When should a priest have to wear his clerics?

[WildCatholic]

So when should he. Obviously there are times where it might not be practical (like exercising or if they are at home relaxing) but when should a priest where his clerics? I ask this because this past summer I worked as a youth minister in a neighboring archdiocese and one of the parishes i visited had an older priest who never wore his clerics except right before and after mass. Otherwise it was a t-shirt and jeans and an old john deere cap (when I first saw him I thought he was just a caretaker for the parish when we stopped at his home and accidentally called him mister so and so.

 

[travissbeloved]

I don’t think there’s a rule saying EXACTLY when they must. They obviously have to wear them when having mass but I think it is also prudent that they wear their clerics when going to any church function. There was a priest at our local theology on tap who showed up in jeans and a black shirt which I thought was a bit inappropriate since many people from all the city parishes were there and it was somewhat of a formal speaking event. We’ve had many priest friends over for barbecues and such though and I don’t think they would have to wear clerics to such events. Just recently I ran into a priest I know well at Barnes and Noble and he was just wearing a sweater and black pants…he was just shopping so I don’t think he needed to be wearing clerics. I think it’s all about prudency.

 

[Elizium23]

Whenever his bishop says he should.

 

[RoseMary131]

I assume priests understand when they are required to wear their clerics and when they have the option to make their own choice.

I will trust their choice to be the right choice for them at that time.

If they ask for a suggestion, that is different.

If we don’t realize a man is a priest and call him “Mister”, that is okay, too.

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

Whenever his bishop says he should.

…or religious superior. Some priests never wear clerics since they wear habits instead.

 

[Neofight]

If by clerics you are referring to a roman collar, I would say it depends. I have never seen one of our 4 parish priests wearing them ever…it’s either their brown habits around the mission and parish campus or “civvies”…ahh the Franciscan life is so much easier!

 

[revert_jen]

I’m pretty sure you mean “clericals” not “clerics.” I don’t want to be too picky, but clerics are members of the clergy–clericals are clothes especially for members of the clergy.

The thread title gave me this mental picture of a priest walking around with another priest on his back, maybe a small deacon on each arm…

But as for the intended question, I think priests should wear clericals when they are acting as priests. Plus any other time if they want to of course. But just because it is what I think doesn’t mean I am right–that is just what I personally feel comfortable with. It makes me uncomfortable to be calling someone Father So-and-so when he is wearing jeans and a t-shirt. However it is not a sin to make me uncomfortable.

–Jen