Proper Dress and Behavior for Catholic Men

[Agripa]

Are we arguing for sloppiness or laxness in dress?

Not arguing “for” it, rather making the point that how we dress is really a vanity we exercise for the sake of other human beings.

It seems if a man goes to worship in a holy place (church, temple, tomb, forest, garden, whatever), the act of worship is the critical thing - not whether he is wearing a comfortable pair of old jeans and slippers or a black suit, starched collar and polished shoes.

In my book, those that make an issue of it are missing the point of worship entirely and are but show-offs to a congregation.

I would imagine from the Church’s perspective, especially in these days of its steady decline, the priest would prefer simply to see many more bodies in the pews regardless of dress.

 

[chevalier]

In the context of the above, I would say church is not a place to make nonchalant fashion statements if one is into that. No fashion review, but showing respect is important. It isn’t worth much without a matching attitude right in one’s heart, but lack of it isn’t a great thing, either.

 

[Shin]

Not arguing “for” it, rather making the point that how we dress is really a vanity we exercise for the sake of other human beings.

It seems if a man goes to worship in a holy place (church, temple, tomb, forest, garden, whatever), the act of worship is the critical thing - not whether he is wearing a comfortable pair of old jeans and slippers or a black suit, starched collar and polished shoes.

In my book, those that make an issue of it are missing the point of worship entirely and are but show-offs to a congregation.

I would imagine from the Church’s perspective, especially in these days of its steady decline, the priest would prefer simply to see many more bodies in the pews regardless of dress.

This is totally off, dressing properly is part of decency and modesty, dressing properly is not vanity. It is a deceit of the devil to say that it is so, and so do away with any standards of modesty and decency in dress.

There has been no talk of ‘fashion statements’ but simply dressing properly and respectfully for the greatness of attending the holy mass. What one wears -is- a -deed- that shows some of the interior of a person.

The Lord cares about what one wears, He has said so in scripture more than once.

 

[Agripa]

This is totally off, dressing properly is part of decency and modesty, dressing properly is not vanity. It is a deceit of the devil to say that it is so, and so do away with any standards of modesty and decency in dress.

There has been no talk of ‘fashion statements’ but simply dressing properly and respectfully for the greatness of attending the holy mass. What one wears -is- a -deed- that shows some of the interior of a person.

The Lord cares about what one wears, He has said so in scripture more than once.

I hardly think a pair of jeans and a shirt are “immodest” per se so we need to define what level of fashion is demanded by those in church with the up-turned noses. Is it a distain for the casual dresser or the immodest dresser? Two different things I think, but if all righteous eyes were on the alter and their brains and hearts connected with the activity thereupon, I hardly think what others to the left and right are wearing would be an issue!

On the occasion I am in a church, I dont think think my jeans and golf shirts are immodest nor do I think God as channelled to me by the priest care one wit.

Hmmm . … on the other hand . . . perhaps the RC was a bit quick to make St. John a saint - since he wore dirty grubby disrespectful sack cloth all those years in the desert as an Essene.

 

[Kilo1Mike21]

Personal point of view…
If many of you have been watching the news, western SD was hit by a pretty good blizzard this past Monday/Tuesday (23/24 Mar 09). My family spent 2 1/2 hours shoveling snow yesterday so we are able to get to work today. I am 60% disabled from injuries sustained while serving in the military. I was so sore this morning that just putting on a sweatshirt and jeans to get ready for work left me worn out even after taking prescribed narcotics for pain and muscle spasms. I attended noon mass today so I offended God by the way I was dressed today I guess not to mention the military who were in dirty utilities because they came during their lunch break and didn’t hvae time t change.
Please don’t say “you have an excuse, you’re disabled and it’s difficult for you” or “why couldn’t your wife help you dress?”. According to comments made by some, it doesn’t matter, I should have “bitten the bullet” so I would be presentable at mass today or the wife should have taken 30 minutes off of work to drive home so I could be dressed properly.
What about other gatherings? RCIA? Is it not stated that when “you gather and speak my name, I am there?” I am a team member as well as a sponsor; should I dress like some of you have indicated because we pray and sing before we begin class? If not, why is it just mass? Is our Lord present only at that time? How about - dress to the best of your physical/financial ability - to present a modest appearance for all church gatherings.

 

[Agripa]

Personal point of view…
If many of you have been watching the news, western SD was hit by a pretty good blizzard this past Monday/Tuesday (23/24 Mar 09). My family spent 2 1/2 hours shoveling snow yesterday so we are able to get to work today. I am 60% disabled from injuries sustained while serving in the military. I was so sore this morning that just putting on a sweatshirt and jeans to get ready for work left me worn out even after taking prescribed narcotics for pain and muscle spasms. I attended noon mass today so I offended God by the way I was dressed today I guess not to mention the military who were in dirty utilities because they came during their lunch break and didn’t hvae time t change.
Please don’t say “you have an excuse, you’re disabled and it’s difficult for you” or “why couldn’t your wife help you dress?”. According to comments made by some, it doesn’t matter, I should have “bitten the bullet” so I would be presentable at mass today or the wife should have taken 30 minutes off of work to drive home so I could be dressed properly.
What about other gatherings? RCIA? Is it not stated that when “you gather and speak my name, I am there?” I am a team member as well as a sponsor; should I dress like some of you have indicated because we pray and sing before we begin class? If not, why is it just mass? Is our Lord present only at that time? How about - dress to the best of your physical/financial ability - to present a modest appearance for all church gatherings.

