The way people dress to Mass

[OurLadyPerpHelp]

It seems logical to me at least that the traditional Catholic perspective on this and all matters is appropriate for a chat forum entitled Traditional Catholicism. If traditional Catholicism upset me then I would stay away from such a place.

For example, Sedevacanists bug me (although I have read some things that made me go hmmm…) so guess what? I steer clear. Same thing for Jack Chick type people. I engaged them for awhile thinking I was doing missionary work, but to no avail. Sometimes you just have to leave people be and let God sort it out.

When I attend my own Mass I dress appropriately. When I attend a Latin Mass I will do the same. They have a different standard so out of respect to them I’ll live up to it. No one is forcing me to attend the Latin Mass so I have no excuse to rebel.

 

[Nostradennis]

… it’s just that it’s the only suit I own so it’s if you can explain how not wearing my suit may lead me to an eternity in hell I’ll gladly change my view.

            I would think that wearing your best suit to Church on Sunday would please God very much.

1. “without Me your are nothing…” God is the source of our abundance, All we have we owe to God. What better way to thank Him then to show up at His house (Sunday Mass) wearing your best suit.
2. Not wearing it might be seen as a sign of “luke warmness” to God’s generosity. But this is the only suit I got and if I wear it out I might never get another one. God loves a cheery giver, so give Him the very best you got for you honor him more this way. For doing so, who knows, you might hear him say “Friend, come up higher” on judgement day for honoring His Vicar’s modesty dress code and not dumbing it down like so many on this forum would like to do.
   God rewards the little things. He rewards those who give just a sip of water to someone who thirsts. How much more would He give you for giving good example to both children and adults while in His House.
3. And after many years wearing it at Sunday Mass the $300 suit is looking more like a give a way or even a throw a way suit, who knows, God may bless you with a $600 suit when you least expect it. For His generosity will never be outdone.

 

[archangel04]

I saw his post just as I was leaving for work. I couldn’t get it out of my mind. I thought for sure that someone would have caught it and addressed it. Then, I get home and find out that no one called him to task on this. That puzzled me.

P.S. Do you have a favorite Archangel?

Well I see the 3 mentioned in the bible as the top 3 angels in heaven, but Michael is my favorite.

 

[mdrummer5]

I would think that wearing your best suit to Church on Sunday would please God very much.

1. “without Me your are nothing…” God is the source of our abundance, All we have we owe to God. What better way to thank Him then to show up at His house (Sunday Mass) wearing your best suit.
2. Not wearing it might be seen as a sign of “luke warmness” to God’s generosity. But this is the only suit I got and if I wear it out I might never get another one. God loves a cheery giver, so give Him the very best you got for you honor him more this way. For doing so, who knows, you might hear him say “Friend, come up higher” on judgement day for honoring His Vicar’s modesty dress code and not dumbing it down like so many on this forum would like to do.
   God rewards the little things. He rewards those who give just a sip of water to someone who thirsts. How much more would He give you for giving good example to both children and adults while in His House.
3. And after many years wearing it at Sunday Mass the $300 suit is looking more like a give a way or even a throw a way suit, who knows, God may bless you with a $600 suit when you least expect it. For His generosity will never be outdone.

That’s all fine, well and good but let me ask in a different way.

Jesus, in his teachings was very clear about certain things we are to do and not do when we worship. Show me where it shows that we are to dress as nice as we can when we attend Mass.

To clarify, I’m not saying that I should be allowed to show up in my pjs or my workout gear so assuming it wouldn’t be anything immodest tell me how what I normally wear is bad?

Furthermore at the end of your second point you imply that I WOULDN’T be a good example by the way I dress for other people. That’s a fairly bold statement to make about someone you don’t know.

 

[crazzeto]

That’s all fine, well and good but let me ask in a different way.

Jesus, in his teachings was very clear about certain things we are to do and not do when we worship. Show me where it shows that we are to dress as nice as we can when we attend Mass.

To clarify, I’m not saying that I should be allowed to show up in my pjs or my workout gear so assuming it wouldn’t be anything immodest tell me how what I normally wear is bad?

Furthermore at the end of your second point you imply that I WOULDN’T be a good example by the way I dress for other people. That’s a fairly bold statement to make about someone you don’t know.

I can’t comment on the sinfulness of particular dress, save someone going to church in overtly “sexy” dress or dress with is in appropriate due to the message it protrays (satanic symbolism etc).

