Purity, Modesty, and How We Dress At Mass

[TheMc]

I ask myself that question that too. I was at an ordination last night and I felt very over-dressed in my blouse and skirt suit. I sweated throughout the entire Mass (no a/c in the church), but still. One would think that at the very least, one would think about dressing up for something such as an ordination???

Wow. How sad. Where I’m from, when the ordinations come around, you pull out all the stops, both in and out of the sanctuary. I don’t know what in the world the ladies wear, but they always look very nice. Some of the guys even bring out the boe ties!

 

[novusCatholic]

Also, not to nitpick at all, just out of curiosity: what of those in climates/cultures where it is often 100 degrees hot and swamped with humidity or where it is typical to wear far less than is worn in North America and Northern Europe?

I’d say the “norm” of the particular society plays a role. For example, we wouldn’t dress (or not dress) the same way that a primitive tribe in the jungle might. I believe that Fr. Dominic was making the point that in our society, the norm is trending in the wrong direction as a result of sinful attitudes. I think he actually used the phrase “downward spiral”.

By the way, I apologize if my reply to your first post sounded a bit coarse. Sometimes my posts read a little differently than what I was actually thinking. I do agree with your comments about not judging others and being concerned about you conduct yourself.

 

[Christian4life]

I don’t really care how you dress at mass, I’ve got to be honest.

I mean, I don’t know what’s in your heart. That’s not for me to judge. What is for me to judge is how I conduct myself, and how I can better live in accord with what’s right.

I kinda take this position but also, if you KNOW it’s wrong then it’s wrong. I mean, at my parish we have a huge problem with this. As soon as it the weather tops 55 the girls are bringing out the mini skirts. And it doesn’t just tempt guys to stumble, girls can struggle with bisexual feelings too! I’m sorry but it is right there on a sign on the wall, it has been talked about during mass by the priest, and it’s in the bulletin almost every week - I have to conclude that these girls are either rebellious and think they know better than the church what’s decent, or they simply don’t want to do what’s right. It’s really horrible how some of them dress, and I’ve honestly seen more decorum in dress on prostitutes.

 

[VeritasLuxMea]

I’d say the “norm” of the particular society plays a role. For example, we wouldn’t dress (or not dress) the same way that a primitive tribe in the jungle might. I believe that Fr. Dominic was making the point that in our society, the norm is trending in the wrong direction as a result of sinful attitudes. I think he actually used the phrase “downward spiral”.

By the way, I apologize if my reply to your first post sounded a bit coarse. Sometimes my posts read a little differently than what I was actually thinking. I do agree with your comments about not judging others and being concerned about you conduct yourself.

Not a problem. I did watch this, and I really enjoyed what Father had to say. I will have to do some more thinking about the subject after taking these words in.

 

[mariafransisca1]

You can read St. Leonard Port Maurice’s Book on The hidden treasure of the holy sacrifice of the mass,
St. Dominic Savio read this, beside the imitation of christ

saintsworks.net/books/St.%20Leonard%20of%20Port%20Maurice%20-%20The%20Hidden%20Treasure%20or%20the%20Immense%20Excellence%20of%20the%20Holy%20Sacrifice%20of%20the%20Mass.pdf

There he said, where the passion of christ is relived in each and every
sacrifice of the mass, how can we dress as if we go to a party or something.

We should be full of sorrow for our sins and with reverence, to the King of Kings, Jesus, who are present body blood soul and divinity in the eucharist

http://www.miraclerosarymission.org/lancianobo1.jpg
http://www.miraclerosarymission.org/lancianobo.jpg

Photos taken from Eucharistic Miracles, Lanciano, Italy 700 AD

eucharisticmiracles.blogspot.com

 

[Love_Divine]

Also, not to nitpick at all, just out of curiosity: what of those in climates/cultures where it is often 100 degrees hot and swamped with humidity or where it is typical to wear far less than is worn in North America and Northern Europe?

Truthfully, they wear light colored, and light weight cotton clothing. This actually keeps you cooler in the hot summers. In some of the tropical climates, I know the pope has given them permission to wear white cassocks instead of black.

Speaking of which, I don’t think too many girls have much to complain about heat-wise, as priests who wear cassocks have it much worse.

