Should I Donate Money For Traditional Alter Server Clothing

[Gregory24]

I was wondering if it would be out of line for me to ask the head head priest at my parish if I could pay for traditinal alter server clothing. If the priest would have them wear it? Now they just wear white robes w/ sneakers?

 

[mosher]

Gregory24:

I was wondering if it would be out of line for me to ask the head head priest at my parish if I could pay for traditinal alter server clothing. If the priest would have them wear it? Now they just wear white robes w/ sneakers?

I would suggest that you get with some people and actually buy the cassocks and surplices and donate them because then the money will be used for what you are wanting. Make sure that you do this with a number of people so the priest will be compelled to act because of a multiplicity of support rathar than a unilateral request.

 

[Andreas_Hofer]

I think it’s entirely appropriate to donate it if the priest will use it. Like mosher said, though, make sure the money buys what you intended it to and the more people are involved in the donation, the more likely the priest will accept the idea and be faithful to your vision.

 

[mgy100]

I remember we switched from cassocks/surplices. The nuns bought us robes with hoods. I missed the cassocks. You could see through the robes. But I think honestly they got tired of fixing the buttons, and they were old old old.

 

[TableServant]

I don’t mean to be sarcastic here, and I do hope that my words don’t give that impression, but I do want to clarify my understanding of the intent. Not the intent to donate money for beautiful garments for the altar servers - that I understand.

My question, though, is whether this is about a preference of cassock and surplice over a true alb. Now, I don’t know what altar servers wear in every parish, and I’ll admit that I’ve seen some interesting garments. What I am wondering is whether there is a preference for cassock and surplice over a real alb (with cincture, and amice as necessary)?

 

[mosher]

TableServant:

I don’t mean to be sarcastic here, and I do hope that my words don’t give that impression, but I do want to clarify my understanding of the intent. Not the intent to donate money for beautiful garments for the altar servers - that I understand.

My question, though, is whether this is about a preference of cassock and surplice over a true alb. Now, I don’t know what altar servers wear in every parish, and I’ll admit that I’ve seen some interesting garments. What I am wondering is whether there is a preference for cassock and surplice over a real alb (with cincture, and amice as necessary)?

Without knowing what the OP thinks I can give you my purposes. First, the Cassock and Surplace look better so in that vein it is a matter of aesthetics. Second, I have noticed in having the role of MC that servers will tend to have a little more reverence for what they are doing if they are in the traditional garb - of course this is not always true but my own experience tells me that the rule is as such. Third, when the people in the pews see servers in cassock and surplace they tend to have a less casual view of the liturgy. For some reason the cassock and surplace seems to evok a sense of formality that the alb does not. This I can not explain but it is another observed factor from my experience.

 

[Forest-Pine]

I’ve read elsewhere on the forums that girls cannot wear the cassock (a priest’s garment). That was given as a major reason why the baptismal garment (which all can wear) has replaced the cassock in most parishes. Does your parish have female altar servers? If so, the priest might not welcome that particular gift (as thoughtful as it is) as it would not be best suited to your parish’s needs.

If this is the case, you could still bring some holiness and awe back into the liturgy through the cloth. Think about banners, the altar linens, the priest’s garments, the deacon’s garments, etc.

 

[dumspirospero]

That outfit is what I have started calling the “bathrobe”…I love the traditional cassock and surplice.

Gregory24:

Now they just wear white robes w/ sneakers?

 

[MrS]

Forest-Pine:

I’ve read elsewhere on the forums that girls cannot wear the cassock (a priest’s garment). .

I had forgotten that… what a great way to get back to all-boy-altar-boys!!:clapping:

 

[CatholicCid]

I’ve read elsewhere on the forums that girls cannot wear the cassock (a priest’s garment). That was given as a major reason why the baptismal garment (which all can wear) has replaced the cassock in most parishes. Does your parish have female altar servers? If so, the priest might not welcome that particular gift (as thoughtful as it is) as it would not be best suited to your parish’s needs.

To remedy this in my area (though male servers out number female) the female server (1 female, 2 males) will wear the “bathrobe” as dumspirospero called it with a black… it forms a cross somewhat… a stripe covering the shoulders, thing over the robe and carry the processional cross with the male servers wearing cassocks and surplus

 

[MrS]

Fr John Hardon said a Mass at our parish a few years back, and brought in his own altar boys… all six were dressed in the traditional black and white.

Within 2 months, all our “robes” were gone, and we started using more altar boys… thanks to the efforts of one mother, there are now nearly 60 servers… all boys.