With regards to dressing up in a suite, or dressing up better I would say you can find exhortations with in the scriptures to be as prepared as you can. Many scriptures speak of being prepared for the situation at hand, the parable of the King who invites many guests to the wedding is one such parable. The invited guests snub the King, so he has them killed. Then he invites the general towns people, who come. However one comes not dressed for a Kingly wedding, rather comes in every day street garb. This person is thrown out “where there will be whailing and gnashing of teeth” because of his lack of preparedness.

I wouldn’t try and stretch this to say you will go to hell for not dressing up to Church, but I will say that when I read what Christ says, I get a constant message of a need for preparedness. Particularly with regard to the disposition of my soul, but personally I like to try my best to have this filter out to my outward appearance too. I think it is good to be as prepared for the coming of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords from the inside out.

Even if the second coming doesn’t happen at next Sunday’s Mass, you can be comforted knowing you did, equally as if the second comming had happend, dress your best and were as prepared as you could be for an audience with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

To my mind it goes back to how you would present your self for an audience with President Barak Obama, would you want to be any less dressed for a meeting with God?

Again, I’m not saying your a bad person, or that your doing anything sinful, and certainly not that your going to hell. More so, just my own perspective on the subject.

God bless,

 

[OurLadyPerpHelp]

I think the traditional perspective is that we should always do our best for Jesus. The teaching authority of the Church comes from Scripture and the traditions of the Church. The Church often doesn’t give us mandated directions, but chooses to lead by example. When we needed a place to worship, we didn’t find just any ol’ place and gather round, we built magnificant structures with visual symbolism to convey reverence and awe of God’s majesty. Our priests wore exquisit vestements, burned incense, performed carefully thoughtout rubics, pipe organs, ancient chant, genuflections, bows, and handled the Blessed Sacrament with honor and diligent care. Clearly something important is going on at Mass. Should we not then do some small part like make an effort in deciding what to wear?

If I’m invited to a summer bbq that I know will be informal, relaxed, I’ll wear something appropriate like sandles, shorts, maybe a golf shirt. If I’m invited to a five course meal to honor a family member’s graduation, promotion, or something like that I’ll wear something appropriate but certainly not bbq attire. Both invitations are dear to me, but clearly one event is more important thus etiquette dicates a more formal dress.

So the question is, how important is the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass to you? How much respect do you have for the Sacrifice Jesus made so we may join Him in Heaven one day?

 

[mdrummer5]

So the question is, how important is the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass to you? How much respect do you have for the Sacrifice Jesus made so we may join Him in Heaven one day?

Actually, I would disagree and say that the question is am I disrepsecting Jesus by what I’m wearing? I can say very emphatically no.

Someone dressing in a way that would be sinful… obviously may not be able to say the same.

To my mind it goes back to how you would present your self for an audience with President Barak Obama, would you want to be any less dressed for a meeting with God?

I see the point you’re trying to make… but frankly if I met the president I would not go out of my way to dress any differently (better or worse) than I do for mass or work. That’s not to say that I don’t respect him. I just don’t think that one can show respect simply by dress. I would show respect by saying please and thank you and by my actions. I show respect at Mass by being there, being attentive, and by taking the word of God to heart and not just looking at it as an “obligation” that I have to sit through for an hour every week. Slightly off topic but that’s the one issue I have with Catholicism is that Mass and other days are referred to as holy days of obligation as I understand it (still learning) such a horrible connotation. It’s not an obligation… it’s a privilege.

There are a few people who I see weekly who are the first ones to leave as the last song is still being played/sung, they’re dressed very well… but their obviously not as respectful for God given that they’re trying to “beat the traffic”.

 

[Faith1960]

There is no excuse for not dressing modestly, but when it comes to "nice"clothes, some people just do not have them. Some of the most devout people I’ve ever seen were old men in worn windbreakers and old women in faded sweaters.

My only problem with clothing during Mass is immodest clothing or clothes that bear inappropriate graphics, like an advertisement for a bar or something like that. Jeans – I don’t care. I wear jeans to Mass myself.

 

[OurLadyPerpHelp]

Actually, I would disagree and say that the question is am I disrepsecting Jesus by what I’m wearing? I can say very emphatically no…

It’s your decision. In previous generations it was considered common courtesy to respect the customs of the place you were in.

 

[Faith1960]

Personally, I feel that what is in your heart is much much more important then what is on your back.

I am not at church to judge others. I am at church for God and for Him alone. I personally do not care if you come in sweats, PJs, jeans, or a Tux. Come with a pure heart and for the right reasons. Come and PARTICIPATE!!! Do not come, just to fulfill you obligation or to be seen.

And while this is off topic - for the love of God, leave your cell phone home or in the car. NOTHING is more distracting in mass, then the person 2 pews up texting.

I agree.

