Mass Attire: How to Explain?

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prophetdaniel

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Why is it that lectors or children’s liturgy leaders should not be wearing jeans during Mass? I need to explain this to some friends of mine. Thanks in advance.
 
down here a new pair of jeans is considered dress clothes or formal attire by many gentlemen, so I would not necessarily criticize.
 
Like Annie said, its normal here too. It just depends on what type of jeans they are. If they are nice then no big deal. If they’re the antiqued style that is out these days (ripped up and distressed looking) then no way. Totally not appropriate for Mass.

I would explain it as we should always try and look our best in God’s presence. Then again God knows when wearing our “Sunday best” is available to us and when its not (i.e. being homeless) - He takes us anyway we come. So, maybe its simply a social thing?
 
In my opinion (and thats all it is), one should wear what they find respectful.
They are attending the Great Mass… The Sacrafice of Our Lord.
If they feel jeans are fine, I suppose they will wear them.
If they feel suit, tie, dress, ect… are more respectful, that is what they will wear.

I’d think one should also conform somewhat to the general area… Not so in saying one should degrade their clothing to fit in better, but to take into thought what might be considered a little attention grabbing (pink suit) and might distract.

In my area, it’s more khaki’s and collar shirt… The other day I attended in a suit, tie and all, and even with the adults there, I was the only one other than the ushers dressed as so.
But I wore it out of respect, not to attract attention ect… It’s what I felt was deserving to the Lord and it was something I could offer.
If I’d notice other’s being distracted by it, I would probably not return that way, not wanting to distract others from the Great Sacrafice of the Mass.

So, imho, one should look at 1) What they consider respectful and appropriate 2) Possible reasons for wearing clothers 3) Might this cause more distraction to others then normal

So, if they are attending an area where everyone comes in their best… and Jeans are kinda :rolleyes:
Though, if other’s see nicer dress, hey they might join in right? 👍

Sorry if that was a bit off topic and rambling… I suppose you could suggest what they allow their kids to wear is somewhat an example setter…
 
A lot of Dressier clothes are made out of Demin these days, Pants, skirts, dresses ect. I have a beautiful demin pants outfit that is very dressy, as well as a demin dress and I wear both to Mass. Now on the other hand "baggie, ripped or very faded jeans are another story they do not belong in Mass.
 
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prophetdaniel:
Why is it that lectors or children’s liturgy leaders should not be wearing jeans during Mass? I need to explain this to some friends of mine. Thanks in advance.
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Are you in the South?

If not then tell them that they are the example to those coming to mass.
If you wouldn’t go to a wedding on a Saturday afternoon in jeans why would you come to Holy Mass?
 
netmil(name removed by moderator):
Are you in the South?

If not then tell them that they are the example to those coming to mass.
If you wouldn’t go to a wedding on a Saturday afternoon in jeans why would you come to Holy Mass?
Click to expand...
yes, formal attire for men at weddings, quinceneras, funerals and other events is often a new, clean pair of jeans, usually with a long-sleeved white shirt, string tie with elaborate silver clip matching a huge silver belt buckle, and of course snakeskin boots. Stetsons are removed at the door of church, however.
 
If you wouldn’t wear it to an interview, then you can’t wear it to mass. That’s my rule.
 
Jeans stopped being work clothes and became appropriate attire about 20 years ago.
 
netmil(name removed by moderator):
Are you in the South?

If not then tell them that they are the example to those coming to mass.
If you wouldn’t go to a wedding on a Saturday afternoon in jeans why would you come to Holy Mass?
Click to expand...
I’ve seen people go to weddings in jeans. And halter tops with hot pants.

I don’t have a problem with jeans for Mass, but I think serving at the Mass in a leadership capacity calls for something a little bit more formal. Jeans are just too casual for a lector, cantor, etc.
 
Jeans are OK for Mass attendees, but when we read/lector, we get a firm reminder in our packet for the month about the dress code–for Sunday Mass, no jeans allowed. It’s just more respectful. During the week, things are a little more relaxed. I read practically every Wedneday am and since I’m rushing off to work afterwards, I wear jeans.
 
I was told by our director of readers/lectors that men were to have dress pants, a suitable shirt and a jacket and that on Sunday we would have to wear a tie also.
 
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prophetdaniel:
Why is it that lectors or children’s liturgy leaders should not be wearing jeans during Mass? I need to explain this to some friends of mine. Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Many will argue it is what is in the heart not what you wear. They will argue that Jesus did not dress formally.

Consider this: Jesus came down from heaven to meet us. He dressed down to be with us. When we are in Jesus’ house we are therer to meet him and should dress up. All of us!
 
I like the post on wearing what you would to an interview. I’d qualify that by saying, wear what you would wear if you had an interview/meeting with an important government official (one of my sons would wear his cleanest jeans and t-shirt), or what you would wear to a wedding (ditto!)

It’s a matter of respect. You are entering into the abode of the King of Kings, the God of the Universe. What you consider respectful attire might be different for someone else (like my son). God knows what is in our hearts, He knows whether we are there in reverence and worship.

An old nun once told us that if we don’t have time to change, it is better to come straight from the cowshed (milking cows), just take off your boots at the door, God will understand. But she then said, that we should change if there is time.
 
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puzzleannie:
yes, formal attire for men at weddings, quinceneras, funerals and other events is often a new, clean pair of jeans, usually with a long-sleeved white shirt, string tie with elaborate silver clip matching a huge silver belt buckle, and of course snakeskin boots. Stetsons are removed at the door of church, however.
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Is this for real? Does this sort of attire go all the way across the social spectrum from professionals to manual laborers?
 
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mercygate:
Is this for real? Does this sort of attire go all the way across the social spectrum from professionals to manual laborers?
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This would be formal attire for the parents of the school where I teach
(predominately Hispanic), as it was at my previous school (on the Navajo Reservation).
 
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mercygate:
Is this for real? Does this sort of attire go all the way across the social spectrum from professionals to manual laborers?
Click to expand...
In my experience the casualness or the formality of the attire is largely dictated by the person’s social and professional status.

I will be attending a quinceanera tommorrow in Houston, I will be wearing a nice coat and tie. However I do think that some in attendence will be wearing more casual dress.

Houston is of course a very large city, the dress in more rural areas does tend to be more casual.

Trick
 
To address the OP’s question, I would suggest that children could reasonably be expected to wear their school uniforms to serve at Mass. Kids in public school could wear the equivalent.

My blue-collar-to-middle-management parish in suburban NYC has a stated dress code for readers & EMHCs: Jacket & tie (but not necessarily suits) for men and the equivalent for women – basic office attire.
 
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prophetdaniel:
Why is it that lectors or children’s liturgy leaders should not be wearing jeans during Mass? I need to explain this to some friends of mine. Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Because they are setting the example for the rest of the Parish. That is what our Priest told us.
 
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