The way people dress to Mass

[MarkThompson]

Why would you want to criticize an approved liturgy of the Church?

Because it could stand correction or improvement? After all, it’s only where it is due to a historical accident.

Correct me if I’m wrong, but wasn’t the TLM codified by the Council of Trent?

You’re wrong. A uniform edition was ordered by Pope Pius V seven years after the close of the Council of Trent.

To suggest a part of it should be moved or deleted seems to be placing yourself above the Church fathers. Am I off base here?

If a person suggested that the Sign of Peace (or “hand-shaky thingy,” as you will see some insist on) in the modern form of the rite should be moved to just before the Offertory, rather than just after the Consecration when the Blessed Sacrament is still exposed on the altar, would you express the same shock? (In other words, yes, you are off base.)

 

[OurLadyPerpHelp]

Ok, thank you for clarifying Mark. I’m still not sure how things go here in regards to the rules and appreciate your help.

 

[Nostradennis]

‘Physically’ means taking up space, with the corollary that it is diminished by parts being taken away from it.
Something physical can be detected by the senses.
If referring to a living body (as opposed to a stone, for instance), it means in addition being subject to change aka ageing as time passes, and decay after death.

None of those apply to the Real Presence. It is true that the Hosts can become stale, and eventually decay, but that is the nature of foodstuffs generally.

But Jesus is not diminished by our partaking of the Blessed Sacrament - there doesn’t become less of Him in heaven.

Yes, of course, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity - the Real Presence, truly Him. But His presence is in a sacramental form in the substance of the Host. We do not eat His bones and flesh in a physical form - if we did, He would become less.

Read the encyclical Mysterium Fidei for a much better explanation than I’ve been able to give.

Yes, of course, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity - the Real Presence, truly Him. But His presence is in a sacramental form in the substance of the Host. We do not eat His bones and flesh in a physical form - if we did, He would become less.

From the Catechism of the Council of Trent on the “Meaning of the Real Presence”
Christ whole and entire is present in the Eucharist.
Here the pastor should explain that in this Sacrament are contained not only the true body of Christ and all the constituents of a true body, such as bones and sinews, but also Christ whole and entire. He should point out that the word Christ designates the God-man, that is to say, one Person in whom are united the divine and and human natures; that the Holy Eucharist, therefore, contains both, the Divinity and humanity whole and entire, consisting of the soul, all the parts of the body and the blood, all of which must be believed to be in this Sacrament.

None of those apply to the Real Presence. It is true that the Hosts can become stale, and eventually decay, but that is the nature of foodstuffs generally.

Also from Trent: However repugnant it may appear to the senses, is that none of the substance of the elements remains in the Sacrament. All the accidents of bread and wine we can see, but they inhere in no substance, and exist independently of any; for the substance of the bread and wine is so changed into the body and blood of Our Lord that they altogether cease to be the substance of bread and wine.

 

[lil_flower_luv]

I’d bet right now many of you think all three of us were disrespectful, irreverent, and downright cheap (me specifically). However, would it really matter? We were all there for our youngest brother. That day was a day we were the closest to a complete family while our parents were gone. And all of this, it was in the presence of Our Lord found in the Mass no less.

Thank you for that wonderful witness, Lost. I’m so pleased you all got there for your brother on his special day! And I agree! The less important things (time and energy constraints, everyday tasks, deadlines, etc) all fade into the background…the way they are supposed to! God is there at Mass. Physically present. Waiting to give Himself to us. The thing to remember is that BECAUSE Mass is a big deal to us Catholics, we need to dress and prepare for it accordingly. We need to let our clothing reflect our hearts and our minds (isn’t that what clothing usually does?) - we need to put our whole being into what goes on at Mass. If we do that, whether we are a charismatic or a traditionalist, a man or a woman, the way we dress will be just another way to respect and to revere our King.

 

[stormy99]

Blessed Veronica of Binasco relates a similar experience: “Once,” she writes, “when, prompted by curiosity, I happened during the time of Mass to look at one of the Sisters who was kneeling near the altar, the Angel of God who is constantly beside me rebuked me with such severity that I almost fainted with terror. How threateningly he looked at me as he said, ‘Why dost thou not keep watch over thy heart? Why dost thou gaze thus curiously at thy sister? Thou hast committed no slight offense against God.’ Thus spoke the Angel, and by Christ’s command he enjoined on me a heavy penance for my fault, which for three days I bewailed with tears. Now, when I hear Mass, I never venture so much as to turn my head, for fear of incurring the displeasure of the Divine Majesty.” Now that was just for a glance! Think of the offence you give when you dress inappropriately

Lost Wanderer here is what a saint has to say about how important our dress is at Mass.