 

[Faith1960]

Hello,
When I was growing up, my mom used to say that well kept jeans and a polo shirt are fine for daily mass and more formal attire for sunday. This was when I was living in Buffalo, N.Y.

Here in Hawaii we tend to be more informal. People would dress in “daily mass” attire for sundays. My personal reason for dressing casual clothing was more practical. I worked in security and if I went home to change (city bus is my only form of transportation), I would be late for work (schedules with sunday shifts were the only ones available).

I’m presently working on a career change which would free up my weekends. So, I’ll be working on wearing more appropriate clothing.

Here is an interesting aspect to this also. While it is common to dress casually here, I’ve seen people dress casually when our Bishop is the presider at the service.

I think a lot depends on the parish. Some are more formal than others. At mine, you see a variety of clothing from dressy to casual but by and large, the casual are the most common.

 

[Tantum_ergo]

I really do not think that most (by that I mean at least 90%) of the people who speak about ‘modest dressing’ are saying that means dressing to the nines or wearing something that says, “look how richly I dress, I’m better than you.”

I also think that probably a majority (by that I mean at least 51%) of the people who say they dress modestly but ‘casually’ mean by that the same kind of clothing that the ‘modest dressers’ are wearing. For many people, ‘casual’ means a polo shirt, clean pressed slacks, etc. Perfectly modest, and casual in the sense that they don’t mean, ‘dressed up like going to the opera’.

Here is the problem though:

You have the one misunderstanding of ‘modest’ thinking, “these people want me to take off my nice polo shirt and wear a tux. It ain’t gonna happen!”

BUT: nobody ever asked a person in a polo shirt to exchange it for a tux.

You also have the other misunderstanding that ‘casual’ means ‘slobby dirty and/or immodest.’

But again, time after time, I have seen people speaking of ‘casual’ dressing but meaning modest; in fact, their ‘casual’ is pretty close to the extreme ‘slobs’ idea of ‘dressy’!

“What, you mean I can’t wear my greasy sweats? You want me to put on a POLO shirt! That’s WAY TOO DRESSY FOR ME!”

There is also a very fine line between not ‘judging’ people (very few of us are making that judgment on what ANYBODY is wearing) and the kind of laziness which assumes that ‘any old thing, whether it is modest or not, should be allowed because suposedly God doesn’t look at CLOTHES’. That is a specious argument.

 

[mdrummer5]

It’s your decision. In previous generations it was considered common courtesy to respect the customs of the place you were in.

The customs of any church (Catholic or otherwise) that I’ve been to have never indicated that I needed to where a suit. The Church I currently attend has everything from people in jeans and t-shirts to dress slacks and ties… the former being more apparent.

 

[Annabelle_Marie]

It seems logical to me at least that the traditional Catholic perspective on this and all matters is appropriate for a chat forum entitled Traditional Catholicism. If traditional Catholicism upset me then I would stay away from such a place.

For example, Sedevacanists bug me (although I have read some things that made me go hmmm…) so guess what? I steer clear. Same thing for Jack Chick type people. I engaged them for awhile thinking I was doing missionary work, but to no avail. Sometimes you just have to leave people be and let God sort it out.

When I attend my own Mass I dress appropriately. When I attend a Latin Mass I will do the same. They have a different standard so out of respect to them I’ll live up to it. No one is forcing me to attend the Latin Mass so I have no excuse to rebel.

Hmmm…unless you are trying to learn the traditionalist side of things… Is this one poster the REAL traditionlist view? That all women should wear dresses? That you would turn people away?

I hear a lot of talk about wanting to be respected by traditionalists…how can one do that if they don’t understand them…or dig to find out it that is the true view or just a few peoples opinion.

I’m also interested in how they defend that against current Church teaching…

So…it’s about searching for true and learning all of my faith. Sorry if you don’t think that someone should be doing that but I take my faith seriously.

 

[crazzeto]

Hmmm…unless you are trying to learn the traditionalist side of things… Is this one poster the REAL traditionlist view? That all women should wear dresses? That you would turn people away?

I hear a lot of talk about wanting to be respected by traditionalists…how can one do that if they don’t understand them…or dig to find out it that is the true view or just a few peoples opinion.

I’m also interested in how they defend that against current Church teaching…

So…it’s about searching for true and learning all of my faith. Sorry if you don’t think that someone should be doing that but I take my faith seriously.

Are you suggesting that current catholic teaching is that women should come to Mass in jeans? There is no such teaching, it is tolerated but there is no teaching. In fact I’m really not aware of any dogmatic teaching on dress outside of what might be found in the Epistles, and these would call for a far more conservitive style of dress than what most traditionalists here call for.

