Women's jumpers: YEAH or NAY

[MrsMW]

The women that wear jumpers and long skirts all the time frustrate me. I am new to the Church but very traditional in my leanings, and apparantly the more traditional mothers don’t feel any kinship to a woman that doesn’t wear skirts all the time.

It seems to be a form of religious snobbery to me. I get my clothes from donations, so I end up with mostly ill-fitting blue jeans and t-shirts instead of pretty skirts and dresses.

Apparantly not being able to afford to replace my wardrobe isn’t a good enough excuse for not dressing in skirts all the time.

It would be nice to make some friends but if it’s that conditional, forget it.

I have noticed the same thing. When I went to the TLM before I got married I had women saying things all the time. I had friends in the SSPX and they were even worse. As one who has studied theology and come from a very strict Calvinist background I understand modesty. I’ve had women give me the Marylike dressing tract and told all about Fatima.I can’t say I was impressed. Just because I wear pants doesn’t mean I would have premarital sex. I have chosen to have friends who didn’t judge the modest way I have chosen to dress.

I have found that the Byzantine Catholic Church doesn’t have some of that judgmental attitude that some have in the TLM. They just want you to come to Liturgy, look nice, and cover up.

If the skirt thing was dogma I would always wear one at all times.

 

[OneAugustKnight]

Are you certain that they are judging you? i ask this because at one point, i wore dresses most of the time and i certainly wasn’t judging anyone. has anyone said anything rude to you?

Someone gave me a book to read called “Dressing with Dignity.”
She said she felt I was “ready for it” It was extremely anti-slacks.

They (about five women at my small church) go on about how non-judgemental they are about whether anyone else wears skirts or not.

And in the next breath they say how happy they are about a going to a conference where everyone else was wearing long skirts.

I think it’s evident that the clothes I wear are a concern to them, but maybe I’m just being oversensitive.

 

[laudamus_te]

Laudamus,

I’m glad you understand. [sighs] I’m really really tired of being picked on. It just never ends. Satan is certainly enjoying using me for a bull’s-eye in his archery games. Don’t know if that expression makes any sense. I can’t think of any other way to put it, but it does make me feel he’s using people to get me to leave Catholicism.

Its horribly difficult to find modest clothes in my area and haven’t had much luck looking online. Plainly Dressed was the only place I found thus far and I’m pretty pleased with the modesty they have. It honestly looks more prairie-ish than Amish if you just avoid the Amish styles and Amish headcoverings.

I’m more after the prairie dress, their dress-like apron that goes over like a pinafore, a bonnet, their empire jumper, can’t afford the shoes but I like them, in short…just prairie-style. I like their maternity clothes too.

Salvation Army is Protestant and sells clothes, but I won’t say anything further. I didn’t think it was important where you shopped. In this day and age of a wide gap between the rich and poor, I didn’t think it mattered. I certainly wasn’t supporting anybody. All Plainly Dressed money goes towards a Mennonite mother of many children, and I think she gives some as charity to her Mennonite and Amish friends/family. What’s so wrong about that? At least the money’s going to people and food. As for the charge that it has Anti-Catholic stuff in it, I haven’t noticed anything like that and they regularly supply the clothes and stuff even to Catholics.

Thank you, Laudamus. You helped me calm down. It’d be nice if we lived near each other.

You’re welcome, seremina. I think it is wrong to attack people for shopping at such a site. I wonder if any of them have purchased Ford automobiles? Ford supports the homosexual agenda. That seems like a more important business to boycott than a cottage industry belonging to someone with a different religion.

If you ever wish to talk, feel free to PM me.

 

[Jean_Anthony]

Please refrain from making personal judgments about each other, everyone. Thank you.

 

[OneAugustKnight]

How long have you been a member of the particular church you are attending, and is it a strictly traditional one? Making friends is a 2-way street, and perhaps you are not meeting them halfway, either? I don’t think lack of money is an excuse for immodest or inappropriate clothing at Mass. Used skirts or dresses are just as easy to come by as jeans and t-shirts. They don’t need to be pretty and new. This is not a criticism of you personally, there isn’t enough from your post to really know you or your circumstances.

I’ve been attending Daily Mass for a year, I was received into the church 2 months ago. I don’t buy used clothes, relatives and neighbors give them to me. We are in the process of replacing our hurricane losses and have four children to care for. What level of priority is clothing to a Catholic woman?

 

[laudamus_te]

Someone gave me a book to read called “Dressing with Dignity.”
She said she felt I was “ready for it” It was extremely anti-slacks.

They (about five women at my small church) go on about how non-judgemental they are about whether anyone else wears skirts or not.

And in the next breath they say how happy they are about a going to a conference where everyone else was wearing long skirts.

