Shorts at Mass??

[lewevanhoop]

I wore shorts today because i walked the 3 miles to mass (i would have been late if i took the bus) and the temp is expected to be in the mid 90’s with a heat index of over 100 so i felt that the temp and my health were more important then trying to impress others by my clothing.

 

[Little_One0307]

Matthew 6:31-32
…wherewith shall we be clothed? For after all these things do the heathens seek.

gotta be clothed in something that’s for sure. , else Mass would be very distracting, oh yes indeedy.

 

[jfmarm81]

There is no evidence that Jesus changed his clothes before the Last Supper or before He prayed in the garden. Christ told the man who has two coats to give one coat to a person who has none. He did not tell us to save one of the coats to wear for worship.

It is not shown that Christ or His apostles changed their clothing to please God. It is know that the pharisees wore particular clothing to appear righteous in front of others. Christ had some harsh words for them, “But they do all their deeds to be noticed by men; for they broaden their phylacteries and lengthen the tassels of their garments."

Modesty must always prevail. I think that Christ prefers that we dress simply or even meagerly. I don’t believe that He wants me to buy special clothing to join in the sacrifice of the Mass. The Mass is the sacrifice of Calvary. If I was on the road to Calvary, I doubt that I would be wearing a suit and tie.

Comparing the Sacrifice of the Mass to a job interview is “apples and oranges”. The two have nothing in common. Our priests and bishops are silent on the issue because there is no issue.

I will try to dress and act more like the apostles and less like the pharisees.

So well said. As I said earlier, I do wear shorts to Church on certain weeks. I believe they are ok, as long as they look nice. Guys who are bigger like me tend to sweat-I sweat when the AC has the house cooled to 65, it’s just a fact of life for me. I believe that my shorts do not make me less respectful- I think a teenage girl wearing sweats with Juicy written on the back is disrespectful. There is a big difference between those attires…besides, does a suit and tie automatically make one more respectful? I see many in suits and ties, yet don’t see them at the Confessional or helping out in the community…I don’t know-it just seems silly to focus on a nice, appropriate pair of shorts. I see what others wear and as long as it’s not too short or skimpy, I don’t worry.
I might as well add that if it was a hot and muggy July day when I get invited to the White House, I’ll be there in a nice pair of shorts too.

 

[thequeen]

I am just as appalled as the poster since I always wear a dress and a veil to Mass because I am in front of the blessed sacrament.

 

[TrueLight]

Amazing post and I agree completely.

So many American middle-class values are represented in this entire thread. What next? Perhaps we should have a poll on what kind of cars are appropriate to drive to Mass. Or the manicure/pedicure that is accepted when attending?

Seriously, folks are getting worked up over attire? What is this, the Vogue & Esquire Catholic Church? St Peter won’t let you through the Pearly Gates – not with those shoes.

I don’t understand in all the modesty threads that are on this forum eventually someone implies that dressing modestly means one has to buy the most fashionable or the most expensive clothes.

If you know where to look, you can get a skirt or pants for under $10. Even if you only have one pair of pants to wear every Sunday, that’s fine. No one will be able to tell one pair of black pants from another and neither should anyone be paying attention to that.

If one is just coming from hiking or a trip, then by all means, come in as you are.

But if you are getting ready Sunday morning and you’re looking in your closet, why not choose something decent.

There are comments on here about hot weather and shorts. There are cool summer pants and skirts. Is there really a big difference between a light skirt that hits on the knee and a pair of shorts?

 

[maryjk]

I generally say no shorts,

BUT…

Now, I say, no shorts, **unless the air conditioning is broken.
**
Last night at Mass, it was hot enough for sweat to be running down the side of my face. I had on pants, wishing I had worn shorts. Same for my son.

 

[Gearoidin]

I went to 10am Mass last Sunday. It was 34 degrees C (about 93F), 85% humidity. The air-conditioning wasn’t on due to the drive to save electricity (a result of the tsunami and nuclear power plant problem). Nobody was wearing shorts or sleeveless tops. In fact, I have never seen anyone wear shorts to Mass here apart from young children.
Most schools don’t have air conditioning either and we don’t get summer holidays till mid-July. Somehow people survive!

 

[TheMc]

Here’s my opinion:

Daily Mass: Assuming modesty or slobbishness isn’t an issue, wear them if you want.
Sunday: Never!

 

[I_Thirst]

I don’t understand in all the modesty threads that are on this forum eventually someone implies that dressing modestly means one has to buy the most fashionable or the most expensive clothes.

That’s a solid point, TL, and duly noted.

Decency is the goal, but the idea that shorts in general aren’t decent or that they are somehow irreverent is rather incredible. It’s rather similar to the idea that denim is an unacceptable material for pants worn at Mass, an issue I know I’ve read about far too often.

Some parishes post guidelines for attire, but most of the time you have to judge by local custom. I don’t think my local bishop has issued a statement/decree on attire at Mass, and I’m certain my parish priest hasn’t.

We’ve seen a few Biblical quotes on this issue in this thread that seem to go against the notion of the idea of “acceptable” or “decent” attire, though I’m sure interprepation and selection could sway it the other way. Has the Vatican issued guidelines for attire at Mass? Is it in the Catechism? Is it in the GIRM? I’m not asking for rhetorical effect; I’d really like to know.

 

[curlycool89]

I am just as appalled as the poster since I always wear a dress and a veil to Mass because I am in front of the blessed sacrament.

