How to dress for church

[crenfro]

I guess this means all of you are spending your time in mass judging the appearance of others when you are there to pray. Christ died for the sins of every man not just the one wearing Armani slacks. However , you should dress up which will vary depending on income and physical health.

I’ve struggled with sex addiction for part of my life, and I don’t appreciate it at all when either gender is wearing something that is a cause for an occasion of sin for me - especially when I’m at Mass. I don’t care about labels. I’m worried about how easily I can allow myself to get sucked into the sin of lust.

I ought to at least get a break from the onslaught of immodesty I see in this world when I’m at church. Geesh. Have a heart.

 

[EasterJoy]

Also, what is wrong with a t-shirt with a skull on it? It seems to me many people take issue with that. A skull is a constant reminder, now then, isn’t it? I have one on my desk and another on a poster in my library here. I would think a skull on a t-shirt wouldn’t pose an issue in a Catholic Church…maybe even one with a snake. I mean, it’s why we’re there, people.

I don’t know. I don’t think we’re there to preach to each other via advertisements on our clothing.

 

[EasterJoy]

Speaking of, considering the time it takes to get lipstick off of purificators, I’d like to propose this “dress code rule”:

If you plan to receive the Precious Blood, refrain from wearing lipstick! Please!

(My tongue is a little bit in my cheek, but only a little bit… I really do hate dealing with lipstick stains…)

 

[adstrinity]

Speaking of, considering the time it takes to get lipstick off of purificators, I’d like to propose this “dress code rule”:

If you plan to receive the Precious Blood, refrain from wearing lipstick! Please!

This I agree with. I don’t see any reason to wear lipstick (or makeup for that matter) to church. If you’re going to recieve the Blood, it’s discusting and one should know better. If’ one is at an EF Mass, nobody is going to see you, anyway…except when they judge you for not wearing a skirt…

 

[CFI]

Why is that?

We take seriously Exodus 3:5: “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” In most churches bare feet are mandatory.
It is also a cultural theme: bare feet are compulsory in all Hindu temples.
It is a sign of respect (for example often schoolboys take off their sandals entering in the director’s office).

 

[Jacafamala]

There are limits on what kind of limits a pastor can set, in absence of approval by his bishop.

My old parish was started by the congregation of a priest who, back in Minnesota in the 1880s or so, gave a Sunday homily in which he forebade hoop skirts in church. In those days, there was apparently a Sunday afternoon service, too. When the young ladies showed up in their hoop skirts, he drove them from the church with a stick.

He was placed under interdict by his bishop for this. Although he tried to contact the bishop and clear the matter up, he died before the penalty was lifted. He was revered as a saint by his congregation nonetheless, and they took his body with them when they moved to Oregon.

Oh my gosh, Easter. Like Joseph of old, they carried his bones?!?!?!?!

Remember that you would probably not be the only stubborn man waiting for Mass to start.

Hey, I’m a woman.

I know too many guys who would make a posse and eject anybody their pastor wanted out of the church, particularly if it was holding up Mass. If Father said “No sandals”, then it would be “no sandals” and no guff from anybody who didn’t like it, and that would be that. If you wouldn’t leave, they would unceremoniously pick you up and carry you out, even if you were as big as a horse and as ornery as a mule and it took 20 of them to do it, because that is the way they were raised. You may be as stubborn as any O’Malley ever born, but you don’t want to single-handedly take on a pastor whose congregation is full of Catholic men from Germanic or Eastern European farm stock. You may as well try to mess with the Pope in the presence of the Swiss Guard. Right or wrong, you will not win.

I don’t think that the point will ever come to a practical test, however, which is a relief.

Oh no, I’ve never been a bouncer. And I’m Irish American, which means I’m here primarily for some laughs… And something to feed my soul once in a while, too.

 

[EasterJoy]

Oh my gosh, Easter. Like Joseph of old, they carried his bones?!?!?!?!

As nearly as I can tell, in those days the parents did not object whatsoever to priests who directly assisted in correcting their children. (Actually, I am guessing that the best the kids could pray for was that their parents would never catch wind of the fact that a priest or nun had to publicly correct the kid in the first place. )

But yes, apparently they put his casket on the train with their farm equipment and set up a little shrine for the body when they arrived in Oregon. I think there are still pictures in existence. Some thought his body didn’t decay, evidence that his sanctity was real. Others maintain that he was so emaciated from severe asceticism before he died that there wasn’t much room for more shriveling after he died. At least that is the version of the story I remember. At any rate, there was a fire and the shrine was destroyed. There are also rumors as to whether or not the fire was accidental, or whether a later pastor (or his partisans) objected strongly enough to the thing to burn it down on purpose.

Hey, I’m a woman.

Oh no, I’ve never been a bouncer. And I’m Irish American, which means I’m here primarily for some laughs… And something to feed my soul once in a while, too.

The “stubborn” part of the answer was to OMalley, who doubts a dress code could be enforced on him. I agree with him that it is remotely likely that anyone would try it, or that a priest would allow them to try it, but unlike him I do not find it at all unlikely that there are places where, if the pastor gave the green light, the effort would succeed rather quickly.

