

Jim

 

[roymckenzie]

They keep the air conditioning so cold at my church that I couldn’t wear skimpy clothes even if I wanted to - which I don’t.

I’ve been in chuches where all the extraordinary ministers wear albs. I like it.

I think it is a mistake for the extraordinary ministers to wear a uniform. In my opinion the extraordinary ministers are just that extraordinary and should come out of the congregation, when necessary dressed as if they were appearing before the most important powerful person in the world. The extraordinary minister is not part of the clergy and should in my opinion not look as if they had a place as a clergy. The extraordinary ministers are just lay persons and should dress as if they were going to meet Jesus.

Another thought, they are going to meet Jesus the most important and powerful person to ever exist.

 

[Petergee]

I think it is a mistake for the extraordinary ministers to wear a uniform. In my opinion the extraordinary ministers are just that extraordinary and should come out of the congregation, when necessary dressed as if they were appearing before the most important powerful person in the world. The extraordinary minister is not part of the clergy and should in my opinion not look as if they had a place as a clergy. The extraordinary ministers are just lay persons and should dress as if they were going to meet Jesus.

Another thought, they are going to meet Jesus the most important and powerful person to ever exist.

Altar servers are lay people too. Do you object to them wearing albs or any other special clothing? If not, why not?

 

[Lepanto]

Altar servers are lay people too. Do you object to them wearing albs or any other special clothing? If not, why not?

Before girl altar boys entered the scene, altar boys were often one of the minor orders, eg., acolyte, lector, etc. Minor orders were stages on the way to the priesthood. As such, they were required to wear special clothing. The use of girl altar boys confuses this issue.

newadvent.org/cathen/10332b.htm

 

[Petergee]

Before girl altar boys entered the scene, altar boys were often one of the minor orders, eg., acolyte, lector, etc. Minor orders were stages on the way to the priesthood. As such, they were required to wear special clothing. The use of girl altar boys confuses this issue.

newadvent.org/cathen/10332b.htm

You’re mistaken. I and millions of other boys who served as altar boys before girls began doing it, were required to wear special clothing, even though we were definitely not ordained to a minor order. In fact we wore exactly the same special clothing as those very few altar servers who WERE in minor orders.

I remember we used to giggle at seeing a grown man wearing what we regarded as boys’ wear.

Oh and once a year (or maybe more often?), the Sunday Mass would be a “Scout Mass” and we boys in the Scout troop attached to our parish would serve on the altar dressed in our Scout uniforms (yes, shorts).