Shorts at Mass??

[severus68]

I wear shorts (a couple inches up from the knee, same as the Catholic school dresscode) a nice shirt, sandles, hair and make-up.

The gal next to me wears flannel plaid jammie pants, hair a mess, no make up.

Am I to judge her? Nope, she is there praying to the same God I am.

(and this is a true story! Flannel jammie pants in the winter, spring, summer and fall)

Absolutely.

 

[severus68]

I find it funny (peculiar) how there are so many threads on modesty in dress. I have not seen one on not judging, on looking inwards at our own sins rather than finding sin in others.

People spend so much time looking at how others dress in Church (I am guilty of that at Christmas but more after and before Mass), that I wonder how much time and focus do they give to the service. The ushers should be ushering, welcoming the people into the church with a smile, looking at the faces, not the body and judging.

If a person goes to mass he/she wants to receive God’s graces and receive Christ. Why is anything else relevant.

Of course, there might well be someone somewhat crazy running around the church naked who would be distracting others but that should be for another thread on “What distracts me in Church.”

 

[John_Vandenberg]

if i feel like wearing shorts i wear shorts. Last time i checked jesus wasn’t a big fan of the Pharisee’s and i guarantee you never would have caught one of those guys dead in a pair of shorts.

Times have changed…be reasonable…be respectful…if you would wear it to a nice social gathering then you can wear it to church…at least thats my motto.

Im sick of all the condescending judgmental hypocrites i see lining the pews every sunday. sometimes after surfing i go to church barefoot just to distract them.

After wasnt it just a burning bush that required a man to take off his sandals?

Or maybe its just because 3’’ stilettos hadnt been invented yet.

 

[John_Vandenberg]

I find it funny (peculiar) how there are so many threads on modesty in dress. I have not seen one on not judging, on looking inwards at our own sins rather than finding sin in others.

People spend so much time looking at how others dress in Church (I am guilty of that at Christmas but more after and before Mass), that I wonder how much time and focus do they give to the service. The ushers should be ushering, welcoming the people into the church with a smile, looking at the faces, not the body and judging.

If a person goes to mass he/she wants to receive God’s graces and receive Christ. Why is anything else relevant.

Of course, there might well be someone somewhat crazy running around the church naked who would be distracting others but that should be for another thread on “What distracts me in Church.”

amen. that is wisdom if i have ever heard it.

JV:thumbsup:

 

[MtnDwellar]

I find it funny (peculiar) how there are so many threads on modesty in dress. I have not seen one on not judging, on looking inwards at our own sins rather than finding sin in others.

People spend so much time looking at how others dress in Church (I am guilty of that at Christmas but more after and before Mass), that I wonder how much time and focus do they give to the service. The ushers should be ushering, welcoming the people into the church with a smile, looking at the faces, not the body and judging.

If a person goes to mass he/she wants to receive God’s graces and receive Christ. Why is anything else relevant.

Of course, there might well be someone somewhat crazy running around the church naked who would be distracting others but that should be for another thread on “What distracts me in Church.”

I agree with your sentiments.

This thread did not start to be about modesty. It was about shorts and respectful attire. Respectful is different than, or, actually a subset of modesty. I tried to keep the discussion away from low cut tops and tight jeans. It didn’t work.

Some people had the opinion that one’s outer appearance was a reflection of his inner self. Others thought that the two were unrelated. Respectful to one person was disrespectful to another. It went on from there and ended up with naked crazy people running down the aisles.

Oh well.

 

[Jack_Bauer]

There crawling out from under their rocks again. Quick, someone gets some RAID.

 

[severus68]

This is the thing. There may be some rare occasions like in an emergency where a person may not be properly dressed if there is a dress code. To the person that said they rushed straight from the hospital to Church, was that the only Mass that you could have attended? You said you were at the hospital well into the a.m. Are there no evening Masses for you to attend? Would it have been too inconvenient for you to go home and put on something other than short shorts and a t-shirt even though you might have been a little late?

Also remember, that if you are taking care of the sick, you are in the hospital with someone you love due to an emergency, the Church makes allowances and you may be dispensed from attending Mass. I have been in such a situation too with my mother-in-law. She had to go in an emergency and I was at my wife’s side all the time and were not able to attend mass during a Holy Day of Obligation.

