Our priest dresses like the janitor

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No offense to janitors (thank God for them!), but one of our parish priests never wears priestly clothes outside of mass. I am particularly disturbed when we take our children to CCD and there he is wearing shabby sweat pants and an old flannel shirt. This would seem to send a message to the kids that being a priest is nothing special. Are there any regulations on when priests must wear something that identifies them as a priest? :confused:
 
Get off his case.

It bothers me a whole lot more when priests wear $600.00 clerical suits
 
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hypnotist:
Get off his case.

It bothers me a whole lot more when priests wear $600.00 clerical suits
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There’s a big gap between a ratty flannel shirt and a $600.00 clerical suit. I think a Roman collar should be worn, at least when priests are at the church or around a large group of the faithful. If he wants to hang out in his office or in the rectory in sweats, fine.
 
Give me a break. I’ll bet you get bothered by seeing a Marine in uniform too. Even if an average clerical suit did cost $600 which it doesn’t (catholicsupply.com/churchs/clerd.html)), I would much rather have church funds spent for a few suits [Mod note - uncharitable generalization deleted].
 
Get off his case.
He knows what he needs to do in order to do what he does.
If dressing like the poor is important to him, let him live his lfe that way.
You want to be a priest and walk around in clerics, you go get yourself ordained .
You are terribly, terribly lucky you have a priest ; be more grateful and less critical.
Consider his example and spend less money on your appearance.
Praise him, thank him; be good to him.
Stop pretending that you know more than he does about how he should dress.
 
Code of Canon Law, canon 284: “Clerics are to wear suitable ecclesiastical garb in accord with the norms issued by the conference of bishops and in accord with legitimate local custom.”
(From Code of Canon Law Latin-English Edition, Canon Law Society of America, 1995, ISBN 0-943616-20-4, page 101).
 
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john8791:
No offense to janitors (thank God for them!), but one of our parish priests never wears priestly clothes outside of mass. I am particularly disturbed when we take our children to CCD and there he is wearing shabby sweat pants and an old flannel shirt. This would seem to send a message to the kids that being a priest is nothing special. Are there any regulations on when priests must wear something that identifies them as a priest? :confused:
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from the code of canon law section 284
Code: 
Canon 284 - Clerical Dress

On November 18, 1998, the Latin Rite de iure members of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops approved complementary legislation for canon 284 of the Code of Canon Law for the Latin Rite dioceses of the United States.

The action was granted recognitio by the Congregation for Bishops in accord with article 82 of the Apostolic Constitution Pastor Bonus and issued by decree of the Congregation for Bishops signed by His Eminence Lucas Cardinal Moreira Neves, Prefect, and His Excellency Most Reverend Franciscus Monterisi, Secretary, and dated September 29, 1999.

Complementary Norm: The National Conference of Catholic Bishops, in accord with the prescriptions of canon 284, hereby decrees that without prejudice to the provisions of canon 288, clerics are to dress in conformity with their sacred calling.
** In liturgical rites, clerics shall wear the vesture prescribed in the proper liturgical books. Outside liturgical functions, a black suit and Roman collar are the usual attire for priests. The use of the cassock is at the discretion of the cleric.**
Code: 
In the case of religious clerics, the determinations of their proper institutes or societies are to be observed with regard to wearing the religious habit.

As President of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, I hereby decree that the effective date of this decree for all the Latin Rite dioceses in the United States will be December 1, 1999.

Given at the offices of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops in Washington, DC, on November 1, 1999.


Most Reverend Joseph A. Fiorenza
Bishop of Galveston-Houston
President, NCCB

Reverend Monsignor Dennis M. Schnurr
General Secretary
 
You can tell him how to dress.
How do you know what “usual” means? Answer is: you don’t and it is not your job to pretend to supervise him.
You want to be his boss? Be his pastor, dean, vicar, bishop .
Otherwise, keep your place and leave him alone.
Can you replace him ?
 