I think it’s evident that the clothes I wear are a concern to them, but maybe I’m just being oversensitive.

Perhaps you are being over-sensitive. “Dressing With Dignity” is a good book, although it is difficult for many women to relate to it in this day and age. It just takes a little adjusting of attitude.

I would say, putting myself in the scenario you presented about the women talking about being happy to see other women at that conference wearing skirts, it really is just that: it’s a nice thing to see that more women are getting into the “dressing with dignity” look. It is not a condemnation of you. If one of your children made an accomplishment of which you were very happy and proud, would that mean you were less proud or condemning of your other child who did not achieve the same accomplishment?

 

[laudamus_te]

I’ve been attending Daily Mass for a year, I was received into the church 2 months ago. I don’t buy used clothes, relatives and neighbors give them to me. We are in the process of replacing our hurricane losses and have four children to care for. What level of priority is clothing to a Catholic woman?

Thanks for the extra information, and I’m sorry for your situation. If the other ladies at your church are aware of your circumstances, I can’t believe that they are in any way looking down on you for your clothes. I would say that clothing is important to a traditional Catholic woman, in that it is a means of showing outward respect for God, especially in His House. But it is not more important than compassion and charity for others, especially those in less fortunate circumstances. Might I ask, what are you in special need of? Perhaps I could do something to help out in some way.

 

[udoc89]

I’ve been attending Daily Mass for a year, I was received into the church 2 months ago. I don’t buy used clothes, relatives and neighbors give them to me. We are in the process of replacing our hurricane losses and have four children to care for. What level of priority is clothing to a Catholic woman?

My dear, if you are far enough along in your spiritual journey to understand the importance of attending daily Mass, my hat is off to you, and I say you are a welcome addition to the Church. If you are wearing clean clothes that are not too tight, and are covering your body, I am sure you have nothing to reproach yourself for–nor should the ladies at your church, well-meaning though they may be. Just let them know (with a smile) that the clothes you currently wear are all that you have and can afford right now, and leave it at that. Clothing should not be a high priority to any Catholic woman on either side of the issue. I think that is something we can all agree on.

 

[OneAugustKnight]

Thanks for the extra information, and I’m sorry for your situation. If the other ladies at your church are aware of your circumstances, I can’t believe that they are in any way looking down on you for your clothes. I would say that clothing is important to a traditional Catholic woman, in that it is a means of showing outward respect for God, especially in His House. But it is not more important than compassion and charity for others, especially those in less fortunate circumstances. Might I ask, what are you in special need of? Perhaps I could do something to help out in some way.

They don’t know, I don’t particularly feel comfortable talking about my problems a lot. I have 2 outfits that I reserve for Sundays and Holy Days of obligation, but as I attend Daily Mass I just try to wear something clean and not revealing during the week. I’ve lost some weight and dropped down a size so my donated clothes are kind of loose in the waist now.

We aren’t destitute or anything, it just takes time to replace everything you own and in the meantime pay for education and food and our vehicles and such.

We just replaced the house and we have air mattresses to sleep on and a card table for the kids to eat at, so we have all the necessities covered. My husband just got a promotion and he is working a lot of overtime so we should have everything in order in about another year.

I guess the most helpful thing would be advice on purchasing furniture and finding a classical Catholic homeschooling curriculum for kindergarten.

 

[udoc89]

They don’t know, I don’t particularly feel comfortable talking about my problems a lot. I have 2 outfits that I reserve for Sundays and Holy Days of obligation, but as I attend Daily Mass I just try to wear something clean and not revealing during the week. I’ve lost some weight and dropped down a size so my donated clothes are kind of loose in the waist now.

We aren’t destitute or anything, it just takes time to replace everything you own and in the meantime pay for education and food and our vehicles and such.

We just replaced the house and we have air mattresses to sleep on and a card table for the kids to eat at, so we have all the necessities covered. My husband just got a promotion and he is working a lot of overtime so we should have everything in order in about another year.

I guess the most helpful thing would be advice on purchasing furniture and finding a classical Catholic homeschooling curriculum for kindergarten.

Seton is great. I used it when I homeschooled my children, but that was a long time ago

 

[udoc89]

Seton is great. I used it when I homeschooled my children, but that was a long time ago

Sorry, that’s www.setonhome.org

 

[jc-servant]

They don’t know, I don’t particularly feel comfortable talking about my problems a lot. I have 2 outfits that I reserve for Sundays and Holy Days of obligation, but as I attend Daily Mass I just try to wear something clean and not revealing during the week. I’ve lost some weight and dropped down a size so my donated clothes are kind of loose in the waist now.