 

[AltarMan]

mosher:

Without knowing what the OP thinks I can give you my purposes. First,** the Cassock and Surplace look better so** in that vein it is a matter of aesthetics. Second, I have noticed in having the role of MC that servers will tend to have a little more reverence for what they are doing if they are in the traditional garb - of course this is not always true but my own experience tells me that the rule is as such. Third, when the people in the pews see servers in cassock and surplace they tend to have a less casual view of the liturgy. For some reason the cassock and surplace seems to evok a sense of formality that the alb does not. This I can not explain but it is another observed factor from my experience.

No they don’t, and I think that may be problematic.

An extremely well-tailored (yes, well-tailored) alb with a properly knotted cincture of the right length looks elegant and formal compared to a cassock/surplice combination.

Most people equate albs to cheap “robes” common of most altar servers. While cheap/cutesy albs are never appropriate, these same people are also likely used to seeing cheap cassocks/surplices (from vendors like Abby or Toomey) but at least they look like the altar boy vestments of years past. They are recognizable and there’s comfort in that.

If one makes an effort to vest well in an alb (from a tailor like Wippell’s or even Almay ) they are making quite a commitment in terms of $$$ and time. They also risk confusing the faithful in the pews about their status in sanctuary – they don’t look like servers. I have never been mistaken for a priest or bishop when vested in a cassock/surplice. I have when vested in my alb from Wippell’s.

As a side note, both albs and cassocks need to drape to one’s ankles. Nothing looks worse than someone wearing an “off the rack” vestment that comes to their knees (This style was actually called an “academic cut” that was popularized by the Jesuits because they didn’t have to lift their cassocks when going up stairs at colleges/seminaries.) Also, I have yet to see a decent alb from a Catholic purveyor. Anglican tailors seem far more serious about properly vesting both clergy and the laity.

So while I personally prefer to vest in a cassock/surplice, that “look” dosen’t compare in elegance and formality to a well tailored alb and a proper cincture. If you want to really go over the top, wear a flat fabric vs. cord cincture.

 

[Dr.Bombay]

mgy100:

I remember we switched from cassocks/surplices. The nuns bought us robes with hoods. I missed the cassocks. You could see through the robes. But I think honestly they got tired of fixing the buttons, and they were old old old.

And take it from me, those hoods are just ornamental. They aren’t meant to be worn as hoods. A buddy of mine and me were clowning one time and put the hoods up. Well, mine got stuck on my enormously fat head and I almost didn’t get the darn thing down in time for Mass to start.

We also had to remember to pull the end of the robe off our shoes when we knelt down. If you didn’t, you’d strangle yourself standing up, which I did on more than one occasion.

Kids are so goofy. :nope:

 

[twiztedseraph]

Dr. Bombay:

And take it from me, those hoods are just ornamental. They aren’t meant to be worn as hoods. A buddy of mine and me were clowning one time and put the hoods up. Well, mine got stuck on my enormously fat head and I almost didn’t get the darn thing down in time for Mass to start.

We also had to remember to pull the end of the robe off our shoes when we knelt down. If you didn’t, you’d strangle yourself standing up, which I did on more than one occasion.

Kids are so goofy. :nope:

I feel your pain…I always stumble down the sanctuary in mine

 

[Dr.Bombay]

twiztedseraph:

I feel your pain…I always stumble down the sanctuary in mine

This is my greatest fear. I’ve been asked to occasionally serve at our daily TLM. Besides learning the Latin responses, the gestures, picking up the missal stand without it falling apart and not touching Father’s hand during the ablutions, I’m terrified I’m going to stumble over my cassock. Mea MAXIMA culpa.

Since I’m dreadfully uncoordinated, this is a genuine possiblity. I think I’m with the Jesuits. I’ll need to wear a short one. Off the rack chic.

 

[Anima_Christi]

Forest-Pine:

I’ve read elsewhere on the forums that girls cannot wear the cassock (a priest’s garment). That was given as a major reason why the baptismal garment (which all can wear) has replaced the cassock in most parishes. Does your parish have female altar servers? If so, the priest might not welcome that particular gift (as thoughtful as it is) as it would not be best suited to your parish’s needs.
.

Not true. I was visiting another state this summer and was suprised to see both male and female servers wearing cassocks and surplices. The extraordinary ministers of holy communion also processed in with the priest wearing albs, which is something I’d never seen before.
Personally I think girls look weird in the cassock and surplice . . . but then again, I don’t think girls should be up at the altar serving Mass in any case.

 

[Forest-Pine]

Anima Christi:

Not true.