And sometimes I go to a Church and pray in front of the tabernacle while wearing shorts. What’s your point?

I’ve also gone to confession a couple times in shorts. The Priest didn’t care (and those times, and most times, I do face-to-face confession).

 

[JaneGrey]

I don’t understand in all the modesty threads that are on this forum eventually someone implies that dressing modestly means one has to buy the most fashionable or the most expensive clothes.

If you know where to look, you can get a skirt or pants for under $10. Even if you only have one pair of pants to wear every Sunday, that’s fine. No one will be able to tell one pair of black pants from another and neither should anyone be paying attention to that.

If one is just coming from hiking or a trip, then by all means, come in as you are.

But if you are getting ready Sunday morning and you’re looking in your closet, why not choose something decent.

There are comments on here about hot weather and shorts. There are cool summer pants and skirts. Is there really a big difference between a light skirt that hits on the knee and a pair of shorts?

Nope. Which is why I dont see one as more modest than the other. In Southeast Asia I would wear shorts sometimes, a skirt others. In Europe I am able to wear long trousers, although I sometimes wear a skirt with tights or leggings.

 

[Aliwalibongo]

I think this depends greatly on the local custom.

I’ve only recently started attending mass with friends. We go on campus, and most of the men seem to wear khaki shorts or pants, while the women wear knee length or longer shorts/skirts or pants. So it’s close to what I’d call business casual. A few people wear denim, short shorts, and tank tops but I really don’t notice it that much.

One of the reasons I’ve felt comfortable going with my friends is because I didn’t feel judged for how I dressed. It’s awkward enough for me going and not being totally accustomed to participating in Mass without worrying about how I look.

If there are announcements/signs specifically saying no shorts, then you should follow them. I just fail to see how a nice pair of loose, khaki shorts in good condition is any less modest than a pair of khaki pants.

 

[ElToro]

Go to a funeral Mass or a wedding Mass and you will never see anyone in shorts. People would be offended. It just wouldn’t happen. I find that interesting.

On the one hand I quietly laugh at those who wear suits/ties and get upset with anyone else who does not follow their style choice. On the other hand people say that God is not judging them because they wear shorts to Mass YET the very fact they do does change the atmosphere of the Mass – to the negative.

 

[MissRose73]

I know the days won’t return where people dressed up of all ages to attend Mass. But there should be some common sense when going to Mass with your clothing choices. Clothing choices typical (and in most business dress codes) for most business casual or professional offices are good choices for Mass.

If shorts reach the knees, are not tight, are clean and the person is wearing a nice short sleeve with a pair of shoes/sandals that are not overally casually (or perhaps a bit dressy), then I don’t have an issue when the weather is very hot. I had more of an issue with those wearing tank tops/spaghetti strapped shirts/shirts showing lots of shoulder or back with shorter shorts and flip flop sandals on those over the age of 4/5 years old.

 

[Will_B]

There is no evidence that Jesus changed his clothes before the Last Supper or before He prayed in the garden. Christ told the man who has two coats to give one coat to a person who has none. He did not tell us to save one of the coats to wear for worship.

It is not shown that Christ or His apostles changed their clothing to please God. It is know that the pharisees wore particular clothing to appear righteous in front of others. Christ had some harsh words for them, “But they do all their deeds to be noticed by men; for they broaden their phylacteries and lengthen the tassels of their garments."

Modesty must always prevail. I think that Christ prefers that we dress simply or even meagerly. I don’t believe that He wants me to buy special clothing to join in the sacrifice of the Mass. The Mass is the sacrifice of Calvary. If I was on the road to Calvary, I doubt that I would be wearing a suit and tie.

Comparing the Sacrifice of the Mass to a job interview is “apples and oranges”. The two have nothing in common. Our priests and bishops are silent on the issue because there is no issue.

I will try to dress and act more like the apostles and less like the pharisees.

Jesus also tell the parable of the man that was asked to leave the wedding feast because he was not properly dressed. He had offened the Bridegroom.

 

[MtnDwellar]

I was quite shocked to see some people show up for Saturday evening Mass in shorts. I know it was very hot outside where I live, but I would have thought people would have shown a bit of respect regardless if they were regulars or visitors.

If shorts reach the knees, are not tight, are clean and the person is wearing a nice short sleeve with a pair of shoes/sandals that are not overally casually (or perhaps a bit dressy), then I don’t have an issue when the weather is very hot.

MissRose, yesterday you were “quite shocked” to see shorts at Mass. Today, you “don’t have an issue” with proper shorts. Did you change your opinion?

Welcome to our side!

 

[MtnDwellar]

Jesus also tell the parable of the man that was asked to leave the wedding feast because he was not properly dressed. He had offened the Bridegroom.

It’s a parable. He is not talking about a wedding and He is not talking about clothes. The man who was improperly dressed represents those who do not accept God’s salvation.

 

[TrueLight]

MissRose, yesterday you were “quite shocked” to see shorts at Mass. Today, you “don’t have an issue” with proper shorts. Did you change your opinion?

Welcome to our side!

Has she gone over to the dark side?

 

[Saintlucy]

A previous parish priest of ours was holding a confirmation meeting in our church. There was no one else there except for the class of about 15 teenagers and himself. A girl turned up wearing a short skirt and revealing top; ordinary wear for someone of her age. He told her to leave and not come back until she could show respect for God’s house. She did go home and change.

 

[Saintlucy]

Bye the way, our priest was not old.