The point is its not how we physically appear before the God we worship - its supposed to be what’s in the heart of the worshiper. To make an assumption based on appearance is wrong and it should not even be a consideration by anyone - to do so is to cast a stone. I am amazed at how many stones are cast by avid chuch-goers, even with all that stained glass!!

 

[Kilo1Mike21]

The point is its not how we physically appear before the God we worship - its supposed to be what’s in the heart of the worshiper. To make an assumption based on appearance is wrong and it should not even be a consideration by anyone - to do so is to cast a stone. I am amazed at how many stones are cast by avid chuch-goers, even with all that stained glass!!

Agree very much with you Sir/Ma’am! I know how I feel in my heart when I am at Mass…the love of Jesus and that’s all that matters.

 

[Sailor_Kenshin]

Not arguing “for” it, rather making the point that how we dress is really a vanity we exercise for the sake of other human beings.

It seems if a man goes to worship in a holy place (church, temple, tomb, forest, garden, whatever), the act of worship is the critical thing - not whether he is wearing a comfortable pair of old jeans and slippers or a black suit, starched collar and polished shoes.

I disagree with that part, at least.

 

[ppasa316]

I often wonder how Jesus would be accepted in some of our churches of today. How would they respond to Him if He came in a robe and sandals. Would those same people who are dressed in coats and ties not welcome Him. Kind of sounds like the hippie days where denominational churches would not welcome them because of their long hair, barefeet and torn jeans. I do agree that if you have the clothing to dress nicely you should but I don’t think we should judge people because they don’t have the clothing like everyone else. I attend Calvary Chapel where the clothing rule is relaxed. Don’t get me wrong if their is someone dressed inappropiatley then they would be spoken too in brotherly love. I would hate to stop someone from hearing God’s Word because of how he or she is dressed. I know that God would hold me accountable to that.

 

[Agripa]

I often wonder how Jesus would be accepted in some of our churches of today. How would they respond to Him if He came in a robe and sandals. Would those same people who are dressed in coats and ties not welcome Him. Kind of sounds like the hippie days where denominational churches would not welcome them because of their long hair, barefeet and torn jeans. I do agree that if you have the clothing to dress nicely you should but I don’t think we should judge people because they don’t have the clothing like everyone else. I attend Calvary Chapel where the clothing rule is relaxed. Don’t get me wrong if their is someone dressed inappropiatley then they would be spoken too in brotherly love. I would hate to stop someone from hearing God’s Word because of how he or she is dressed. I know that God would hold me accountable to that.

Well, I think if the Son of God was to come back today, we could debate what form of clothes he might wear - would he necessarily dress as a middle eastern Semite would 2000 years ago, or would he dress as we might today, and if so, would he appear neatly dressed “to the nines” or would he be more casual, choosing perhaps a sporty look of khaki shorts, a coordinated polo pullover and some Sperry topsiders - or in some other outer-wear entirely? But we digress from the point - which for me is that the whole debate seems shallow and pretentious when it comes to what we humans wear to a moment of public worship - to worry about it seems to miss the point of the activity - at least according to the Christian Message.

 

[Penance94]

The point is its not how we physically appear before the God we worship - its supposed to be what’s in the heart of the worshiper. To make an assumption based on appearance is wrong and it should not even be a consideration by anyone - to do so is to cast a stone. I am amazed at how many stones are cast by avid chuch-goers, even with all that stained glass!!

But, Should we not wear our best when we are meeting the King of Kings?

 

[adelore]

Hey Will, this is nothing against you personally, I have just heard the “God & King” line once too often.

Yes, He is my God & King, but he is also my daddy as well (Jesus uses “abba” for a reason). And my dad knows me. He knows when I dress up respectfully and when my dress is bull. He knows me, so He knows how I show respect for Him and how I don’t, and more importantly, I know it also.

The way someone dresses is not a measure of the love and respect they have for God or His house. I have seen too many people in rags who are devout and too many in suits who are a shell with no love inside. This is as bad as those who judge the measure of our brothers and sisters by how much they put in the collection plate or which Mass they attend.

If you want to measure the love and respect people have for God, look at the ones who are giving back, volunteering, stuggling to live the Gospel. I would rather have a bunch of T-shirt & jeans wearing long hair biker types at Mass who live the Gospel than a bunch of shirt and tie poser’s who do not. (Sorry for the stereotyping long hair biker types.)

If we want to debate our personal opinions as to what we would like to see everyone wear in Church, fine. But could we all please knock off the holier than thou judgements?

Thanks for letting me rant. We now return you to your thread.

You forgot to add this to the end of your thread…

Ok now all joking aside, yes I have to agree and disagree with you at the same time.