I do not know if the statement is true or not. However, I question if your belief that it is not true is merely based on your experience at that one church. I’ve heard of lay women giving homilies and other such cooky feminist ideas. Can anyone find out if it is forbidden of girls? I have nothing to go on but the beliefs of others myself.

 

[Andreas_Hofer]

AltarMan:

No they don’t, and I think that may be problematic.

An extremely well-tailored (yes, well-tailored) alb with a properly knotted cincture of the right length looks elegant and formal compared to a cassock/surplice combination.

Most people equate albs to cheap “robes” common of most altar servers. While cheap/cutesy albs are never appropriate, these same people are also likely used to seeing cheap cassocks/surplices (from vendors like Abby or Toomey) but at least they look like the altar boy vestments of years past. They are recognizable and there’s comfort in that.

If one makes an effort to vest well in an alb (from a tailor like Wippell’s or even Almay ) they are making quite a commitment in terms of $$$ and time. They also risk confusing the faithful in the pews about their status in sanctuary – they don’t look like servers. I have never been mistaken for a priest or bishop when vested in a cassock/surplice. I have when vested in my alb from Wippell’s.

As a side note, both albs and cassocks need to drape to one’s ankles. Nothing looks worse than someone wearing an “off the rack” vestment that comes to their knees (This style was actually called an “academic cut” that was popularized by the Jesuits because they didn’t have to lift their cassocks when going up stairs at colleges/seminaries.) Also, I have yet to see a decent alb from a Catholic purveyor. Anglican tailors seem far more serious about properly vesting both clergy and the laity.

So while I personally prefer to vest in a cassock/surplice, that “look” dosen’t compare in elegance and formality to a well tailored alb and a proper cincture. If you want to really go over the top, wear a flat fabric vs. cord cincture.

Well, I admit I’ve never seen a very expensive alb (AFAIK) but I’ve never in my life seen one that looked elegant or formal.

I also don’t understand how you could be mistaken for a bishop or priest while vested in an alb. Unless you were wearing a stole, it seems such a mistake would be born out of ignorance of what priests wear, not because a person in plain alb and cincture is wearing priestly garb. Given the fact that my area has few priests who seem to own even a clerical collar, it would probably be easier to mistake a layman in an alb for a priest than to actually tell who the priest is…

 

[AltarMan]

Andreas Hofer:

Well, I admit I’ve never seen a very expensive alb (AFAIK) but I’ve never in my life seen one that looked elegant or formal.

I also don’t understand how you could be mistaken for a bishop or priest while vested in an alb. Unless you were wearing a stole, it seems such a mistake would be born out of ignorance of what priests wear, not because a person in plain alb and cincture is wearing priestly garb. Given the fact that my area has few priests who seem to own even a clerical collar, it would probably be easier to mistake a layman in an alb for a priest than to actually tell who the priest is…

Let’s see if I can help you “understand.”

In the parish I attend, the sacristy is huge and unfortunately, a great many people congregate there before Mass. It is there where I have been mistaken for a priest (which happens all the time) and more than once as a bishop as it is common for clerics to be in different stages of vesting in the sacristy while people wander in and out (sadly enough.)

 

[AltarMan]

Anima Christi:

Not true. I was visiting another state this summer and was suprised to see both male and female servers wearing cassocks and surplices. The extraordinary ministers of holy communion also processed in with the priest wearing albs, which is something I’d never seen before.
Personally I think girls look weird in the cassock and surplice . . . but then again, I don’t think girls should be up at the altar serving Mass in any case.

Yeah, and if you would have attended some abusive Masses in 1985 you would have claimed altar girls were approved as well based on what you saw. The following is a good answer:

A recent answer by Colin Donovan of EWTN on 11/2/2005:

"GIRM 337 In the diocese of the United States of America, acolytes, altar servers, lectors, and other lay ministers may wear an alb or other suitable vesture or other appropriate and dignified clothing.

While this norm does not explicitly exclude a cassock and surplice to female servers, and by extension other female ministers and choir members, the fact it is not proposed is interesting. The cassock is traditionally the vestment of clerics, with the different colors of cassock, piping and buttons indicating ecclesiastical rank. The plain black cassock is the cassock of the simple priest and other clerics below his rank, and has been adopted, for the service of Mass, by altar boys. The fact that today girls can serve at the altar does not in my mind change the fact that the cassock is an inappropriate dress for them, but I know of no general law explicitly prohibiting it. However, the Diocese of Peoria, which takes great care in such matters, while allowing girls to wear the alb, excludes the wearing of the cassock or the surplice."

I’ll add that at televised Masses from the National Shrine in DC, males wear cassock/surplice, while females (the few they have) wear albs.