On Plain Catholic Living

[ParvaDei]

This is another thread based on Catholics like us near VA:

From **catholic_rn **

Hello,

I’m new to the forum! I’m looking forward to getting to know you all!!

I’m wondering if there are any other Catholic in or near Virginia like us - ones who homeschool, dress ‘plain’ and wear head coverings most of the time? I don’t mind being the only Catholic I know like this, but I’d like our children, particularly our daughters, to be able to connect with others like them.

Anyone?

Now, I know in my VA parish (in Loudoun, to be exact), I know of one family who does a similar thing (not plain like the Amish, but plainer than the usual Catholic), and I know of at least one Quaker who has gone full plain dress.

But for those Plain Catholics out there, I just want to ask: is stricter (than usual) separation from the world really a part of the Plain Catholic spirituality? Or is there a variety of opinion here? (Maybe it’s just me since I’ve read QuakerJane’s website and I sympathize more with her opinion on how to live plainly in the modern world more than I do the Amish – at least in terms of application and not specifically Quakerly reasoning. )

 

[ohioplain]

Hi from Ohio .,
Plain-catholics can be at different levels of plainess.Being plain involves many things with dress being one.We do try to seperate ourselves from the world,but there is no specific
‘rule’ on how much seperation this should be.From my own way of thinking this should first be a change of heart with actions that follow.That can start by simply looking at yourself and your life and that of the ‘world’.Do you need to stay connected 24 hrs a day?
Is texting driving you nuts,shouldn’t people talk-face to face if at all possible?Do your TV habits uplift you or do they degrade you?Do new styles of clothing,fancier cars and jewelry
really do anything for you,or are they a symptom of pride?Do you read books and magazines that support unhealthy/unholy lifestyles and keep your interest,but leave your anxious and depressed?We can never completely seperate from the world except to enter a cloister.But we can make great strides.The result-time spent in the yard talking with neighbors instead of watching TV.Time spent talking with your spouse or even eventually being comfortable in silence with your spouse.No worries about the jewelry we will wear because we don’t wear any.No trying to keep up with fads.By the time you can accept a plain heart the dress follows pretty easy.Will people look at you different?Sure.But some will look at you for better,some for worse,it evens out.Most never look at you either way.
I believe it is possible to be plain in the city,but easier in rural areas or smaller towns.Seperate yourself from the bad and questionable-not from life.Still be a spouse,a parent,a child,a neighbor-a more in tune one with less distractions really.Forget about being ruled by pride as our culture demands.I know some will say dressing/living plain is pridefull-but it’s just being plain.Does it make a statement.Yes,that I am plain,simple in a good way.Am I trying to be Amish?No,just plain.The Amish do that well and it is silly to berate them for it;they live simple (not perfect) Christian lives.But there are other plain groups and they all look a little different-but they all look plain.So to start-look around,see what your heart is telling you,pray.Put the cell phone away or use it only for real emegencies.Go through your books and magazines and donate the less then fitting ones.
Turn off the Tv except for news or weather-or not at all.If you need to watch something,
rent or buy dvd’s that you can agree are fitting.Don’t use even those for a crutch to keep from life.Don’t medicate yourself with TV and radio that indoctrinates us and keeps us from our true selves.Plant a garden,learn to can,to sew,to play a simple instrument.
Then dress plain and you will not be perfect,you are not better then others,but IF
you are called to this way of life you will spend more time in prayer,more time with family and neighbors,more time in life that God has given.Live instead of watch.If anyone would like to write me (real mail) reply via this forum.We are plain-catholics from Ohio.We are plainer then some,not as plain as others,but content.May God bless and keep you!

 

[perro_sarnoso]

This is another thread based on Catholics like us near VA:

Now, I know in my VA parish (in Loudoun, to be exact), I know of one family who does a similar thing (not plain like the Amish, but plainer than the usual Catholic), and I know of at least one Quaker who has gone full plain dress.