 

[SHW]

You do understand that the meaning of the story had nothing to do with outer garments, right?

Jesus was trying to tell us to get our SOULS ready for His coming…which is my priority when I attend Mass. I make sure that I am ready to receive Him by getting there early for Confession or a Rosary before Mass. As for outer garments, neat, clean and modest are my only rules.

I agree. My clothing budget is small (“end” of clearance sales and thrift stores). I wear the same type of clothes to weddings as I do to church. I have no fancy clothes. Mine all have to do “double” duty and I am sure that there are many Catholics like me who need to spend their money on shelter and food and medical bills instead of fancy “wedding type” clothes for church-wear.

 

[SHW]

The only problem is the wide variation of what folks consider “modest”. There would probably still be discussions over that. Especially when it comes to women, and it seems like 99% of the discussions on clothing involve either men telling women what they should wear or women telling other women what they should wear-sometimes even accusing women of breaking church law for not wearing the “proper” clothing.

I wore a knee-length split skirt to a TLM once and got publicly reprimanded for it by a strict TLM woman even though it completely covered my knees when I sat down. After that, I only wore skirts that reached well below my knees. I thought that she was uncharitable, but I did not say anything in return regarding her criticism. My clothes are always very modest.

The problem that I have with these type of people is that they live in a time warp. The new Roman Missal of 1962 was slightly different than the previous one. I am sure that there would have been some more changes if the TLM had not been illegally suppressed and locked in a time warp.

The new Code of Canon Law, that now binds us, also has no law regarding mandatory head coverings for women or for men and women to sit apart in Mass as was the law in the early church due to the early church leaders’ continuance of Jewish customs which they implemented in the new covenant church. These were also the local customs for attending worship services. These are disciplines and can be legitimately changed by the Church hierarchy when she chooses to change them.

 

[SHW]

Just a thought - Jesus in a suit!

Then add a mobile phone, nice hair cut, shiny black shoes & a briefcase. Purity?

(I hold little respect for ‘the suit’, for some it holds a good upstanding gentleman. For me it holds corporate greed, capitalism and the suffering of millions)

I think neckties for men are just plain silly as these are functionless fashion accessories that waste our resources in the name of tradition, but this is just my personal opinion. When I was in the workforce, I knew several men who were very vain about their collection of neckties and bragged about how many they had and how much they cost, etc.!

 

[SHW]

I do not own a dress or skirt and have no intention of doing so.

It’s too cold in Nebraska in the winter to wear dresses. I froze when I grew up in Iowa and we “had” to wear dresses to school and to church back in those days. I developed arthritis at an early age and was so happy when women could wear slacks (I added long underwear under them!).

 

[EasterJoy]

I wear the same type of clothes to weddings as I do to church. I have no fancy clothes.

The clothes only need to be modest and in the best condition one can manage. After all, our primary adornment ought to be virtue, not vanities.

I think neckties for men are just plain silly as these are functionless fashion accessories that waste our resources in the name of tradition, but this is just my personal opinion. When I was in the workforce, I knew several men who were very vain about their collection of neckties and bragged about how many they had and how much they cost, etc.!

It is like vanity in any other kind of dress. That one wears an item that signals “dressed up” does NOT imply one has to have a version of that item that is in the latest style or made of costly materials. A decent necktie can last for many, many years.

As for bragging about what one spends, I cannot imagine a more boorish mode of conversation. I think it ideal when the people who are obviously highest on the economic ladder make a point of it to wear modest clothing and to avoid outer displays of their wealth. It puts those more at ease who can’t compete, and puts an obstacle in the way of those who want to compete, since their vanities show up clearly as the display of insecurity that they are.

 

[Jacafamala]

As nearly as I can tell, in those days the parents did not object whatsoever to priests who directly assisted in correcting their children. (Actually, I am guessing that the best the kids could pray for was that their parents would never catch wind of the fact that a priest or nun had to publicly correct the kid in the first place. )

But yes, apparently they put his casket on the train with their farm equipment and set up a little shrine for the body when they arrived in Oregon. I think there are still pictures in existence. Some thought his body didn’t decay, evidence that his sanctity was real. Others maintain that he was so emaciated from severe asceticism before he died that there wasn’t much room for more shriveling after he died. At least that is the version of the story I remember. At any rate, there was a fire and the shrine was destroyed. There are also rumors as to whether or not the fire was accidental, or whether a later pastor (or his partisans) objected strongly enough to the thing to burn it down on purpose.

Oh my gracious! What a story.

The “stubborn” part of the answer was to OMalley, who doubts a dress code could be enforced on him. I agree with him that it is remotely likely that anyone would try it, or that a priest would allow them to try it, but unlike him I do not find it at all unlikely that there are places where, if the pastor gave the green light, the effort would succeed rather quickly.

A dress code is enforced at my church. But the priests are very kindly. I wouldn’t imagine them correcting anyone in anyway but the gentlest of manner.

