What is proper clothing for any Mass?

[OneAugustKnight]

I am just asking, but are sandals okay? I don’t believe anyone has said anything about them.

They pass the modesty test of conservative church-goers, but I personally don’t like them. They are way too casual. Yes, Jesus wore sandals, but not in the temple. Plus he walked every where. I drove to the church, I can wear something nicer than sneakers, sandals, or crocs.

 

[stevedewsu]

I think that it depends. I agree with most of you that shorts are a last resort. My wife was recently appauled by her father and is not sure how to handle the situation. All of her life she was brought up that you dress “properly” to attend church. The last time we visited her father, he wore shorts to church. We both were shocked. Many people will argue that it is the trend or that God does not care what you wear. While I agree that going to church is more important than what you wear, we must remember that we are in God’s house and I think that respect needs to be shown by wearing, as stated in the first post, nice dress pants, and at least a golf shirt. But there are rare circumstances where I know that some people may only own shorts or dirty clothes… “what if Jesus came back like that?” So while we have our value system, let us not forget the opposite side of the coin.

 

[Cavbiker]

I am a jeans and t-shirt kinda guy, but I wouldn’t even think of showing up to mass in that. If my grandmother, God bless her, saw me in jeans on Sunday she would probaly have a heart attack.

 

[SeekerJen]

They pass the modesty test of conservative church-goers, but I personally don’t like them. They are way too casual. Yes, Jesus wore sandals, but not in the temple. Plus he walked every where. I drove to the church, I can wear something nicer than sneakers, sandals, or crocs.

I’m not sure I would equate good leather dress sandals with Crocs (plastic shoes, for those not in the know) or sneakers. Flip-flops belong in that group. I don’t think those are dressy at all, and they sure make a distracting noise. But not all sandals (or even most) are flip-flops. I have a couple of pairs of low-heeled leather dress sandals that look very nice with a pair of dress slacks or a skirt in the summertime. They’re a plus for me because I hate socks and stockings on my feet during the warm weather months.

I have heard a complaint before that women in sandals are presenting men with a temptation to sin, but if we’re going to try and guard against every weird fetish out there, we might as well adopt the full burka and only leave the house with male relatives. I’m not going to wear big shoes and socks in 95-degree-80%-humidity weather just because some weirdo might find my feet arousing.

 

[OneAugustKnight]

I’m not sure I would equate good leather dress sandals with Crocs (plastic shoes, for those not in the know) or sneakers. Flip-flops belong in that group. I don’t think those are dressy at all, and they sure make a distracting noise. But not all sandals (or even most) are flip-flops. I have a couple of pairs of low-heeled leather dress sandals that look very nice with a pair of dress slacks or a skirt in the summertime. They’re a plus for me because I hate socks and stockings on my feet during the warm weather months.

Sandals that aren’t flip-flops are still casual wear. Wearing them without stockings is even more casual. Check almost any business or school dress code. Look at the shoes our senators wear.

Just a couple of years ago there was a news story about a student who had the opportunity to meet the President, and went wearing sandals. Most stories said wearing open-toed shoes to meet the President shows a casualness about or disrespect for his office.

I’m sure that you dress very well for Mass, SeekerJen. I don’t hold anything against people who don’t wear stockings and who wear sandals. But it’s definitely not for me.

I have heard a complaint before that women in sandals are presenting men with a temptation to sin, but if we’re going to try and guard against every weird fetish out there, we might as well adopt the full burka and only leave the house with male relatives. I’m not going to wear big shoes and socks in 95-degree-80%-humidity weather just because some weirdo might find my feet arousing.

Eww. That’s disgusting. No, I don’t think sandals are immodest. I don’t think men are that perverted, and the ones that are that perverted aren’t at Mass.

 

[BlessedRosary3]

Ha, I’m only 34 and hate to sound old fashion as well, but what about those skirts that do go down, to say, the knees, but are extremely clingy and you can see the thongs underneath? My mother would slap me over the head had I even thought about buying some of these clothes that I see kids wearing…

About a veil, I don’t have a pattern, but I want one of these, or something like it…

headcoverings-by-devorah.com/headcoverings_sheer_tiechels.htm

I’m going to do a lot of praying during RCIA about head covering.

Thongs??? The ladies wear “clingy” skirts at my Church, but they’re elegant and I don’t see any panties…whew!