But for those Plain Catholics out there, I just want to ask: is stricter (than usual) separation from the world really a part of the Plain Catholic spirituality? Or is there a variety of opinion here? (Maybe it’s just me since I’ve read QuakerJane’s website and I sympathize more with her opinion on how to live plainly in the modern world more than I do the Amish – at least in terms of application and not specifically Quakerly reasoning. )

It doesn’t require a geographical separation…just a realigning of your priorities.

I pray the Rosary everyday. I make a distinct sign of the cross before meals-wherever I may find myself. I wear the Brown Scapular. I carry the Rosary in my pocket and don’t waist any opportunity to explain it’s origin and effectiveness to anyone that may ask.

When asked what my religion is…I am Catholic. Sometimes the conversation goes: oh, I’m a christian…and I say, " well, Catholics are the original christians…are you saying that you are a Catholic?"

Don’t waist the opportunity to be catholic and to proclaim the simple truth. You don’t have to be a theologian or a recluse.

I am a solitary even though I am surrounded by people on a daily basis. One word- and I am alone with Jesus.

 

[ParvaDei]

Hi from Ohio .,
Plain-catholics can be at different levels of plainess.Being plain involves many things with dress being one.We do try to seperate ourselves from the world,but there is no specific
‘rule’ on how much seperation this should be.From my own way of thinking this should first be a change of heart with actions that follow.That can start by simply looking at yourself and your life and that of the ‘world’.Do you need to stay connected 24 hrs a day?
Is texting driving you nuts,shouldn’t people talk-face to face if at all possible?Do your TV habits uplift you or do they degrade you?Do new styles of clothing,fancier cars and jewelry
really do anything for you,or are they a symptom of pride?Do you read books and magazines that support unhealthy/unholy lifestyles and keep your interest,but leave your anxious and depressed?We can never completely seperate from the world except to enter a cloister.But we can make great strides.The result-time spent in the yard talking with neighbors instead of watching TV.Time spent talking with your spouse or even eventually being comfortable in silence with your spouse.No worries about the jewelry we will wear because we don’t wear any.No trying to keep up with fads.By the time you can accept a plain heart the dress follows pretty easy.Will people look at you different?Sure.But some will look at you for better,some for worse,it evens out.Most never look at you either way.
I believe it is possible to be plain in the city,but easier in rural areas or smaller towns.Seperate yourself from the bad and questionable-not from life.Still be a spouse,a parent,a child,a neighbor-a more in tune one with less distractions really.Forget about being ruled by pride as our culture demands.I know some will say dressing/living plain is pridefull-but it’s just being plain.Does it make a statement.Yes,that I am plain,simple in a good way.Am I trying to be Amish?No,just plain.The Amish do that well and it is silly to berate them for it;they live simple (not perfect) Christian lives.But there are other plain groups and they all look a little different-but they all look plain.So to start-look around,see what your heart is telling you,pray.Put the cell phone away or use it only for real emegencies.Go through your books and magazines and donate the less then fitting ones.
Turn off the Tv except for news or weather-or not at all.If you need to watch something,
rent or buy dvd’s that you can agree are fitting.Don’t use even those for a crutch to keep from life.Don’t medicate yourself with TV and radio that indoctrinates us and keeps us from our true selves.Plant a garden,learn to can,to sew,to play a simple instrument.
Then dress plain and you will not be perfect,you are not better then others,but IF
you are called to this way of life you will spend more time in prayer,more time with family and neighbors,more time in life that God has given.Live instead of watch.If anyone would like to write me (real mail) reply via this forum.We are plain-catholics from Ohio.We are plainer then some,not as plain as others,but content.May God bless and keep you!

Hmm . . . I see what you mean. But it’s just that on the Plain Catholics web site, what I see tends to be more on the side of homesteading and stricter separation from the world (I never meant completely separate, of course ).