 

[VeritasLuxMea]

Having reflected on what Father said in the youtube video, I concur with the vast bulk of his reasoning. Where I am a bit confused, though, is on these matters:

1. At times he seems to be talking specifically about style of dress at Mass, at other times, not so much. Myself, I don’t see anything wrong with wearing shorts and flip flops outside of Mass, I’m hoping I misunderstood him here.

Either way, yeah, there’s no way you’re convincing me that wearing my cargo shorts in the summertime is sinful!

I don’t see a problem with bikinis at the beach, either, but I know others do. I’m sure biology inadvertently steals my head for a moment or two but it would probably do that regardless. Anyway, I’ve no interest in any woman other than my own!!!

1. Speaking of sandals, we frequently get a Priest that comes in that wears them. He’s a member of a particular order, I forget which… Jesuit? They always wear robes and sandals. I wonder how Father would feel about that. If it was socially acceptable, I would totally dress like them to go to Mass, robes and all. Just no collar… lol.

Truthfully, they wear light colored, and light weight cotton clothing. This actually keeps you cooler in the hot summers. In some of the tropical climates, I know the pope has given them permission to wear white cassocks instead of black.

Speaking of which, I don’t think too many girls have much to complain about heat-wise, as priests who wear cassocks have it much worse.

To my knowledge, Priests wear like 5 layers. It’s pretty wacky. Someone has to cut them some slack on this, there’s gotta be one of those that they can lose without affecting their appearance or modesty.

 

[Sailor_Kenshin]

Having reflected on what Father said in the youtube video, I concur with the vast bulk of his reasoning. Where I am a bit confused, though, is on these matters:

1. At times he seems to be talking specifically about style of dress at Mass, at other times, not so much. Myself, I don’t see anything wrong with wearing shorts and flip flops outside of Mass, I’m hoping I misunderstood him here.

Either way, yeah, there’s no way you’re convincing me that wearing my cargo shorts in the summertime is sinful!

I don’t see a problem with bikinis at the beach, either, but I know others do. I’m sure biology inadvertently steals my head for a moment or two but it would probably do that regardless. Anyway, I’ve no interest in any woman other than my own!!!

1. Speaking of sandals, we frequently get a Priest that comes in that wears them. He’s a member of a particular order, I forget which… Jesuit? They always wear robes and sandals. I wonder how Father would feel about that. If it was socially acceptable, I would totally dress like them to go to Mass, robes and all. Just no collar… lol.

To my knowledge, Priests wear like 5 layers. It’s pretty wacky. Someone has to cut them some slack on this, there’s gotta be one of those that they can lose without affecting their appearance or modesty.

Who has to ‘cut priests some slack?’ And why?

 

[PerfectTiming]

Who has to ‘cut priests some slack?’ And why?

Why? It’s hot! Where I used to live it was easily 90 degrees most of the time - one day it was 80 and I remember telling my mother I was cold. I can’t imagine having to wear five layers in that kind of heat. Though admittedly there is air conditioning in most places, but in one church I went too there wasn’t and the priest must have been dying.

 

[Padraig1972]

Ask yourself these questions:

1. Why are you there? To attend mass or show yourself off
2. Is it a church or a ballroom?
3. Do you want to be pure or impure?

Listen to the sermon, over and over and over again. Until you understand.

 

[Sailor_Kenshin]

Why? It’s hot! Where I used to live it was easily 90 degrees most of the time - one day it was 80 and I remember telling my mother I was cold. I can’t imagine having to wear five layers in that kind of heat. Though admittedly there is air conditioning in most places, but in one church I went too there wasn’t and the priest must have been dying.

I understand, but it’s really neither up to us nor the priests themselves.

And yes, Padgraig, we’re there for HIM, for the holy sacrifice of the Mass. No one has to wear expensive designer clothes; if neat, clean and respectful clothes are all you have that is enough.

It’s sad that we have to be reminded not to dress like bums and streetwalkers, but a lot of people don’t even think about it; they mean nothing wrong by it, and just dress as current fashion dictates. They just need a wake-up call.

 

[Padraig1972]

I understand, but it’s really neither up to us nor the priests themselves.

And yes, Padgraig, we’re there for HIM, for the holy sacrifice of the Mass. No one has to wear expensive designer clothes; if neat, clean and respectful clothes are all you have that is enough.