1. True how we dress Outside of Mass, doesn’t always show if we live the Gospel.
2. Again True how we dress **FOR **Mass doesn’t always show if we live the Gospel…But and I add a Big Butt…we are not dressing to impress others…not at all…we dress for Respect and Reverance for our Lord.

If a person can dress up for a fancy dinner, work or going to the whitehouse, or something on that order…Does not our Lord deserve even more?

1. True He is our Father…but do tell, does He not deserve…the Very Best we have? Whatever that may be…and we each know what the best is we can afford, or what we have at home that is our Very Best.

I now return you back to your thoughts…

 

[adelore]

Well, I think if the Son of God was to come back today, we could debate what form of clothes he might wear - would he necessarily dress as a middle eastern Semite would 2000 years ago, or would he dress as we might today, and if so, would he appear neatly dressed “to the nines” or would he be more casual, choosing perhaps a sporty look of khaki shorts, a coordinated polo pullover and some Sperry topsiders - or in some other outer-wear entirely? But we digress from the point - which for me is that the whole debate seems shallow and pretentious when it comes to what we humans wear to a moment of public worship - to worry about it seems to miss the point of the activity - at least according to the Christian Message.

If you read the Bible…it tells how Jesus is going to be dressed…He’s going to come back just like He left…so I doubt we have to worry about the khaki shorts, the polo pullover ect…

 

[Bataar]

I dress casual for everything. I abhor the feeling of “stiff shirts”. I don’t think God cares how I dress and I don’t what other people think of my dress. I’m a jeans and t-shirt guy and proud of it.

 

[Agripa]

If you read the Bible…it tells how Jesus is going to be dressed…He’s going to come back just like He left…so I doubt we have to worry about the khaki shorts, the polo pullover ect…

And if you are aware of early Church history, you would also know that those who wrote the Gospels thought Christ’s return was imminent - so naturally they thought he would return in a manner in which they were accustomed and wrote such in the writings that would be included in the collection of writings that became the Bible as most know it. . And this leads to a side discussion about the image Christians still carry of Jesus - a Nazerene Semite with long hair, beard, mustache and white robes (and we in the European West like to think he had blue eyes too!) - and yet that image was from distant past - I wonder how relevant that image is today for those of us in the West?

 

[Sailor_Kenshin]

And here I thought the Word was Eternal.

 

[JohnPaul64]

Normal dress for my church by men which is a rural church in a college town, Some wear camouflage hunting jackets, hooded jerseys, team sweatshirts from either the college or from the Steelers, I’ve seen sweat pants and baggy shorts too. Me I wear a nice dress shirt, nice jeans and a nice jacket. I may dig out the suit for Good Friday and Easter. Yes dress standards have gone down. Not just the men either. Kids are worse. At least they’re going to mass.

 

[EnchantedEve]

An excellent book I can recomment is by a friend of mine, Dr. Marian Horvat. It is called “The Manual of Civility,” and is a translation of an older Brazilian work. Solely Catholic oriented, I find it an extremely helpful guide.

That being said, one idea traditionally expressed is the old addage “The clothes make the man.” This is true. Many of the saints reflected that manners of dress should reflect a sober and serious approach to life, even though this does not necessarily mean you are always serious!

That being said, I never wear athletic shoes except for athletic purposes. I own only pants, never wear shorts, only have collared shirts, and wear a jacket and tie to dinner and Holy Mass. Now I am 23 years old, and my father wears ONLY shorts, t-shirts, and sneakers. In fact, he wears my old basketball sneakers from when I was 12! (I am one shoe size larger than him). My father is not a devout man, and I think that in many ways his clothing has been a reflection of his more liberal philosophy. Our clothing should be reflective of our faith, and our commitment to being serious about it.

Just a thought.

 

[Agripa]

An excellent book I can recomment is by a friend of mine, Dr. Marian Horvat. It is called “The Manual of Civility,” and is a translation of an older Brazilian work. Solely Catholic oriented, I find it an extremely helpful guide.

That being said, one idea traditionally expressed is the old addage “The clothes make the man.” This is true. Many of the saints reflected that manners of dress should reflect a sober and serious approach to life, even though this does not necessarily mean you are always serious!

That being said, I never wear athletic shoes except for athletic purposes. I own only pants, never wear shorts, only have collared shirts, and wear a jacket and tie to dinner and Holy Mass. Now I am 23 years old, and my father wears ONLY shorts, t-shirts, and sneakers. In fact, he wears my old basketball sneakers from when I was 12! (I am one shoe size larger than him). My father is not a devout man, and I think that in many ways his clothing has been a reflection of his more liberal philosophy. Our clothing should be reflective of our faith, and our commitment to being serious about it.

Just a thought.

Sheesh!!! - sounds like you live a pretty serious, button down, no-nonsense life. I guess parties, laughter, conviviality and frivolity are out of the question. Thats o.k., I am sure heaven will allow you the pleasure of some sort of “spiritual” wearing shorts. What ever you do, dont focus on Bernini’s statue of St. Theresa of Avila - its not very sober or serious…

 

[Sailor_Kenshin]

Why do you equate proper dress with a no-fun zone?

And aren’t most of the arguments for laxity in dress based simply on: 'Because I am more comfortable like that."