Proper Dress and Behavior for Catholic Men

[Highwayhound]

What did Jesus say to the young rich man in Matthew 19?

Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to (the) poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

This statement would be in direct contradiction to the parable of the wedding feast. That is if the parable is taken literally. I think Jesus would not contradict himself. As I understand the parable of the wedding feast it is about the internal dressing of one’s soul not the outward dressings of a body.

To the shirt and tie supporters - do you know when the tie was invented? What did men do before the invention of the tie?

Where does God’s Word say what you have to dress like. I don’t want to hear what the church says but God’s Word. Here you are passing judgement and don’t even know what my heart is all about. I am here to teach the word of God not to pass judgement on how people dress… …Have a heart and don’t be so legalistic

Based on the above statement what are your thoughts on 1 Corinthians 11:5-6, 1 Timothy 2:9, and 1 Peter 3:3? Each one cited makes a statement on dress (in this case of women) yet I am sure not many churches would be requiring that these be followed.

No, but we know what’s on someone’s back.

Why do people assume that if we wish to dress respectfully we are ‘preening’ or ‘putting on a fashion show’ or ‘trying to impress people?’

I for one do not make that assumption. If the ritual of dressing up helps prepare one’s soul for mass then it is a good habit. If the ritual hardens one’s heart towards other members of the body of Christ then it is a bad thing.

How would people react if they talked to a Catholic man that wears an old pair of tattered shoes and found out that he wears the old shoes instead of buying new ones so he can donate more money to charity? What then would you think of the man?

God bless

 

[Cracker_Mom]

I think its fine if you wich to wear nice clothes to church or wherever.

The problem is when we start “expecting” others to do the same. Worship of a god is ultimately a personal thing - how each of us chooses to do that is really no one’s business unless our practice somehow interferes with another’s abilitiy to do the same thing.

If the focus of Church is to give a human expression of devotion to God, than that is the focus - not going there to nit-pick what other people wear to church.

I am truly amazed at the on going debate over this issue!

You are amazed at this debate in the T.C. forums?

 

[damooster]

1 Timothy 2:9

1 Peter 3:3-4

Romans 14:13

(I’m not picking on women; I think costly garments apply to men too).

 

[ppasa316]

What did Jesus say to the young rich man in Matthew 19?

Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to (the) poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

This statement would be in direct contradiction to the parable of the wedding feast. That is if the parable is taken literally. I think Jesus would not contradict himself. As I understand the parable of the wedding feast it is about the internal dressing of one’s soul not the outward dressings of a body.

To the shirt and tie supporters - do you know when the tie was invented? What did men do before the invention of the tie?

Based on the above statement what are your thoughts on 1 Corinthians 11:5-6, 1 Timothy 2:9, and 1 Peter 3:3? Each one cited makes a statement on dress (in this case of women) yet I am sure not many churches would be requiring that these be followed.

I for one do not make that assumption. If the ritual of dressing up helps prepare one’s soul for mass then it is a good habit. If the ritual hardens one’s heart towards other members of the body of Christ then it is a bad thing.

How would people react if they talked to a Catholic man that wears an old pair of tattered shoes and found out that he wears the old shoes instead of buying new ones so he can donate more money to charity? What then would you think of the man?

God bless

Are you a woman? Time to get of the High Horse and don’t worry if someone comes in wearing a t shirt and jeans. Im sure when we see the Lord, he isn’t going to condemn us for what we wear. I would love more kids to come to church dressed how they are. At least they are trying to change their lives.

 

[Sailor_Kenshin]

What did Jesus say to the young rich man in Matthew 19?

Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to (the) poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

This statement would be in direct contradiction to the parable of the wedding feast. That is if the parable is taken literally. I think Jesus would not contradict himself. As I understand the parable of the wedding feast it is about the internal dressing of one’s soul not the outward dressings of a body.

To the shirt and tie supporters - do you know when the tie was invented? What did men do before the invention of the tie?

Based on the above statement what are your thoughts on 1 Corinthians 11:5-6, 1 Timothy 2:9, and 1 Peter 3:3? Each one cited makes a statement on dress (in this case of women) yet I am sure not many churches would be requiring that these be followed.

