Knights and Squires/Uniforms or Costumes?

[goout]

Depends on your point of view.
I’m just relaying that the Hispanic community that I know does not appreciate the imagery of colonial conquest. Doesn’t matter if that’s the intended impression or not, that’s how many people who’s culture is affected by it take it.
I respect their point of view.
In our diocese the bishop does not allow the swords at Masses.

 

[dochawk]

The Knights originally as a mutual benefit society to working-class and immigrant Catholics in the United States, so insurance was a natural offshoot.

True, but not nearly strong enough.

Catholics had the most dangerous jobs the time, and a lot of widows and orphans to take care of. The KofC was founded for that purpose. Originally, the hat was passed at each death, and the expected contribution from each member was significant ($5?).

in a few years the insurance was formed not as an offshoot but a refinement and a way to guarantee the amounts.

For “normal” sized policies, you can’t touch the rates for AAA rated life insurance, while at something like a quarter million (term life) it is competitive, and not so much for large than that. They made adjustments a few years ago, but when I first got a $1M policy (I took what it would cost to support my wife and two small child through college for the three of them, including tuition, and doubled to account for inflation), it cost exactly 100 times as a $10,000 policy would have been; that’s no longer the case.

Anyway, the rates are so much better at “normal” sizes to make a compelling case for young Catholic men to join for the insurance alone.

hawk, GK, PFN, FGK

 

[Mattapoisett64]

KFC? Actually, I think what they wear at Kentucky Fried Chicken is really more attractive than the new Honor Guard uniforms. I can’t imagine what Supreme was thinking; looks like “seduction by consultant” to me. And I’m sure that some of our more conservative dioceses would embrace your idea of sidearms at liturgy - for example, threatening those who dare to hold hands during the Our Father (I’m looking at you, Lincoln).

 

[Inisfallen]

I would also add that if you’re like me and have spent time at ren faires, Goth clubs and watched a lot of 70s era “blaxploitation” films, the plumed hats and capes seem like just another day at the office.

Now if only a tricked-out Cadillac, painted purple, came with the uniform. . .

 

[FaithfulKnight]

Since you put that way…It does kind of sum up the situation.
Nicely done.

 

[RoseScented]

Huh… I live in the Diocese of Arlington and the Knights at my parish definitely draw their swords when they are acting as honor guard at the altar of repose after the Mass of the Lord’s Supper. Growing up in this diocese all the other parishes I’ve been a member of have also always had drawn swords. I learned something unexpected today.

 

[MikeInVA]

Our color corps commander told us that the bishop does not want drawn swords at his functions, and our pastor no longer wants us to have them drawn because he’s following the bishop’s lead.

 

[Titivillus]

Yes, some pastors request the color corps to not carry swords.

And I have never heard of a SK who thought anything wrong nor inappropriate about such request. We serve at the pleasure (and invitation) of the pastors.

ETA:
In fact, the manuals foresee this circumstance, noting: “When a sword is not permitted for any reason the Service Baldric shall be worn nevertheless.”

 

[Hereiam]

I’m just happy to see Catholic men willing to serve. I don’t get fired up one way or another about their outfit and those who do wear it seem to be wearing it with pride. Maybe focus more on the Blessed Sacrament and less on what people are wearing, mmmkay?

Agreed in being happy that men are willing to serve…In regards to the focus on the Blessed Sacrament, it should be entirely on Jesus, and zip-point-nada on the people escorting the sacrament…that is where my focus is, that is why I personally found the get-ups cartoonish and unnecessary.

But, in fairness, I did say I expect to take some lumps for expressing an opinion, so I’m not hanging my head in shame over those remotely, or grandly, offended…because, who am I?

 

[Mtatum1958]

Thank you to all, and especially, to all fellow Knights, for the good comments and the focus on our service to the parish and church. Unlike other pages, the focus here seemed to be on what is truly important.