Recently Accepted Seminarian- buying cassocks, etc

[ckasa]

Hello all, I was recently accepted by my Archdiocese to become a seminarian and was told to begin purchasing items that I would need for Seminary and also life as a seminarian. One of the things I was told to purchase was a Cassock and Surplice, when I asked the Vocation Director and my Pastor which style I should get they told me I would find out shortly before entering seminary but to just purchase one for now anyway, my issue is I don’t want to waste money by getting the wrong style especially if the one I get needs to be customized.

So my question is this: The Archdiocese I am going to be discerning with uses the following seminaries: St. Johns near Boston College in MA, Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in MD and Theological College in D.C. by CUA, given those three seminaries as my likely entry points into the Pre-Theology (or Theology program, that has not been decided yet) what style Cassock and Surplice are acceptable in these seminaries?

I know some seminaries can be very specific while others simply make do with whatever you purchase. I have also been told that I may end up being asked to serve at the Cathedral before I even enter the actual seminary formation. My pastor would like me to choose one soon and it would be a gift from our parish as I am the first seminarian in the 40 years our parish has been around.

Any insights would be helpful.

 

[TheologicalLeft]

Safe route = cassock with buttons and plain surplice

 

[ChurchSoldier]

Call those 3 seminaries and ask.

Also, Congratulations!!!

 

[tawny]

I agree with ChurchSoldier; called the 3 Seminaries.
Congratulations & God bless you. Praying to the Holy Spirit to give you guidance & direction.

 

[InThePew]

I think what you’re looking for can be summed up in two words: noble simplicity.

Also see para 34 of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal:

It is fitting that the beauty and nobility of each vestment derive not from abundance of overly lavish ornamentation, but rather from the material that is used and from the design.

 

[Lamentation]

Hello all, I was recently accepted by my Archdiocese to become a seminarian and was told to begin purchasing items that I would need for Seminary and also life as a seminarian. One of the things I was told to purchase was a Cassock and Surplice, when I asked the Vocation Director and my Pastor which style I should get they told me I would find out shortly before entering seminary but to just purchase one for now anyway, my issue is I don’t want to waste money by getting the wrong style especially if the one I get needs to be customized.

So my question is this: The Archdiocese I am going to be discerning with uses the following seminaries: St. Johns near Boston College in MA, Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in MD and Theological College in D.C. by CUA, given those three seminaries as my likely entry points into the Pre-Theology (or Theology program, that has not been decided yet) what style Cassock and Surplice are acceptable in these seminaries?

I know some seminaries can be very specific while others simply make do with whatever you purchase. I have also been told that I may end up being asked to serve at the Cathedral before I even enter the actual seminary formation. My pastor would like me to choose one soon and it would be a gift from our parish as I am the first seminarian in the 40 years our parish has been around.

Any insights would be helpful.

CM Almy Year Rounder is the standard issue:
almy.com/Product2/zc0003122/category/CassocksForMen/parent/ClergyApparel-Man

Further, you will most likely need a surplice:
almy.com/Product1/zc0004110/category/SurplicesForMen/parent/ClergyApparel-Man
(I recommend the one without the fanciness, as the threads can get caught in things)

And before I forget, the collar:
almy.com/Product2/zc0003001/category/ClericalCollars/parent/ClergyApparel-Man

…and (finally) Collar buttons (get a few, they’re easy to misplace):
almy.com/Product1/ZC0003000/category/EpiscopalShirtsVests-Bishop-Man/parent/ClergyShirts

Supposedly, you can call to order, and if you mention that you are a seminarian they will give you a discount; I don’t know this personally, but my fellow seminarians have done this with good results.

Any other questions, just let me know.