 

[mick321]

Adults should dress appropriately whenever they appear in public. If there is a dress code, observe it. Otherwise, let good taste be your guide. Respect your host. In any case, one should never dress in a way that would tend to incite an immediate breach of the peace - whatever the venue.

On my first visit to a local SSPX chapel earlier this year, I noticed the dress code was posted on a signboard near the entry. Jacket and tie recommended. I was in slacks, dress shoes and long-sleeved dress shirt. My next discovery was that everyone wishing to enter mass was greeted outside by Mr. Usher. Not knowing what to expect, I was relieved when he said “good morning sir” and opened the door for me. Inside, I found that I was one of the most casually dressed. The point was made without a word being said.

Local NO parishes however, have entirely different sensibilities. Jeans, shorts, bare feet, wife-beater undershirts, miniskirts, swimsuit tops, facial tattoos and piercings, iPod with headphones, reversed baseball caps…? No problem. If you’re not a priest, just say you’re with the band.

 

[jesuspsr]

I would dress my Sunday Best for the Lord. Enuff said.

If you guys think that wearing sandals, flip-flops, spaghetti-strapped shirts, etc is OK and justify it by saying…“it’s the internals that matters most…” then go ahead…

Just remember the mass is heaven touching down on earth… if Angels and saints are in robes during this marriage supper of the lamb…who do you think you are to dress up inappropriately? sinner.

DITTO:thumbsup:

 

[damooster]

Jacket and tie recommended.

But not required.

 

[Phillieagle]

So many in this discussion state I can wear what I want. I have no issues with that but I would also be willing to bet those same people wear clean modest clothing to church. I take no issues with that. My issues are with those assisting in the Mass. Today we had 3 women in the Choir 2 (both well past 40) of them were in Mini Skirts that were so short and tight that they could not sit down without holding tightly to the bottom of their skirts. What is more irritating than this is that there is an old unused piano and a keyboard in the front of church, so that the choir is on the Altar. This is not the first time this has come up in this Parish it has been discussed with the Pastor and those that complained got Homilised for the next 3 weeks. Then we have an EMHC come to the Altar in shorts. So all of those that want to defend wear what you want it is what is inside, this is correct. But as our standards drop and we in turn accept anything we also remove the desire from our children to maintain Sunday as the Sabbath the day of rest. I have worn and occasionally wear jeans to Mass. There is a time and a place for everything. If you want to make a fashion, a political stance, support your team, favorite band or whatever do that in an appropriate venue. When you come to the house of the Lord dress in Clean modest clothing. It is for one hour a week. You have 167 hours to support your beliefs that are not religious related then.

The requirements At St Peters and those in Manila are not that hard to follow.

 

[mkingdomlvr]

So many in this discussion state I can wear what I want. I have no issues with that but I would also be willing to bet those same people wear clean modest clothing to church. I take no issues with that. My issues are with those assisting in the Mass. Today we had 3 women in the Choir 2 (both well past 40) of them were in Mini Skirts that were so short and tight that they could not sit down without holding tightly to the bottom of their skirts. What is more irritating than this is that there is an old unused piano and a keyboard in the front of church, so that the choir is on the Altar. This is not the first time this has come up in this Parish it has been discussed with the Pastor and those that complained got Homilised for the next 3 weeks. Then we have an EMHC come to the Altar in shorts. So all of those that want to defend wear what you want it is what is inside, this is correct. But as our standards drop and we in turn accept anything we also remove the desire from our children to maintain Sunday as the Sabbath the day of rest. I have worn and occasionally wear jeans to Mass. There is a time and a place for everything. If you want to make a fashion, a political stance, support your team, favorite band or whatever do that in an appropriate venue. When you come to the house of the Lord dress in Clean modest clothing. It is for one hour a week. You have 167 hours to support your beliefs that are not religious related then.

The requirements At St Peters and those in Manila are not that hard to follow.

That is something that I find jarring-the sports jerseys. I can understand kids wearing their soccer jersey if Mass is right before the game-but these over 40 adults wearing their favorite teams jersey to Mass on Sunday seems a little strange.

I think the St Peters standards are easy enough to follow, and most people do already. At Mass last night I only saw a couple of folks who would have been outside those guidelines. I would guess that might be because I live in Central Florida and between the heat and the close proximity to the theme parks people “come as they are” a little more often.

 

[newbear]

It was very interesting reading about how one should dress for church services. Just remember that the church is the members, not the building that we go to for the church services. we have to watch what we wear everyday, just not for going to church. we are the church for everyone that we come into contact with 24/7. Newbear

 

[RoncalliM]

I would say this is mostly a trend amongst young people. As a young person myself, I can tell you how few of my peers attend mass regularly. Making an issue of something as insignificant as this will drive more away. The chief role of the formal Catholic Church is, in my opinion, to bring about the kingdom of heaven here on Earth.

To do this, Benedict needs to call people to do things within our power as humans. Increasing voluntary kidney donation, for one. Imagine if 50K Catholics in the USA stood up and said that we as a group will satisfy the entire transplant list? Or if every family with income over X adopted a child in need? This is how we bring about the kingdom, not through silly nitpicking.