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hypnotist:
Get off his case.
He knows what he needs to do in order to do what he does.
If dressing like the poor is important to him, let him live his lfe that way.
You want to be a priest and walk around in clerics, you go get yourself ordained .
You are terribly, terribly lucky you have a priest ; be more grateful and less critical.
Consider his example and spend less money on your appearance.
Praise him, thank him; be good to him.
Stop pretending that you know more than he does about how he should dress.
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I think you misunderstand my point. Of course I am grateful to have a priest. Even Mother Theresa wore her habit when helping the poor. “Dressing like the poor” does not help the poor. These are two different subjects. Even Jesus did not scoff at money being spent for liturgical reasons. Matthew 26:6:
“Now when Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, 7 a woman came up to him with an alabaster flask of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head, as he sat at table. 8 But when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? 9 For this ointment might have been sold for a large sum, and given to the poor.” 10 But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a beautiful thing to me. 11 For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me.”
 
I agree that it doesn’t have to be expensive to dress appropriately. A collar is correct when in public and more casual attire when at home, exercising, etc.

We have a priest in a neighboring paish who always looks very nice and well groomed. His suit is well pressed and his shoes have a glossy shine. About a month ago, I sat a couple of pews behind him when he was leading a rosary, and I noted that the soles of his shoes were almost worn through. His appearance is important to him because of the respect it attributes to his priesthood, but he is a humble man and would never get a new pair of shoes when he can re-sole this pair.

Always pray for our priests. They are holy and humble men who withstand many foul remarks and insults because of a few that have caused scandal. I try to remember them on their anniversaries of ordination and frequently to thank them for what they do for us.
 
I understand your concern and would share it. Yet one more innovation that further reduces the impact and dignity of the priesthood in my opinion…secular dress.

A priest is viewed as a representative of the Church Jesus founded. To non-Catholics, he represents the Catholic Church. He has an obligation to represent the Church in an appropriate manner. Sweats and a flannel shirt don’t cut it, I’m sorry.

I give our pastor a lot of credit. Everytime he is at a church or school event, he is in his cleric with collar. When he is in public, he typically has on black pants and a plain polo type shirt - I’d prefer the cleric, but he does better than many other priests.
A priest in a parish I visited once wore silk pants and shirt before Mass as he was preparing the altar, complete with a gold chain around his neck (not a crucifix) and a gold bracelet. It was horrific. I’d rather have the sweats and flannel.
 
You know that you are not in a position to tell him how he should dress.
You know that you wouldn’t dare tell that to your boss or anyone else that you had to show respect to.
But you want to tell the priest.
You want to tell him what to do.
You know that a thousand other people have mentioned it to him. Or do you have the arrogance to think you are so much more perceptivve than the rest ?
You just want a little more out of the guy, just a little more.
And you know that he won’t tell you to shove ( or worse)off like he could and maybe should.
You just want a little more.
Maybe he’s just at his limit, and “a little more” will be the proverbial straw. Maybe he’s not at his limit, and someone else will toss the last straw on. But your’s will be part of the load all the same.
Or you could exercise patience and humility and learn what you can from the guy and give up your temptation to boss hiim; sacrifice for both your benefits.

Fat chance that.
.
 
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hypnotist:
You know that you are not in a position to tell him how he should dress.
You know that you wouldn’t dare tell that to your boss or anyone else that you had to show respect to.
But you want to tell the priest.
You want to tell him what to do.
You know that a thousand other people have mentioned it to him. Or do you have the arrogance to think you are so much more perceptivve than the rest ?
You just want a little more out of the guy, just a little more.
And you know that he won’t tell you to shove ( or worse)off like he could and maybe should.
You just want a little more.
Maybe he’s just at his limit, and “a little more” will be the proverbial straw. Maybe he’s not at his limit, and someone else will toss the last straw on. But your’s will be part of the load all the same.
Or you could exercise patience and humility and learn what you can from the guy and give up your temptation to boss hiim; sacrifice for both your benefits.

Fat chance that.
.
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A priest can be talked to with respect but still be reminded of his duty. Wouldn’t you want someone in your workplace to gently correct you about something rather than everyone stewing about it behind your back? I don’t want “more” out of guy. I just want a reasonable attempt for him to look like a priest when he is at church related functions. I don’t think that’s going to put him over the edge. When he came to speak to the CCD classes my kids didn’t even know he was a priest.
 