Thanks for the link, those are lovely!

 

[KathleenElsie]

The veil is a simple triangle with lace attached to the thre sides. They can ge big and double as a shawl or for nursing a baby. Or they can be small to just cover your head. Then they can be any size in between. But, it will only take around 1 hr to make one.

 

[KathleenElsie]

These are what I wear to the Pauline Mass and for morning prayers.

headcoverings-by-devorah.com/headcoverings_buchari_kippot.htm

 

[Philothea53]

These are what I wear to the Pauline Mass and for morning prayers.

headcoverings-by-devorah.com/headcoverings_buchari_kippot.htm

Those are very pretty. I especially like #6 - I can see why it’s sold out.

 

[KathleenElsie]

Those are very pretty. I especially like #6 - I can see why it’s sold out.

That is one that I have . Must admit it is my favorite also.

 

[KathleenElsie]

For those that don’t want their veils to stand out or be as noticeable you can always use hair dye in the color of your hair to dye the veil or scarf. Just a hint. LOL

 

[SeekerJen]

For those that don’t want their veils to stand out or be as noticeable you can always use hair dye in the color of your hair to dye the veil or scarf. Just a hint. LOL

Or you could just dye your hair to match the scarf. It should be particularly lovely with the turquoise one.

 

[DJgang]

several posters have asked why women’s pants and/or 3/4 length sleeves are modesty requirements.

Several years ago I had sent away for a pamphlet entitled “The Marylike Crusade” and I think this may very well be the source for these modesty requirements. It’s from The Marylike Standards for Modesty in Dress. Here’s a link: cora.dashjr.org/trad/modesty.html

I printed out this booklet earlier this afternoon, so that I could read it. (thanks for the link btw)…

Only thing that I don’t get, why is there so much reference to Pagan clothing, the author calls shorts and slacks Pagan, that is bizarre to me. Do you know why?

Also, this booklet appears to encourage this type of modest dressing on a day to day basis, not only for Mass attendance. Although, I must admit, I feel like I should be dressing more modest, epecially with the latest styles and how some people do dress, I think…yuck, I hope that I don’t look that bad! So, I’m rethinking some of my fashion, LOL!

 

[LilyM]

I printed out this booklet earlier this afternoon, so that I could read it. (thanks for the link btw)…

Only thing that I don’t get, why is there so much reference to Pagan clothing, the author calls shorts and slacks Pagan, that is bizarre to me. Do you know why?

Also, this booklet appears to encourage this type of modest dressing on a day to day basis, not only for Mass attendance. Although, I must admit, I feel like I should be dressing more modest, epecially with the latest styles and how some people do dress, I think…yuck, I hope that I don’t look that bad! So, I’m rethinking some of my fashion, LOL!

Ancient Romans never wore trousers, only the (normally non-Christian) barbarians did. That’s the best I can do for an explanation as to why trousers could be called ‘pagan’

 

[DJgang]

Ancient Romans never wore trousers, only the (normally non-Christian) barbarians did. That’s the best I can do for an explanation as to why trousers could be called ‘pagan’

And pagan also means Country Dwellers…so, that can make sense as well… Seems to me that they would delete out the word Pagan in the booklet.

 

[Theodore]

Judging your self and reflecting upon your self are two different things.

Such as, before confession, and for me sometimes during confession, you reflect upon your actions and thoughts. You don’t judge your self, who makes you your own master? The only master and judge is God.

Instead of judging your self in the mirror ex: I look so hideous, how can I show my face in that Church, how disgraceful.

You can say: Maybe next time, I should try and look more modest for my lord.

I mean also, for everyone with “wandering eyes”, a Father told me to treat all women like my sisters.

If you take that to heart, you lose the Wandering eyes disease :X.

But, like, if all girls have is a tank top, spaghetti straps, God saw us since we were naked lil babies. Why be ashamed?

Nap time.

It’s your own conscience that judges right from wrong ( when it is a properly informed conscience) it is where you come face to face with GOD. Yep you are correct when you say that God alone is the ultimate Master and Judge, so in a way by giving us a conscience we can repent and once again make peace with Our God. That’s the thing about free will, we often make the wrong decisions … Ummmm call it what you like, looking at our sevles the way God looks at us , examining our conscience, judging right from wrong you name it… the bottom line is we all know right from wrong… so don’t be soo judgemental with others when they are trying correct a person in a charitable way…" For it is not charity to confirm people in their sin "…
Have you ever read the book on Fatima, take a tip from me it’s worth reading…
Peace . Theo

 

[KathleenElsie]

Or you could just dye your hair to match the scarf. It should be particularly lovely with the turquoise one.

