I would love to write a letter for our bulletin

[ewthebq]

I would love to write a letter for our bulletin. I would like it to say something about the fact that now that it is summer and we are not wearing coats, jackets and sweaters, please dress appropriately. We have some young women that wear sleeveless, strapless dresses to church. Of course the whole time they are jacking them up because they have no straps and are constantly trying to keep it up. Then many have nice large tattoos on their back which you get to see. Even if the tattoo is of a cross or something religious I really don’t want to see it. I know I should be paying attention and not looking at what people are wearing, but if I feel this way, what about that 14 year old boy sitting behind her?
Is there a nice way to say, could you please wear a little sweater or jacket at least in church, once you leave I don’t care what you wear. I feel the same way about short shorts and really short skirts. Would it be wrong for me to write a little letter for the bulletin? I would sign it. I am also on the church council, but I’ve even seen some of those men wear shorts to church. Really like they have no other clothes. It’s not even for 2 hours. I’d appreciate any thoughts or suggestions on this matter. I have thought of bringing it up at the next council meeting…maybe Father could write something. I know the priest we have now won’t say anything, but then again I shouldn’t assume.
Thanks in advance.

 

[Elizium23]

The best you can hope for is to ask your pastor to say a word about it. If your pastor is not receptive to the idea then it will not go far. You could consider applying fraternal correction if you are well acquainted with the people who dress like this. Tell them politely that modesty is important to Christians and that they should consider that they may cause others to sin by their actions.

Fortunately, my pastor is quite strict about modesty and there are frequent announcements and bulletin notices about the dress code inside the church. Most parishioners have taken his advice; unfortunately there is a dire shortage of young Anglo people in this parish and so most of these people are elderly and have had a modest wardrobe for many years.

 

[nansialex1959]

I would have talk with your parish priest. Our priest puts a similar type of note in the bulletin starting each spring. It’s really put a stop to all the tank tops, bare midriffs and shorts at Mass.

 

[revert_jen]

Yes, it is the pastor that really has to lead this. If your parish has the money, he could try setting the temperature a bit low during Mass. People will do more because they’re cold than because they’re told. That way you aren’t penalizing the people who dress appropriately by making them swelter.

–Jen

 

[105lynne]

Talk to your priest about this. I had a WONDERFUL priest who would periodically say something at the end of Mass about it. He was always sweet and humble and just said that we need to remember we’re in the house of Our Lord and we should dress modestly and respectfully. It didn’t ever have any long term effect on those people dressing inappropriately, but the priest could honestly say he did his part as leader of the church to at least mention it. If he gives you permission to put something in the bulletin, awesome! If not, maybe gently ask if he could mention it after Mass one day or post some flyers around the entrance of the church. Good luck and God bless you for trying! Modesty is so very important!

 

[fieldsparrow]

Where are these parishes with air conditioning? It’s been so hot lately I feel like this at Mass but without the lemonade :tanning:

I do wish that people would dress a bit more modestly and maybe not wear flip-flops to Mass, but I also agree that it needs to come from the priest. I spotted a letter from the pastor in a local parish bulletin this week about proper attire and behavior at Mass (and NO CHEWING GUM!), which I rather liked. Decided to go there for 7am today since my parish isn’t offering it this week due to lack of priest availability, and was delighted to find a reverent and beautiful celebration. I’ll be going back tomorrow.