Thus, I was just wondering why the Plain Catholics tend to be more influenced more by the Anabaptist practice (such as the Amish, Conservative Mennonites, etc.) rather than the Quakers, let’s say. (Not that I’m saying that you’re trying to be Amish, but at the same time, the approach to separation seems to be more similar to them than some of the other plain groups.) Indeed, there are always certain universal approaches to simplicity (one can mention St. Francis and other saints all the way to Zen Buddhist monks), but at the same time, I’ve always wondered why I never really see Plain Catholics in the context of Quaker-like activism (showing that plainness can equal action) rather than Anabaptist-like seclusion.

But then again, I may just be a bit ignorant here. . . . (which is why I ask, right? )

(By the way, the reason why I’m interested in this subculture is not only because I admire simplicity, but I’m curious as to why they would adopt such a praxis. That’s all – as for the calling of plainness, I feel more called to headcovering specifically than true plainness itself. Or maybe God’s just dragging me in slowly. . . . )

 

[Plain_Catholic]

Hmm . . . I see what you mean. But it’s just that on the Plain Catholics web site, what I see tends to be more on the side of homesteading and stricter separation from the world (I never meant completely separate, of course ).

We are missionary farmers, living in the rural areas and maintaining separation from popular culture regarding modesty, prayer and the media.

Thus, I was just wondering why the Plain Catholics tend to be more influenced more by the Anabaptist practice (such as the Amish, Conservative Mennonites, etc.) rather than the Quakers, let’s say. (Not that I’m saying that you’re trying to be Amish, but at the same time, the approach to separation seems to be more similar to them than some of the other plain groups.)

Rather, it was the Anabaptists that were influenced by Catholic monasticism’s simplicity of life and clothing. Michael Sattler was the prior of a Benedictine abbey when he left to marry and join the Amish. He wrote their ordnung based on the Rule of St. Benedict.

Indeed, there are always certain universal approaches to simplicity (one can mention St. Francis and other saints all the way to Zen Buddhist monks), but at the same time, I’ve always wondered why I never really see Plain Catholics in the context of Quaker-like activism (showing that plainness can equal action) rather than Anabaptist-like seclusion.

Activism requires a great deal of interaction with secular culture to a large degree. Plain Catholics prefer prayer as activism rather than engaging in the political processes. After all: “Prayer joined to sacrifice constitutes the most powerful force in human history.”-JPII

(By the way, the reason why I’m interested in this subculture is not only because I admire simplicity, but I’m curious as to why they would adopt such a praxis. That’s all – as for the calling of plainness, I feel more called to headcovering specifically than true plainness itself. Or maybe God’s just dragging me in slowly. . . . )

Could very well be. Prayers for your discernment.

 

[perro_sarnoso]

This is another thread based on Catholics like us near VA:

Now, I know in my VA parish (in Loudoun, to be exact), I know of one family who does a similar thing (not plain like the Amish, but plainer than the usual Catholic), and I know of at least one Quaker who has gone full plain dress.

But for those Plain Catholics out there, I just want to ask: is stricter (than usual) separation from the world really a part of the Plain Catholic spirituality? Or is there a variety of opinion here? (Maybe it’s just me since I’ve read QuakerJane’s website and I sympathize more with her opinion on how to live plainly in the modern world more than I do the Amish – at least in terms of application and not specifically Quakerly reasoning. )

All in due time my friend,

A life of prayer and a life of the spirit nurtured by the Sacraments of Confession and Communion. Pray the Rosary every day. Wear your Scapular.

Be an obvious catholic: at work; at play; alone and with others. In public and in private.

Latin Rite ? You’re in the right place.

 

[Talia94]

Hi! I’m completely new to this website, but I actually joined because I wanted to talk about plain living and see what people know and what they think about it. I’ve felt called to a plainer life for a few years now (despite the fact I’m only 19) and have actually followed the calling. I wear skirts most of the time, and want to learn a number of new things to make me less dependent on buying things. I was just wondering, what do you all think of living a plainer life?