It’s sad that we have to be reminded not to dress like bums and streetwalkers, but a lot of people don’t even think about it; they mean nothing wrong by it, and just dress as current fashion dictates. They just need a wake-up call.

The thing is, many people will label this priest as a fool and lot of worse words that i refuse to use in my language because he brings this up. You know what, i fear for the entire Catholic Church and it`s future.

Today people want things to be so free, to change the liturgy, alter old traditions and replace groundsolid values because it suits them and not the church or churchteachings.

I know a catholic lady that is seeking to become a nun in France, to get away from the selfishness, carelessness and modernism that more or less rots our society from the very inner-core as the priest does mention this part in his homily. Much, i share her views and hope one day to be able to do so myself in a order-brotherhood. If God wills it

My opinions disgusts people, here on the forum and everywhere. Because i care for values and a world that the modern man and women hates me and it in itself for.

 

[mullenpm]

Padraig1972, I doubt that “MANY” people will label Fr. Dominic a fool; in fact, I believe that MOST Catholics will agree with him.

I also don’t believe that so many Catholics are trying to change the Church and alter old traditions; in fact, I believe that most Catholics are trying to return to the old traditions.

I don’t worry about Fr. Dominic - his sermons have always been hard hitting and he survives. Unfortunately, we don’t see him on EWTN as much as we would want.:clapping::knight2:

 

[novusCatholic]

I also don’t believe that so many Catholics are trying to change the Church and alter old traditions; in fact, I believe that most Catholics are trying to return to the old traditions.

The reverence found in Catholic churches and in the Mass is what initially drew me to the Church. I appreciate the Church’s traditions and that the Church hasn’t tried to cater to an ever changing culture. I also appreciate priests like Fr. Dominic who preach the truth, even when people don’t want to hear it.

 

[ilovemaine]

I watched that Mass when Father Dominic pretty much scolded women (he mentioned men for 2 seconds).
Altough he is exactly right about the inappropriate dress at church, I don’t understand why he was so angry. I felt he was angry, his homily oozed anger and that did not seem right. But he was right. It’s disgusting and makes me less proud to be a woman when I see other women walking around showing cleavage and cellulite.:tsktsk:

I struggle daily to find something to wear because today there are absolutely no modest fashions. Even buying clothes to just buy something to cover up with has been dreadful. I cannot find one store that has decent looking clothing and covers up my chest.
I know there are websites which attempt to sell modest clothing but it’s a waste of time and money to keep buying clothing online until you find a good fit. How does one look like a Catholic woman in the 21 century without wearing a turtleneck?

I pray that I will find more modest clothing. I am not ready to purchase senior clothing as I am almost 30. I also want to look like I have dignity.

It sickens me that the clothes in stores aim to be inappropriate. Fashion designers would make a lot more money if they considered the 1 billion Catholic’s they can create clothes for.

It makes me think that my choices in clothing as a Catholic woman are limited. Well, I can’t wear a habit, I’m not a nun.

Ladies, do you know of anything? What can us women with dignity wear today?

 

[Aline38]

I watched that Mass when Father Dominic pretty much scolded women (he mentioned men for 2 seconds).
Altough he is exactly right about the inappropriate dress at church, I don’t understand why he was so angry. I felt he was angry, his homily oozed anger and that did not seem right. But he was right. It’s disgusting and makes me less proud to be a woman when I see other women walking around showing cleavage and cellulite.:tsktsk:

I struggle daily to find something to wear because today there are absolutely no modest fashions. Even buying clothes to just buy something to cover up with has been dreadful. I cannot find one store that has decent looking clothing and covers up my chest.
I know there are websites which attempt to sell modest clothing but it’s a waste of time and money to keep buying clothing online until you find a good fit. How does one look like a Catholic woman in the 21 century without wearing a turtleneck?

I pray that I will find more modest clothing. I am not ready to purchase senior clothing as I am almost 30. I also want to look like I have dignity.

It sickens me that the clothes in stores aim to be inappropriate. Fashion designers would make a lot more money if they considered the 1 billion Catholic’s they can create clothes for.

It makes me think that my choices in clothing as a Catholic woman are limited. Well, I can’t wear a habit, I’m not a nun.

Ladies, do you know of anything? What can us women with dignity wear today?