Are you serious? This person is going through a lot, she must be so tired and emotionally and physically stressed. She says she needs to be in the Lord’s house and at mass and your preoccupation is that she be dressed appropriately according to your standards.

 

[curlycool89]

Is the “Chaplain” you refer to a priest? Are you saying he celebrates Mass not in the proper vestments?

Of course I mean a priest. And of course he’s in vestments while celebrating Mass. Sometimes he’s not one of the celebrants and he’ll be there though, and he’s in causal wear. He also usually celebrates Mass in sandals.

That’s the only time I will wear shorts. I mostly wear jeans.

I’m honestly surprised that nobody caught onto this comment. Personally, I’ve seen many people (most some times) wearing jeans at Mass and I don’t think there’s an issue. I thought the “clothing police” would have nearly crucified you for it though.

 

[anp1215]

I love it. My wife and I once visited Tarpon Springs, Florida and decided to attend a Greek Orthodox Church there one Sunday morning. My wife is partial to slacks over dresses and was very modestly dressed. Someone quickly wrapped her in a choir robe but Greek women were coming and going in leather mini-skirts with blouses that were very low cut with cleavage showing. Nobody attempted to cover them up. Go figure?

That’s pretty unfair. At this church they don’t mind if women wear pants. As long as whatever the person is wearing is modest.

 

[TrueLight]

I’m honestly surprised that nobody caught onto this comment. Personally, I’ve seen many people (most some times) wearing jeans at Mass and I don’t think there’s an issue. I thought the “clothing police” would have nearly crucified you for it though.

We mix it up. We keep you on your toes, unbalanced and always guessing.

 

[TheMc]

We mix it up. We keep you on your toes, imbalanced and always guessing.

Always gotta keep things fresh.

 

[odile53]

I wear shorts to Mass twice a year: the parish picnic, and the parish golf tournament. On those days, there is one Mass, and it is celebrated on the grounds of the parish center which is the venue of a parish that was consolidated with ours, or under a tent at the golf course. Everyone else is wearing shorts as well, and so is our pastor, who is wearing them under his Mass vestments, as well as his golf cleats during the Mass before the tournament.

However, those are special occasions, as was the Blessing of the Fleet, a Mass and boat blessing for boaters in our area (we own a sailboat, and wore shorts to Mass there as well.) Once again, Mass was held in a tent, and one of the monsignors circulated along the docks, blessing the boats.

There are also a couple of motorcycle blessings, which follow a Mass said in one of the parishes and heavily attended by bikers in full motorcycle regalia. After Mass, the riders assemble in the parking lot in two lines, one on each side of the officiating priest, who says a blessing and sprinkles bikes and riders with holy water. You can always tell the really experienced riders, they seem to have mastered being able to make the sign of the cross without stalling out the bike!

In a regular OF Mass at my parish, you see the occasional person who decides to show up in shorts or something else that is unsuitable, but they are few and far between. Most people wear clean chinos or slacks, fairly dressy blouses, you see some Hawaiian shirts among the guys but most of them wear polo shirts, I’d describe the look as “business casual.” You also see a few dresses and the occasional mantilla.

My parish is in a small town, semi-rural community, and “business casual” is about as dressy as it gets. In other words, no one is going to be showing up as if it is a state dinner at the White House, but on the whole, people are neat, clean, modest, and dressed casually but presentably.

 

[Jack_Bauer]

Interesting story:
A priest chewed me out for praying the Liturgy of the Hours using my iPhone before mass, sitting with my family, and many people waiting for mass to begin. It’s my portable prayer book and anyone that has children will understand the convenience of it.

I thought nothing of it as he was having a casual conversation with someone sitting in a pew right in front of us (and that’s another topic for another day). Right before he walks off he turns to me and drills me for scandalizing others in the pews. I was so embarrassed that I followed him to the vestibule where we normally gather before mass to pray as servers for the mass. I explained to him I was praying the LOTHs and he said all sorts of mean things about me scandalizing others. I mentioned the Holy Father’s call for Catholics to use technology for evangelization. He then mixed up back peddling with more accusations of scandalizing others that might not know. It hurt. However, right after he was interfering with peoples spiritual preparation before mass talking as if we were in some sort of Protestant church, a couple wearing short shorts and tank top and t-shirts were sitting right across the isle in plain view.