I would have to wonder if there is another reason your priest is in sweats and a flannel shirt. Could he be doing some of the janitorial duties and it just so happens to always be on the day your children have CCD? If that is the case then you can point out how your Priest isn’t afraid to do the menial labor for the Parish, he just wants to keep his good, work clothes in good shape, like when your children come home from school, they change into play clothes.

Just one thought on this.

Brenda V.
 
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john8791:
A priest can be talked to with respect but still be reminded of his duty. Wouldn’t you want someone in your workplace to gently correct you about something rather than everyone stewing about it behind your back? I don’t want “more” out of guy. I just want a reasonable attempt for him to look like a priest when he is at church related functions. I don’t think that’s going to put him over the edge. When he came to speak to the CCD classes my kids didn’t even know he was a priest.
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BAH to respect. Hector this guy mercilessly, MERCILESSLY I SAY!!!, until he caves and starts dressing like a priest instead of a hobo. Don’t give him a moments peace. Get on his case and jump up and down. Repeatedly. :bounce:

If that doesn’t work, write the bishop and cite Canon Law. If that doesn’t work, write to Rome. **Never give in until he’s in a cassock every waking hour!!!

**Or you could just move to a different parish. It’s your call.
 
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john8791:
No offense to janitors (thank God for them!), but one of our parish priests never wears priestly clothes outside of mass. I am particularly disturbed when we take our children to CCD and there he is wearing shabby sweat pants and an old flannel shirt. This would seem to send a message to the kids that being a priest is nothing special. Are there any regulations on when priests must wear something that identifies them as a priest? :confused:
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I was going to ask if you lived in Central Ohio but the priest I was thinking of would never be found anywhere near a CCD class.

James
 
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john8791:
Give me a break. I’ll bet you get bothered by seeing a Marine in uniform too. Even if an average clerical suit did cost $600 which it doesn’t (catholicsupply.com/churchs/clerd.html)), I would much rather have church funds spent for a few suits than on lavish homes that I see lot’s of Protestant ministers live in.
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its just amazing how protestants always get into the conversation. funny. becausei see no point of mentioning them here. seems like this was going to be totally catholic, but i guess there is always the comparison. or the attempt to judge others?
 
I have Going My Way on on the background, the scene where Fr. Omalleys is new to the parish and greets the pastor in sweats because his good black suit just got sprayed by a sanitation truck. Then when he gets the teenage gang together to try and transform them from delinquents to a choir, he is wearing a baseball jacket. When he takes them to a movie, he is wearing clericals, and around the parish he is wearing the long black cassock. guess he dresses for the occasion.

Our former parish sometimes dressed like the janitor because he did a lot of the yard work for exercise and because he enjoyed gardening. Maybe you could suspend judgement, or save your condemnation for the priests with real problems. So far you are very fortunate if that is the worst thing you ever encounter.
 
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puzzleannie:
I have Going My Way on on the background, the scene where Fr. Omalleys is new to the parish and greets the pastor in sweats because his good black suit just got sprayed by a sanitation truck. Then when he gets the teenage gang together to try and transform them from delinquents to a choir, he is wearing a baseball jacket. When he takes them to a movie, he is wearing clericals, and around the parish he is wearing the long black cassock. guess he dresses for the occasion.

Our former parish sometimes dressed like the janitor because he did a lot of the yard work for exercise and because he enjoyed gardening. Maybe you could suspend judgement, or save your condemnation for the priests with real problems. So far you are very fortunate if that is the worst thing you ever encounter.
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I love Going My Way. It’s one of my favorites. “A golf course is nothing but a pool room moved outdoors.” :rotfl:

I never got the sanitation truck though. Did they used to have trucks go down the streets in New York and spray water? For what purpose? Seemed a bit odd to me.

Anyhoo, classic movie. I’ll bet Fr. O’Malley dumped his cassock shortly after Vatican II, though. 😦
 
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