Ya got me LOL

But in my case I love red and my hair is red (well it was ) so it would work for me.
]
Could you see the “punk” hair with matching veil?

 

[sprout]

I printed out this booklet earlier this afternoon, so that I could read it. (thanks for the link btw)…

Only thing that I don’t get, why is there so much reference to Pagan clothing, the author calls shorts and slacks Pagan, that is bizarre to me. Do you know why?

Also, this booklet appears to encourage this type of modest dressing on a day to day basis, not only for Mass attendance. Although, I must admit, I feel like I should be dressing more modest, epecially with the latest styles and how some people do dress, I think…yuck, I hope that I don’t look that bad! So, I’m rethinking some of my fashion, LOL!

keep in mind this was written in 1928!

read what they say about co-ed swimming, bathing suits, and sports attire!

I agree that these standards are not necessarily for Mass attire since they include attire for sports, swimming, etc.

I just think that this is where all these issues over 3/4 length sleeves and pants is derived and not necessarily applicable in this day and age. For example, pants are no longer male only attire and IMHO are entirely appropriate attire for women in general, but not for Mass. I wouldn’t choose to wear pants if I were invited to dinner with the President of the US, or to my daughter’s wedding, so then why would I choose to wear pants to the Wedding Feast of The Lamb?

My favorite resource for dressing modestly is Camille E. De Blasi’s booklet “Modestly Yours” available here: healingtheculture.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=HTC&Product_Code=05MY&Category_Code=PROD

here’s an excerpt:

Modestly is not walking around in complete silence, wrapped up in a burlap sack, a big floppy hat, and four layers of sweaters so that no one can see there’s a human girl underneath. That’s not modesty. That’s overkill. And if you grew up in the New Mexican desert like I did, it’s practically suicide. St. Teresa of Avila knew this. She once wrote to one of the nuns in her convent: *“With regard to the woolen tunic that you desire to wear throughout the summer, it is folly. Do me the favor of leaving it off.” *

Modesty is a virtue that I use to remind myself and other people of how valuable and dignified and important and lovely I am. Modesty means showing in my words, thoughts, and actions, and in the way I look and dress, that the most important thing about myself is LOVE. It’s not my body. It’s not my legs, or my skin, or my hair (thank goodness). The most important thing about me is not even my athletic ability, my intellectual skills, or my ability to speak in public. The most important thing about me is LOVE.

Modesty means avoiding everything that causes people to forget that LOVE is the most important thing about me. It means my helping you to know that the most important about you, is LOVE, too.

– from the booklet, Modestly Yours …

Reading this booklet really helped me to focus on my femininity as a gift from God, to appreciate that gift and dress like a Lady.

 

[PeteZaHut]

Everyone is saying we should be in our “Sunday best” for Sunday mass. It’s society that tells us what clothing is the best. I find it hard to believe that God sees a suit and tie being “better” than a t-shirt. What makes clothes better? the price tag? the look of it? I can’t believe that God sees different types of clothing any more than different types of cloth or fabric.

The purpose of clothing is to cover our nakedness. As long as they do that effectively, it seems ridiculous to me to feel obligated to dress up for church. Certainly, everyone has the right to do so if they feel they should. I understand that being dressed up may put you in a more serious state of mind to worship God. For me, I am able to concentrate on the Mass more easily in comfortable clothing.

 

[Cecilia_Selby]

Everyone is saying we should be in our “Sunday best” for Sunday mass. It’s society that tells us what clothing is the best. I find it hard to believe that God sees a suit and tie being “better” than a t-shirt. What makes clothes better? the price tag? the look of it? I can’t believe that God sees different types of clothing any more than different types of cloth or fabric.

The purpose of clothing is to cover our nakedness. As long as they do that effectively, it seems ridiculous to me to feel obligated to dress up for church. Certainly, everyone has the right to do so if they feel they should. I understand that being dressed up may put you in a more serious state of mind to worship God. For me, I am able to concentrate on the Mass more easily in comfortable clothing.

Try reading Matthew 22:11-14