I think people get their priorities out of sink. I understand that if someone is traveling or having an issue with an unexpected and possible unforeseen issue that they would or could show up like that. I’m not nearly as offended with someone like that as I am with the young woman or older showing up in an expensive, nearly stripper outfit, low cut, butt showing, clefts in front and back both top and bottom, flaunting it. A woman like that should be met with an alb in her pew, politely asking her to cover herself or leave. If she’s in a spiritually difficult point, I get that. However, there are many others in the pews (men sturggling with porn for example, which is another issue) and teenage boys or someone with same sex attraction issues. We all have problems. So there really is very little justification for showing up at God’s house dressed like a harlot. Jeans and shorts are not nearly as seductive, but does reveal poor planning, which should be forgiven. I’ve showed up in shorts for similar reasons. However, now that I’m more mature, I really don’t have to do that sort of thing. I’m a bit more prepared.

Leave the poor shorts people alone, unless their clefts are showing on all points, top and bottom. I think they call them “riders” or “creepers.” eek. During my dissenting days, it was an enjoyable eye full. Now, it’s a quick turn my head away so that bad thoughts don’t enter my mind and to set a good example to my children, to help them ward off visual temptations. I don’t make it obvious, just a gentle turn of my head and a redirecting of the eyes. My wife appreciates it.

Oh! And one last thing. More scandalizing that all of the above are women that wear short skirts and bow before stepping up on the dais to proclaim the word. Have you ever seen a woman’s panties while she bows with a crowed church? Quick, cover the children’s eyes and mine. YIKES. It happens and our pastor turns red, mostly anger, while the rest of us try to act like we didn’t see something.

 

[nebraskajewels]

This is the thing. There may be some rare occasions like in an emergency where a person may not be properly dressed if there is a dress code. To the person that said they rushed straight from the hospital to Church, was that the only Mass that you could have attended? You said you were at the hospital well into the a.m. Are there no evening Masses for you to attend? Would it have been too inconvenient for you to go home and put on something other than short shorts and a t-shirt even though you might have been a little late?

I really have not heard (seen) such an unchristian comment in a very long time!

So, you are saying that when someone is in dire need of prayers, faith and community, they shouldn’t even bother coming to church because God doesn’t like what you are wearing? Seriously, are you from the dark ages?

The LAST thing I would think of in a situation like that would be, “hmmmm, I’ve been worrying and stressed and need some support. I’ll go to Mass, but first I need to go home and change so Toby will “see” that I am worthy of praising the same God as she/he does.”

Have you heard the words: EMPATHY? COMPASSION?
or are yours
“JUDGMENTAL” and “PIOUS” (Making a hypocritical display of virtue)???

 

[severus68]

TobyLue;8075246:

This is the thing. There may be some rare occasions like in an emergency where a person may not be properly dressed if there is a dress code. To the person that said they rushed straight from the hospital to Church, was that the only Mass that you could have attended? You said you were at the hospital well into the a.m. Are there no evening Masses for you to attend? Would it have been too inconvenient for you to go home and put on something other than short shorts and a t-shirt even though you might have been a little late?

I really have not heard (seen) such an unchristian comment in a very long time!

So, you are saying that when someone is in dire need of prayers, faith and community, they shouldn’t even bother coming to church because God doesn’t like what you are wearing? Seriously, are you from the dark ages?

The LAST thing I would think of in a situation like that would be, “hmmmm, I’ve been worrying and stressed and need some support. I’ll go to Mass, but first I need to go home and change so Toby will “see” that I am worthy of praising the same God as she/he does.”

Have you heard the words: EMPATHY? COMPASSION?
or are yours
“JUDGMENTAL” and “PIOUS” (Making a hypocritical display of virtue)???

Well said.

 

[Stylites]

Well said.

Yes, and everyone’s comments here have also been well said. Interesting to read all the differing Catholic responses to the subject of shorts; and while many were contradictory, I haven’t read any which I would call ‘wrong’ or unCatholic in perspective.