I for one do not make that assumption. If the ritual of dressing up helps prepare one’s soul for mass then it is a good habit. If the ritual hardens one’s heart towards other members of the body of Christ then it is a bad thing.

How would people react if they talked to a Catholic man that wears an old pair of tattered shoes and found out that he wears the old shoes instead of buying new ones so he can donate more money to charity? What then would you think of the man?

God bless

Nobody’s talking about that kind of case, but I think you know it.

 

[sarahraegraham]

I think we can all agree that it is true that what is on the outside is not always a reflection of what is on the inside. I don’t believe that any of the previous posters who are calling for a “dress code” sotospeak, are doing so out of judging what’s on the inside. They are, however, calling into question how much effort and/or thought is being put into how we approach the Lord.

I cannot remember where I read it or who said it, but it was something like how we worship affects our spirituality. Because we are sensible creatures (having senses, ie. sight, taste, smell, touch, etc.) are worship is greatly affected by our senses. For example, if you walk into a sanctuary where there is near complete silence before, during and after services, you feel a certain way because of the external. For many people (myself included) silence brings with it a feeling of awe and reverence and respect. Conversely, if you walk into a sanctuary where before, during and after services there is “commotion” or whatever other word could be used, the people will tend toward casualness, irreverence and disrespect EVEN though it may be inadvertent.

How we worship (the environment, how we dress, how we act) it all affects our experience. And I think that is what the majority of these posters (and I would include myself among them) are trying to impart to us all. It’s not about being “holier than thou” and it’s not that God looks more upon one than the other because of what’s on the outside. But what’s on the outside affects our inside, which God IS concerned with.

I would only ask that you take these thoughts into consideration.

ETA: I just wanted to mention that I myself have just recently “adjusted” my personal dress code for Mass and have found a WORLD of difference in how I feel and act. It’s been very positive for me.

 

[Extempore]

To the shirt and tie supporters - do you know when the tie was invented? What did men do before the invention of the tie?

Uh, they wore whatever was considered to be dressy attire for the time, and according to their means. Of course, years ago, gentlemen usually always dressed up in public, not just in situations where they had to (i.e. Mass). The poorer classes, not having an extensive wardrobe, would resort to appearing clean and in the nicest clothing that they owned. So, no matter your social class, you made an effort.

Don’t make this harder than it needs to be.

My question for you all is why do we no longer make an effort to dress better for Mass?

I think the answer can be summed up in one word: Liberalism.

Any other theories?

 

[Eddie_Mac]

Any other theories?

Laziness (sloth)?

Fashion (idolatry)?

Bless me Father for I have sinned…

Eddie Mac

 

[ppasa316]

Uh, they wore whatever was considered to be dressy attire for the time, and according to their means. Of course, years ago, gentlemen usually always dressed up in public, not just in situations where they had to (i.e. Mass). The poorer classes, not having an extensive wardrobe, would resort to appearing clean and in the nicest clothing that they owned. So, no matter your social class, you made an effort.

Don’t make this harder than it needs to be.

My question for you all is why do we no longer make an effort to dress better for Mass?

I think the answer can be summed up in one word: Liberalism.

Any other theories?

I think the answer for you is legalistic . I would not want to go to your church if you frown on a person because of what they wear. Whether they are poor or not. Let it go brother or sister. I really don’t think christ will condemn us or judge us by what we wear. Rather than the condition of our heart of Worship for Him.

 

[Shin]

olfchapel.org/Rubrics/Rubrics.htm

We know from our Faith that Christ is present in the Blessed Sacrament, and that the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is the most exalted form of worship given to us by God. In the Mass, it is Christ Who worships, Who adores, Who intercedes for us.

Given the lofty dignity of Holy Mass and the Presence of God in our Tabernacle, modesty and appropriate attire are required in our Chapel. Please observe, at a minimum, the following guidelines when attending Church services:

* No T-shirts, jeans and other casual clothing that is unsuitable for Church
* No immodest tops or blouses should be worn
* Women and girls' skirts and dresses should cover the knee when seated
* Women and girls should cover their heads while at Mass out of modesty

 

[damooster]

olfchapel.org/Rubrics/Rubrics.htm

We know from our Faith that Christ is present in the Blessed Sacrament, and that the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is the most exalted form of worship given to us by God. In the Mass, it is Christ Who worships, Who adores, Who intercedes for us.

