Ah, an excellent word! That’s precisely what I am talking about! I really wish there was a long held, enforced dress code for Mass in this country. I would comply even if it meant “dressing-up” which I do not like to do.
The parish I ususally attend has a mix of dress, everything from what I would consider inappropriate (i.e pajama bottoms, tight-fitting, short, shorts, skirts, dresses, baggy , falling down pants, etc) to men and women in fancy suits & dresses.
You’re setting up a false dichtomy. Appropriately dressed/don’t want to be there and inappropriately dressed/want to be there. That’s not the only two choices.The parish I ususally attend has a mix of dress, everything from what I would consider inappropriate (i.e pajama bottoms, tight-fitting, short, shorts, skirts, dresses, baggy , falling down pants, etc) to men and women in fancy suits & dresses.
I usually wear capris with a nice blouse in the summer, because I take the bus to Mass, and have to walk a 1/2 mile to the nearest bus stop. And so long as there is no snow on the ground, the only shoes I wear are my Birkenstocks!
Any way, last week, 2 ladies, who are long-time, active members of this parish, and usually dress “well” came in *“dressed to the nines” *because, as I heard through the readings, the homily and the Eucharistic prayer, they were going to a bridal shower at a local yacht club after Mass. I won’t go into the details of the conversation, but needless to say, it made my Mass experience that day a challenge.
Clothes do not make the man (or woman). People, especially in America,
are going to do what they want, when they want, because, after all, *it is all about me!! *
I would much rather see a Church full of “poorly dressed” people who actually want to be there, than one full of *“beautifully dressed” *people who obviously don’t.
No false dichtomy, just an obesrvation based on what I experienced.You’re setting up a false dichtomy. Appropriately dressed/don’t want to be there and inappropriately dressed/want to be there. That’s not the only two choices.
There is a man at our parish who is one of the “head EMsHC.” He is retired and his wife dresses respectfully. Invariably he wears blue jeans, sneakers and a well worn flannel shirt. He’s in the sanctuary, he’s distributing communion, he’s everywhere but that’s his weekly uniform.
I just saw him at a requiem Mass. He was dressed in a suit. Why the difference? Why make the effort at a Requiem Mass and not Sunday Mass?
I cannot argue about an intangible perceived atmosphere that changes only to you. Your point is without merit.
Modesty aside, the magisterium has not declared appropriate dress for Mass. I suppose that you are in charge?
I am always dressed respectfully. I suspect that you wouldn’t agree.
And… You really don’t get it. People look, act, and think differently from one another. That is one of God’s gifts.
And what gives you the right to call me a slob? Please consider what God tells us, John 7:24, "Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.”
A person’s wardrobe dictates the way that he dresses. What don’t you understand?
I had no idea.
Surprise surprise. The thread degenerated into someone calling everyone else a bad Catholic because they don’t follow the posters personal views/spirituality/ect. How long until we’re told that wearing shorts to Mass gets you instant damnation?
Speaking of the British, well the Scottish, I wonder what people would think of kilts.
That point should be well taken. “Atmosphere” is a subjective term that means essentially whatever you want it to mean when you us it. It’s the catch-all term that you can blame when something doesn’t “feel” right.
Have you mentioned to this man that he looks like a slob and his slovenly behavior is having a negative impact upon the atmosphere in the Church?You’re setting up a false dichtomy. Appropriately dressed/don’t want to be there and inappropriately dressed/want to be there. That’s not the only two choices.
There is a man at our parish who is one of the “head EMsHC.” He is retired and his wife dresses respectfully. Invariably he wears blue jeans, sneakers and a well worn flannel shirt. He’s in the sanctuary, he’s distributing communion, he’s everywhere but that’s his weekly uniform.
I just saw him at a requiem Mass. He was dressed in a suit. Why the difference? Why make the effort at a Requiem Mass and not Sunday Mass?
Well, my pastor wears sandals and shorts as well… during mass.
You’re saying that someone in shorts is a stumbling block for you?Anyone ever heard of the term stumbling block?
Not for me per se. I think one should dress properly for mass out of respect for the Lord, but my whole concentration won’t be broken because of an inappropriately dressed person.
Yes! LOLAnyone ever heard of the term stumbling block?
My idea of dress up means no holes or grease stains. Other people have an altogether different idea.Then excuse me for asking, but what was the point of the comment?
You know what’s distracting? Women’s hair. Maybe they should all be forced to wear veils because I might get distracted. Actually, some people think men are just plain distracted by women, so it must be better to place them in a separate room.
). I’m not saying that the situations are the same, not at all.I was very direct when I saw him in the suit. I asked something like “nice suit. Why don’t you dress that way when you’re an extraordinary minister?” He hemmed and hawwed.
Well, he also wears a hoody. His influence on the associate pastors lead them to doing similar.Well, my pastor wears sandals and shorts as well… during mass.
When I confronted them over it and asked who he thought he was dressing like that, he sent me here.