So I don’t know that church teaching has any baring directly on the current discussion. Holy Mother Church tolerates a lot in the way of dress, but isn’t it better to not be with in the real of what is tolerated?

 

[OurLadyPerpHelp]

The customs of any church (Catholic or otherwise) that I’ve been to have never indicated that I needed to where a suit. The Church I currently attend has everything from people in jeans and t-shirts to dress slacks and ties… the former being more apparent.

Well, me either. However, as this discussion is taking place in the Traditional forum (there is another currently running in Philosophy if you are interested) I can only assume you are looking for the traditional perspective on dress code at Mass. I’ve never been to at traditional Mass but from what I’ve learned on-line women in pants is not encouraged, chapel veils are. Men might not have to be in a full suit and tie, but at least make an effort to show some respect for their customs. Otherwise, I’m sure there is an untraditional Mass near you where the dress code is much more liberal.

 

[Annabelle_Marie]

Are you suggesting that current catholic teaching is that women should come to Mass in jeans? There is no such teaching, it is tolerated but there is no teaching. In fact I’m really not aware of any dogmatic teaching on dress outside of what might be found in the Epistles, and these would call for a far more conservitive style of dress than what most traditionalists here call for.

So I don’t know that church teaching has any baring directly on the current discussion. Holy Mother Church tolerates a lot in the way of dress, but isn’t it better to not be with in the real of what is tolerated?

What I am talking about is turning women away from Mass for wearing slacks or pants vs. dresses or skirts. There is no Church teaching that says that…that is what I am saying.

Lets take this to the other side…what if someone was turned away at an OF Mass for wearing a head covering?

 

[StTommyMore]

Well, me either. However, as this discussion is taking place in the Traditional forum (there is another currently running in Philosophy if you are interested) I can only assume you are looking for the traditional perspective on dress code at Mass. I’ve never been to at traditional Mass but from what I’ve learned on-line women in pants is not encouraged, chapel veils are. Men might not have to be in a full suit and tie, but at least make an effort to show some respect for their customs. Otherwise, I’m sure there is an untraditional Mass near you where the dress code is much more liberal.

With all due respect, I think you may be going down a dangerous path by making false distinctions between “traditional” Catholics and “non-traditional Catholics”. All Catholics loyal to the Magisterium are “traditional” in a manner of speaking. By elevating “traditional” Catholics over what you label as “liberal” Catholics, you imply that the Traditionalist movement in the Church (which is essentially a lay movement in the Church, just as the Charismatic Renewal is) is more 'faithful" version of Catholicism. This could eventually lead one to sedevacantism. If you prefer a more “traditional” expression of Catholicism, that is fine, but that is by no mans superior to other expressions of the faith.

 

[crazzeto]

What I am talking about is turning women away from Mass for wearing slacks or pants vs. dresses or skirts. There is no Church teaching that says that…that is what I am saying.

Lets take this to the other side…what if someone was turned away at an OF Mass for wearing a head covering?

I’m not addressing the problem of turning people away, as I’ve said this question is outside of my vocation. I will address the problem of people personal disposition towards a certain kind of dress as another poster indicated. Just because Church A might be very tolorant of what you wear to church (lets say they won’t bat an eye at satan worshiping shirts, which some do wear to mass), should that give you free license to do whatever the heck you want?

Isn’t it better for you to dress better? To be more prepared, not just internally (spiritually) but also to let this preparedness seep out to the exterior as well. The interesting thing about worship is that, it encompasses the whole human experience. It’s not all spiritual, it’s the whole kit and kaboodle. It’s your body, it’s your posture, it’s your language, it’s how you behave. It’s everything, we don’t worship Christ merely in the spirit, but also in the flesh as well. We give all of our selves to God, this is a reflection of the incarnation.

 

[OurLadyPerpHelp]

Hmmm…unless you are trying to learn the traditionalist side of things… Is this one poster the REAL traditionlist view? That all women should wear dresses? That you would turn people away?

I hear a lot of talk about wanting to be respected by traditionalists…how can one do that if they don’t understand them…or dig to find out it that is the true view or just a few peoples opinion.

I’m also interested in how they defend that against current Church teaching…

So…it’s about searching for true and learning all of my faith. Sorry if you don’t think that someone should be doing that but I take my faith seriously.

I’m not aware of anything in Scripture or papal decree forbidding women to wear pants. If something is out there I hope someone will be kind enough to share it. I am aware of 1 Cor 14:34 so perhaps you could try explaining that to these nice traditional folks. In my humble opinion, that passage proves we don’t always take Scripture as the only authoratitive source, that traditions matter too. In the traditional Church, women wore chapel veils and not pants. It seems pretty clear cut to me.