Saint Leonard of Port Maurice

***The Blessed Ivetta, herself a noble Flemish lady, had once a wonderful vision in church. Such a one as I have mentioned was not far distant from her during holy Mass, magnificently dressed, and the Saint was enlightened to see the disposition of her heart, and the vain, worldly, and even impure thoughts which came and went freely through her mind without any check. And all the while she perceived that there were evil spirits close to this self-complacent woman of fashion, who would at times seem to touch her lace or her ribbons as objects of which they had a care. The lady approached the altar-rails for holy Communion; the priest descended the steps, the adorable Sacrament in his hand, when, lo, the Saviour separated Himself from the sacred particle, and ascending heavenward, disappeared, refusing to enter the mouth of one so wretched as to carry her vanity into His very presence and there complacently to dwell on thoughts of sin. The Saint was made clearly to understand that the evil spirits who were near her found in her luxury and vanity of dress something congenial to their minds and easy instruments for her ruin, and that the Saviour refused to be given to her because of her sinful dispositions. Quoniam in malevolam animam non introibit sapientia, nec habitabit in corpore subdito peccatis, “For wisdom will not enter into a malicious soul, nor dwell in a body subject to sins” (Wis. i. 4). ***

catholictradition.org/Eucharist/hidden-treasure3c.htm

 

[stormy99]

It makes me a little crazy to hear people are worried about what someone wore to Mass…nope I’m not for revealing clothes…however, if you want to wear jeans and a turtle neck…go ahead…it’s cold in our church…not many in the winter months take off their jackets…some come dressed to the nines and others don’t…I really could care less what they wear on their backs…but more about what’s in their hearts.

When my husband grew up, it was nice clothes always…little dressed for girls, suits for little boys…try buying suits for two growing boys…I’d rather pay the ultility bill.

Dress code…I sure hope not…other religions require it…you have to wear this or not…I think not…not in this time in history.

stormy

 

[pismopal]

Of course attitude is important. We can convey our attitude towards an event by our choice of attire. If I so up to an event in bluejeans and a sweatshirt then that event isn’t very important to me nor do I suspect it conveys importance to anyone else. However, if I take the time to wear the best clothing I own, even if that’s bluejeans, then I am revealing my respect and importance I place on the event. I think all societies have a custom of special dress for special occasions. Why not the Church?

Many Catholics go to mass in their work clothing and some people do not have access to clothing that they might prefer to wear when worshiping…that was my point. Special dress is not required to worship but it is disrespectful for a worshiper to wear excessively revealing clothing. Not wearing one’s “best” is no hindrance to being respectful…IMO.

 

[catharina]

Many Catholics go to mass in their work clothing and some people do not have access to clothing that they might prefer to wear when worshiping…that was my point. Special dress is not required to worship but it is disrespectful for a worshiper to wear excessively revealing clothing. Not wearing one’s “best” is no hindrance to being respectful…IMO.

Agree.

 

[centurionguard]

I think the greater amount of people in this thread have all made valid points.

Yet I am always reminded of Mother Teresa when I see one of our cities beggars on the street come to Sunday Mass, Funerals and even Baptisms. He sits quietly bothering nobody at the back of the church in prayer. If you by chance talk with him he is the most polite humble of a man.
His clothes however; are usually dirty, his hair disheveled.

His appearance is nothing to look at and most woman in the parish would be very hesitant to even sit anywhere near him. However; if you get to know the man he’s most respectable.
And no he’s not a drunkard on the streets even if he does pan-handle pocket change.

I am left with no doubt that the presence of Christ resides within this man.
If he had been Jesus walking in the Church in this manner he would have gone by completely without noticed.

Funny though how we judge people by superficial appearances.

 

[asia53]

Many Catholics go to mass in their work clothing and some people do not have access to clothing that they might prefer to wear when worshiping…that was my point. Special dress is not required to worship but it is disrespectful for a worshiper to wear excessively revealing clothing. Not wearing one’s “best” is no hindrance to being respectful…IMO.