Thanks for your comment and concern. I am and have been concerned about what to wear for church. As I said in my earlier comment, I feel sad and ashamed by the way we women dont respect God’s temple. I have found JC Penney the best store for us who want to wear not as nuns but as “Ladies”. That store has a wide range of clothing that can suit anyone. I personnally cannot wear a jean for work and therefore I cannot wear it for church. Hope this helps.

God bless you and lets pray for other women to respect God’s temple.

 

[Love_Divine]

I watched that Mass when Father Dominic pretty much scolded women (he mentioned men for 2 seconds).
Altough he is exactly right about the inappropriate dress at church, I don’t understand why he was so angry. I felt he was angry, his homily oozed anger and that did not seem right. But he was right. It’s disgusting and makes me less proud to be a woman when I see other women walking around showing cleavage and cellulite.:tsktsk:

I struggle daily to find something to wear because today there are absolutely no modest fashions. Even buying clothes to just buy something to cover up with has been dreadful. I cannot find one store that has decent looking clothing and covers up my chest.
I know there are websites which attempt to sell modest clothing but it’s a waste of time and money to keep buying clothing online until you find a good fit. How does one look like a Catholic woman in the 21 century without wearing a turtleneck?

I pray that I will find more modest clothing. I am not ready to purchase senior clothing as I am almost 30. I also want to look like I have dignity.

It sickens me that the clothes in stores aim to be inappropriate. Fashion designers would make a lot more money if they considered the 1 billion Catholic’s they can create clothes for.

It makes me think that my choices in clothing as a Catholic woman are limited. Well, I can’t wear a habit, I’m not a nun.

Ladies, do you know of anything? What can us women with dignity wear today?

Umm…if you look hard enough, you might be able to find a long enough skirt that you could wear a skirt suit and blouse.

I’m almost 26 and I finally found a black skirt long enough to reach past my knees when I sit at an old ladies’ store. I have two weddings to attend this summer and I still don’t have a dress. Too short, or two revealing, or too stretchy and unflattering.

I despise the sales people at these clothing stores who try to help me, but get annoyed because I’m “too picky” or they think they know what’s appropriate to wear in a church, but is ghastly inappropriate.

 

[Phemie]

I also viewed the Daily Mass today on EWTN wherein Father Dominic preached on purity of dress for attending Mass. Father didn’t concentrate only on the ladies - men came under scruitny also — shorts at Mass, shoes with no socks -

On what planet is wearing shoes without socks immodest?

 

[Love_Divine]

On what planet is wearing shoes without socks immodest?

Not sure, but I’m pretty sure it’s a mortal sin to wear socks with sandles, and an automatic excommunication if it’s socks and flip flops.

While do agree women need to dress more modestly, I’d like priests to step into our shoes and see what we’re up against and offer us some helpful advice.

I try very hard, and as a result, I have very few pieces of clothing because it’s so difficult to find modest clothing, especially in the “Sunday Best” category. Honestly, I can dress more modestly in pants and a hoodie, but I’m not “dressed-up enough for Church.” Throw us a bone here!

 

[Sailor_Kenshin]

I watched that Mass when Father Dominic pretty much scolded women (he mentioned men for 2 seconds).
Altough he is exactly right about the inappropriate dress at church, I don’t understand why he was so angry. I felt he was angry, his homily oozed anger and that did not seem right. But he was right. It’s disgusting and makes me less proud to be a woman when I see other women walking around showing cleavage and cellulite.:tsktsk:

I struggle daily to find something to wear because today there are absolutely no modest fashions. Even buying clothes to just buy something to cover up with has been dreadful. I cannot find one store that has decent looking clothing and covers up my chest.
I know there are websites which attempt to sell modest clothing but it’s a waste of time and money to keep buying clothing online until you find a good fit. How does one look like a Catholic woman in the 21 century without wearing a turtleneck?

I pray that I will find more modest clothing. I am not ready to purchase senior clothing as I am almost 30. I also want to look like I have dignity.

It sickens me that the clothes in stores aim to be inappropriate. Fashion designers would make a lot more money if they considered the 1 billion Catholic’s they can create clothes for.

It makes me think that my choices in clothing as a Catholic woman are limited. Well, I can’t wear a habit, I’m not a nun.

Ladies, do you know of anything? What can us women with dignity wear today?

QVC and White Stag. Cute, contemporary, cheap. Just sayin’.

Also Chico’s. Cute, contemporary, NOT cheap.