Given the lofty dignity of Holy Mass and the Presence of God in our Tabernacle, modesty and appropriate attire are required in our Chapel. Please observe, at a minimum, the following guidelines when attending Church services:

* No T-shirts, jeans and other casual clothing that is unsuitable for Church
* No immodest tops or blouses should be worn
* Women and girls' skirts and dresses should cover the knee when seated
* Women and girls should cover their heads while at Mass out of modesty

That’s one FSSP parish instituting a dress code. Good for them.

But until there’s a universal dress code, let people wear what they want.

 

[Extempore]

I think the answer for you is legalistic . I would not want to go to your church if you frown on a person because of what they wear. Whether they are poor or not. Let it go brother or sister. I really don’t think christ will condemn us or judge us by what we wear. Rather than the condition of our heart of Worship for Him.

This might sound abrupt, but if one believes (that is TRULY believes) that Christ is present in the Holy Eucharist at Mass that alone should be the only reason we dress up and it should be more than sufficient motivation. That’s what I’m not getting. And, to reiterate and caveat for the millionth-time, the people I am taking issue with are the people whom, although they can act differently, consciously make the decision to dress in a slovenly manner at Mass.

Now, I’m not dismissing your argument because you are Protestant (au contraire, I have seen many a Protestant congregation dressed very well on Sundays) but I think the Real Presence issue is what makes it most pertinent for Catholics to show up clean, well-groomed and wearing something befitting of the fact.

Contrary to what appears to be popular belief, the Church is not a meeting hall, a “gathering space” or a community center. One’s dress should reflect this understanding.

 

[Darius]

Proper dress for mass: clothes! I know this may sound simplistic, but the most important thing is to go to mass regularly. If you feel comfortable wearing gothic spikes and pink hair with chains on your pant and shirt, then COME TO MASS!

I think Jesus would be glad to have anyone at his celebration, and would not judge a person on what they wear. It seems the congregation might however, and one should try to find the balance that suits them as far as wearing something extreme vs. something “proper”. If a person feels comfortable wearing a tux to mass, then that is the way to go. All should feel welcome at the Lord’s supper, even those who may not have the means to dress as fashionably as others.

 

[aball1035]

How would dress if you were invited to dinner at the White House? Shouldn’t the same or greater respect be paid to our God and King?

Depends if Obamas still president… lol

 

[ppasa316]

Proper dress for mass: clothes! I know this may sound simplistic, but the most important thing is to go to mass regularly. If you feel comfortable wearing gothic spikes and pink hair with chains on your pant and shirt, then COME TO MASS!

I think Jesus would be glad to have anyone at his celebration, and would not judge a person on what they wear. It seems the congregation might however, and one should try to find the balance that suits them as far as wearing something extreme vs. something “proper”. If a person feels comfortable wearing a tux to mass, then that is the way to go. All should feel welcome at the Lord’s supper, even those who may not have the means to dress as fashionably as others.

Amen and Amen to that. That is exactly what i have been saying all along. I really do agree with what you have said. There is a song that we play at church from time to time called “Come as you are”. God Bless

 

[Sailor_Kenshin]

I think we can all agree that it is true that what is on the outside is not always a reflection of what is on the inside. I don’t believe that any of the previous posters who are calling for a “dress code” sotospeak, are doing so out of judging what’s on the inside. They are, however, calling into question how much effort and/or thought is being put into how we approach the Lord.

I cannot remember where I read it or who said it, but it was something like how we worship affects our spirituality. Because we are sensible creatures (having senses, ie. sight, taste, smell, touch, etc.) are worship is greatly affected by our senses. For example, if you walk into a sanctuary where there is near complete silence before, during and after services, you feel a certain way because of the external. For many people (myself included) silence brings with it a feeling of awe and reverence and respect. Conversely, if you walk into a sanctuary where before, during and after services there is “commotion” or whatever other word could be used, the people will tend toward casualness, irreverence and disrespect EVEN though it may be inadvertent.

