Vesting for Mass

[Andreas_Hofer]

Having been to quite a few daily Masses where the priest came out vested only in alb, stole, and cincture, I was wondering whether this practice is acceptable or is just a common abuse. In reading the GIRM I noted that a chasuble should be worn and that concelebrating priests are not bound to vest fully, but could find no other exceptions for not wearing a chasuble. Plus, all the more obedient priests I know always wear a chasuble when celebrating the Mass. Is there some sort of exception or particular law in this case? Have I simply missed something in the GIRM? Or is this just one more of the many abuses practiced on this campus?

Thanks for any help.

 

[Crusader]

Andreas Hofer:

Having been to quite a few daily Masses where the priest came out vested only in alb, stole, and cincture, I was wondering whether this practice is acceptable or is just a common abuse. In reading the GIRM I noted that a chasuble should be worn and that concelebrating priests are not bound to vest fully, but could find no other exceptions for not wearing a chasuble. Plus, all the more obedient priests I know always wear a chasuble when celebrating the Mass. Is there some sort of exception or particular law in this case? Have I simply missed something in the GIRM? Or is this just one more of the many abuses practiced on this campus?

Thanks for any help.

It’s unacceptable under normal conditions. The minimum for the main priestly celebrant is an alb, stole and chasuble. An amice and cincture may or may not be needed depending on the design of the alb.

Under extraordinary conditions (such as an army chaplin out in the field), I think only the stole is required, and many times it’s quite small.

What you describe is acceptable for a concelebrant of the Mass. My old pastor used to vest like that for daily Masses. I think to him it was just another way to show dissent – and it was easier than wearing what’s required.

 

[Andreas_Hofer]

Thanks, Crusader. I also had the feeling that it was more a way of showing disregard for liturgical norms than anything else, but I wanted to be sure there wasn’t anything else I was missing.

 

[chicago]

At times it is probably outright disobedience. Often it is likely laziness or laxity. Sometimes it might be something like it being summer when the Church is hot and sticky with the priest looking for a little releif from all the hot vestiture.