 

[Lady_Love]

To be Catholic is primarily to be the body of Jesus Christ in the world. Jesus Himself prayed not that we would be taken out of the world but that we would not be “of” the world. We have a responsibility to the lost and forsaken, the sick, the mentally ill, the broken, to be the hand that reaches out to heal and accept. We are to “go out to the ends of the earth and preach the good news.”

Isolation has never really been propagated by the church, although, there are a few exceptions. It really depends on what the motivation for isolated living are. A few reasons why someone would live in isolation are: contemplative lifestyle that focuses solely on God and being set apart just for Him, to console the heart of Jesus and offer penances and prayers for the church. Also, temporary isolation for the sake of formation or healing/re-booting. But both of these situations are in need of guidance by a spiritual director.

Often, what motivates people to live in isolation is fear, self-centeredness, persecution, avoidance or haughtiness. People who live in isolation run the risk of various forms of pride and disconnect with humanities suffering. Sometimes, these types view the world as “evil,” which is contrary to Catholic teaching. There is evil in the world but there are souls, who Jesus died for, who are starving for the light and love of God through us. If we isolate ourselves we are neglecting the “thirsting” Jesus. Sometimes isolationists think that “things” are evil and they want to stay away from things but scripture says, “To the pure, all things are pure but to the impure all things are impure.” We are called as Catholics to use the good things of the earth to glorify God, which was their intent to begin with.

As far as “plain” dress is concerned, the way we dress is only an occasion of sin if we find our “identity” in it, if we place too much importance on it. I myself like to wear a bit of flashy jewelry because it helps provoke conversation with women. Women love to open conversations with, “Wow, I love your earrings! or Wow! I love your shoes!” I, myself, don’t place a lot of importance on how I dress but I always like to be contemporary so that I am not intimidating to the people who avoid Catholicism because they think it is too rigid. Overall, I dress simply but I enjoy a few accent pieces. My husband loves to get me jewelry because it delights him to see it on me. He loves to get me things that sparkle. I am his “bride adorned…” We adorn our churches but WE are the true “temples of the Holy Spirit.” Having the right intention can sanctify things making them a means to glorify God and praise Him.

 

[Plain_Catholic]

You can read more on the latest edition of the Catholic Catechism’s mandate to modesty here
plaincatholic.webs.com/modestyandpurity.htm

Regarding clothing which is a means, not an end: Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC):
There is scarcely any proper use of material things which cannot be thus directed toward the sanctification of men and the praise of God."176

Those who serve God and the Church will often wear clothing that is separate from the fashions of popular culture. This clothing is considered a sacramental, akin to a scapular, a veil, a blessed medal, etc. As such, each person must first discern to what charism he/she is called. This discernment is based upon the calling to a particular mission, not its clothing style. It has been known as religious orders will attest, that the habit can sometimes first get the attention of an individual; but it is the love of God which becomes the focus of those called to a particular charism that serves Him.

With the multitude of charisms in the Church, there is something for everyone regardless of background or personality to be able to serve God in love and faith. These charisms are considered equal in the eyes of God and the Church. Plain Catholics are simply one of the many charisms extant and their mission is to bring the beauty of the Catholic Faith to the rural areas and those who are plain.

In yesterday’s (Oct. 16, 2013) Pope Francis reminds us:

The Church must be missionary because “a closed Church betrays its own identity,” the Pope said and believers must be prepared for the mission. “Are we sacristy Christians?” Francis asked off-the-cuff. Are we Christians “who only talk the talk, but live like pagans? We must ask ourselves these things! This is not a rebuke. I too, ask myself am I a Christian? With my witness, really?" “So, today we discover all the beauty and the responsibility of being an Apostolic Church! And remember, huh? : Apostolic because we pray - our first task - and because we proclaim the Gospel with our lives and also with words,” the Pope said.

vaticaninsider.lastampa.it/en/the-vatican/detail/articolo/francesco-francisco-francis-chiesa-church-iglesia-28674/