 

[ElToro]

if i feel like wearing shorts i wear shorts. Last time i checked jesus wasn’t a big fan of the Pharisee’s and i guarantee you never would have caught one of those guys dead in a pair of shorts.

Times have changed…be reasonable…be respectful…if you would wear it to a nice social gathering then you can wear it to church…at least thats my motto.

Im sick of all the condescending judgmental hypocrites i see lining the pews every sunday. sometimes after surfing i go to church barefoot just to distract them.

After wasnt it just a burning bush that required a man to take off his sandals?

Or maybe its just because 3’’ stilettos hadnt been invented yet.

What a weak excuse…

What you don’t grasp is that when you go to Mass wearing shorts, you change the atmosphere for everyone, not just yourself. You lower the standard. That’s why others don’t take too kindly because your “if i feel like wearing shorts i wear shorts” effects everyone, not just you.

In a restaurant or club you would be asked to leave. The Church is more patient. She expects you to use your own best judgement and it sounds as if you fail Her.

 

[ElToro]

It seemed the only dress-code I knew growing-up was:

No blue jeans in certain circumstances.

No shorts in certain circumstances.

No sneakers or open toed shoes in certain situations.

Must wear tie which implicitly meant: long sleeved dress shirt, the tie, dress slacks, dress leather belt knee-high dress socks of an appropriate color and dress shoes.

Must wear collared shirt (this was at a golf course.)

But more important I think I had a good enough upbringing to know when blue jeans or shorts would not be appropriate. Or when sneakers or open toed shoes (sandals/flip-flops) were not acceptable. Possibly the only time I was caught off guard is when a golf course marshall had to lend me a shirt because my t-shirt did not have a collar. On the other hand I wasn’t wearing a wife-beater either.

All in all, too many people are too darned crude these days. The only people they worry about are themselves. This is do largely to horrid upbringings.

 

[severus68]

It seemed the only dress-code I knew growing-up was:

No blue jeans in certain circumstances.

No shorts in certain circumstances.

No sneakers or open toed shoes in certain situations.

Must wear tie which implicitly meant: long sleeved dress shirt, the tie, dress slacks, dress leather belt knee-high dress socks of an appropriate color and dress shoes.

Must wear collared shirt (this was at a golf course.)

But more important I think I had a good enough upbringing to know when blue jeans or shorts would not be appropriate. Or when sneakers or open toed shoes (sandals/flip-flops) were not acceptable. Possibly the only time I was caught off guard is when a golf course marshall had to lend me a shirt because my t-shirt did not have a collar. On the other hand I wasn’t wearing a wife-beater either.

All in all, too many people are too darned crude these days. The only people they worry about are themselves. This is do largely to horrid upbringings.

So you are saying that all those who disagree with your dress rules are crude and had horrible parents? No one who disagrees with your dress rules has told you to follow theirs and no such person has insulted you and your parents.

You are being rude and insulting while talking about the mode of dress for church, for Mass. Think about it.

 

[Annabelle_Marie]

It seemed the only dress-code I knew growing-up was:

No blue jeans in certain circumstances.

No shorts in certain circumstances.

No sneakers or open toed shoes in certain situations.

Must wear tie which implicitly meant: long sleeved dress shirt, the tie, dress slacks, dress leather belt knee-high dress socks of an appropriate color and dress shoes.

Must wear collared shirt (this was at a golf course.)

But more important I think I had a good enough upbringing to know when blue jeans or shorts would not be appropriate. Or when sneakers or open toed shoes (sandals/flip-flops) were not acceptable. Possibly the only time I was caught off guard is when a golf course marshall had to lend me a shirt because my t-shirt did not have a collar. On the other hand I wasn’t wearing a wife-beater either.

All in all, too many people are too darned crude these days. The only people they worry about are themselves. This is do largely to horrid upbringings.

Yes…I was brought up the last part of my life in a foster home…

I don’t wear shorts to Mass…but I would wear jeans (clean…neat…not too tight fitting). And I wear open toed shoes…sandals can be nicer then some closed toed shoes…and can help fight off the heat…

My husband does wear shorts occasionally…docker style shorts.

I don’t think that means that they only people we worry about are ourselves…