Agree!

 

[pismopal]

Agree.

I love you guys…

 

[Padraig1972]

My mass policy is very simple:

1. Dress nice
2. Be nice
3. Act nice
4. Praise the Lord (in a) nice (manner).

 

[AnthonyJ]

Is your wife Russian Orthodox? I ask because I am in ROCOR and most of the women at my parish also wear skirts and cover there hair.

 

[AnneTeresa]

I’ve been wondering what a “Traditionalist” is. This thread just answered it for me. All I can say is wow. This is ridiculous.

 

[Padraig1972]

I’ve been wondering what a “Traditionalist” is. This thread just answered it for me. All I can say is wow. This is ridiculous.

That is very judgemental i would say. Listen, in my comment i didn`t mean to imply that if you do not dress nice, you are all bad or something like that. Jeans, dress and similar style is nice and a minimum i think.

Seriously, would you go to mass in shorts at summertime or in jogger-pants at winter? Think about it and remember, it is the House of God - a certain decency should not be so hard of us to do, right?

 

[colleensarah]

I think the most important thing to keep in mind is that Mass isn’t like anything else we do or experience. In the Book of Revelation, we learn that in our earthly Mass, we join with the heavenly worship. In a real way, being present at Mass is being present in heaven.
Personally, I would never show up to heaven wearing jeans and a t-shirt.

As a side note: People have commented about seeing people in immodest clothing at Mass. My two cents is that if it’s not appropriate for Mass, it’s not appropriate at all. I wouldn’t wear a low-cut shirt, short shorts, etc., at any time because I believe that I have more dignity than that. Just because clothing is culturally acceptable doesn’t mean I’d wear it. My rule is that shirts can’t have a neckline lower than four fingers below the pit of my throat, I don’t wear skirts or shorts that show above my knees, I don’t wear tank top or spaghetti strap sleeves without something under them… It’s about reclaiming my beauty from a culture that wants to rob me of it.

 

[StTommyMore]

I think the most important thing to keep in mind is that Mass isn’t like anything else we do or experience. In the Book of Revelation, we learn that in our earthly Mass, we join with the heavenly worship. In a real way, being present at Mass is being present in heaven.
Personally, I would never show up to heaven wearing jeans and a t-shirt.

As a side note: People have commented about seeing people in immodest clothing at Mass. My two cents is that if it’s not appropriate for Mass, it’s not appropriate at all. I wouldn’t wear a low-cut shirt, short shorts, etc., at any time because I believe that I have more dignity than that. Just because clothing is culturally acceptable doesn’t mean I’d wear it. My rule is that shirts can’t have a neckline lower than four fingers below the pit of my throat, I don’t wear skirts or shorts that show above my knees, I don’t wear tank top or spaghetti strap sleeves without something under them… It’s about reclaiming my beauty from a culture that wants to rob me of it.

This is such a refreshing attitude. I attend a Catholic university that is thoroughly Catholic, but I am still saddened by some of the fashion choices made by students here (both male and female)

 

[AnneTeresa]

That is very judgemental i would say. Listen, in my comment i didn`t mean to imply that if you do not dress nice, you are all bad or something like that. Jeans, dress and similar style is nice and a minimum i think.

Seriously, would you go to mass in shorts at summertime or in jogger-pants at winter? Think about it and remember, it is the House of God - a certain decency should not be so hard of us to do, right?

Yes, I agree with you. I was just responding to the posts about women not being supposed to wear pants at all and some churches having dress codes. It just kind of shocks me and I thought maybe that’s what it was saying Traditionalism was.

 

[Padraig1972]

Ah yes, a dresscode - well it sounds ideal. But how to get something like that working without stirring up conflicts is a very other matter i would say.

 

[Tantum_ergo]

What I can’t understand is that posters can come on and make all sorts of intelligent, reasonable comments that reflect both an understanding of current societal norms as well as reasonable attitudes that require neither an ‘anything goes so long as they come’ attitude nor a “they must absolutely wear this attire and this only”. . .

And those posts are by and large ignored, because it’s more ‘fun’ (I guess) for people to ‘stir the pot’. And so the same old tired ‘assumptions’, charges and counter-charges are drummed up and repeated over and over.

I guess it just shows how wrongs and misunderstanding can keep on going, even when they’re known to be untrue. . .because people just don’t want to ‘let them go.’