How we worship (the environment, how we dress, how we act) it all affects our experience. And I think that is what the majority of these posters (and I would include myself among them) are trying to impart to us all. It’s not about being “holier than thou” and it’s not that God looks more upon one than the other because of what’s on the outside. But what’s on the outside affects our inside, which God IS concerned with.

I would only ask that you take these thoughts into consideration.

ETA: I just wanted to mention that I myself have just recently “adjusted” my personal dress code for Mass and have found a WORLD of difference in how I feel and act. It’s been very positive for me.

The continuing arguments against respect and propriety astonish me.

 

[Extempore]

All should feel welcome at the Lord’s supper, even those who may not have the means to dress as fashionably as others.

This doesn’t make much sense. First you’re saying that pink hair and chains is appropriate for Mass and then make a reference to budget? I’m pretty sure that dress pants at Walmart cost a lot less than most punk apparel choices.

Just because our liberally-minded society tells us that what we wear is our decision, and that any attire is appropriate for any situation doesn’t make it so in truth. We’re not speaking “fashion” here, we’re speaking appropriateness.

The argument here I am making is not one of judging your neighbors. The argument that I am making is that while this should be a personal decision, there is only one truly appropriate personal decision to make in terms of dress when one attends Mass.
The economic argument is silly, by the way. People are dress slovenly to Mass are not ipso facto too poor to dress in any other way.

The “come as you are” argument might work for newcomers who don’t know better but it is no excuse for Catholics who know better and have the opportunity to dress appropriately.

PS: Your use of the term “Lord’s Supper” indicates that you might consider the mass as a meal versus a sacrifice. This is not so. A firm grasp of this difference is, I believe, fundamental in this whole question of how we should present ourselves at Mass.

If the Mass were a mere “meal” or theoretical representation of the Last Supper, I would hardly be as stringent about attire.

 

[aball1035]

In my opinion,

for men: If they try to look nice (nice pants, shoes, tie, blazer, nice shirt), then they will be set for Mass

for woman: they need to think about details more. Is my dress too short? Are my arms showing? My shirt too low? etc.

It’s much harder for women to dress modestly and nicely on Sunday than men.

 

[aball1035]

This doesn’t make much sense. First you’re saying that pink hair and chains is appropriate for Mass and then make a reference to budget? I’m pretty sure that dress pants at Walmart cost a lot less than most punk apparel choices.

Just because our liberally-minded society tells us that what we wear is our decision, and that any attire is appropriate for any situation doesn’t make it so in truth. We’re not speaking “fashion” here, we’re speaking appropriateness.

The argument here I am making is not one of judging your neighbors. The argument that I am making is that while this should be a personal decision, there is only one truly appropriate personal decision to make in terms of dress when one attends Mass.
The economic argument is silly, by the way. People are dress slovenly to Mass are not ipso facto too poor to dress in any other way.

The “come as you are” argument might work for newcomers who don’t know better but it is no excuse for Catholics who know better and have the opportunity to dress appropriately.

PS: Your use of the term “Lord’s Supper” indicates that you might consider the mass as a meal versus a sacrifice. This is not so. A firm grasp of this difference is, I believe, fundamental in this whole question of how we should present ourselves at Mass.

If the Mass were a mere “meal” or theoretical representation of the Last Supper, I would hardly be as stringent about attire.

Excellent points! If people read what the saints say about “fashion” it would make them blush!

 

[Love_the_Lorax]

I TOTALLY agree! The saints most definitely had some things to say about modesty and appropriate dress!

You know, sarcastic comments such as “do you think of God as some angry old man” from the Old Testament puzzle me. The Bible says that God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. To throw out any references in the OT because “Jesus loves us” doesn’t make sense. There is much we can learn from the Old Testament, even if we are not held to the law as the Jews of that time. Many references can be found relating to the appropriateness (or not) of various forms of dress, orderly worship, etc. so these things were an issue. To say that they have no relevance to today’s Christian … well, I don’t see how that can be supported Scripturally.

Excellent points! If people read what the saints say about “fashion” it would make them blush!