There is nothing wrong with having just a few sets of “church clothes.” I try to dress in my best, but I tend to rotate between a few favorite outfits that are not too hot/cold/uncomfortable when I’m singing. My shoes are another scary story because they are purely for the comfort since we only “officially” sit for the homily. I wear flats and on Holy Thursday I put on my black crocs and just wore black pants long enough completely cover them. (That foot washing took a while)

I used to be Protestant and it seemed like in many of those churches that I attended having the expensive suits/hats was a bigger deal than at any Catholic church I’ve attended. I just got an email recently from a coworker who was inviting people to a fashion show at her church which specifically allows people to show off their own clothing/hats instead of showcasing a particular designer or something. It struck me as a bit off.

 

[PatienceAndLove]

I guess the most helpful thing would be advice on purchasing furniture and finding a classical Catholic homeschooling curriculum for kindergarten.

chcweb.com
I am going to begin using the preschool program this fall!

 

[seremina]

I heartily encourage homeschooling. Its a healthier choice than wringing your hands day in and day out, worrying about what your children are learning and what’s going on around them.

I appreciated the conversation. God bless, and thank you for the compliments. Its not easy being different. Its probably the hardest part of taking up your cross.

In Jesus and Mary,

“seremina”

 

[OutinChgoburbs]

My dear, if you are far enough along in your spiritual journey to understand the importance of attending daily Mass, my hat is off to you, and I say you are a welcome addition to the Church. If you are wearing clean clothes that are not too tight, and are covering your body, I am sure you have nothing to reproach yourself for–nor should the ladies at your church, well-meaning though they may be. Just let them know (with a smile) that the clothes you currently wear are all that you have and can afford right now, and leave it at that. Clothing should not be a high priority to any Catholic woman on either side of the issue. I think that is something we can all agree on.

I concur. I am not a big skirt person, or jumper person. My work (and before any of you start, you haven’t gotten your skirt caught in a wall so you couldn’t get out without taking it off) means pants, often jeans. I wear jeans and pants to daily Mass. And while I have not lived through a hurricane and its after-effects, I DO take used clothes from people, not only for my girls, but for my husband and me.

 

[laudamus_te]

There’s a woman at my church who carries a pair of pants in a bag, and changes into them from a skirt in the ladies room after Mass. I assume she needs to wear pants for her job. Some of you may call that scrupulous, but I call it admirable!

 

[kamz]

I heartily encourage homeschooling. Its a healthier choice than wringing your hands day in and day out, worrying about what your children are learning and what’s going on around them.

I appreciated the conversation. God bless, and thank you for the compliments. Its not easy being different. Its probably the hardest part of taking up your cross.

In Jesus and Mary,

“seremina”

Well, I heartily encourage Catholic schools… I never worry and I know what is going on around my kids…and for our family it is the healthier choice, but that’s a different thread

 

[seremina]

I can’t encourage Catholic schools here in my area. Their uniforms for the girls are ridiculous. They have their female students wearing mini-skirts! There are no nuns for teachers. Just hired people to be the teachers.

Generally, if a school has no modesty, then its education is lacking just as much as the state-run schools lack. Unfortunately, also, parents send their unruly children to Catholic schools. I don’t know if that straightens those children out, but I know it corrupts the good children there.

I had to fully think and evaluate what homeschooling would mean to me and the family. I came out of the decision process with a yes. It helps to know, also, that Mary homeschooled Jesus. Mary had so much religious knowledge because she’s the daughter of a Jewish priest. Ordinarily, women would’ve had little education.

I guess that’s all of this topic I can think of.

Well, I heartily encourage Catholic schools… I never worry and I know what is going on around my kids…and for our family it is the healthier choice, but that’s a different thread

 

[kamz]

I can’t encourage Catholic schools here in my area. Their uniforms for the girls are ridiculous. They have their female students wearing mini-skirts! There are no nuns for teachers. Just hired people to be the teachers.

Generally, if a school has no modesty, then its education is lacking just as much as the state-run schools lack. Unfortunately, also, parents send their unruly children to Catholic schools. I don’t know if that straightens those children out, but I know it corrupts the good children there.

I had to fully think and evaluate what homeschooling would mean to me and the family. I came out of the decision process with a yes. It helps to know, also, that Mary home schooled Jesus. Mary had so much religious knowledge because she’s the daughter of a Jewish priest. Ordinarily, women would’ve had little education.

I guess that’s all of this topic I can think of.

How sad Thankfully my children go to a small parish run Catholic school without the need for uniforms and they have a good dress code. All of our teachers are ultra conservative Catholics who I know personally as they go to my small parish and thankfully they share my values. My kids are so lucky they get to be surrounded by kids with parents who are of the same beliefs that I am and that is really from God. The largest class is 17 kids… we are talking small parish in rural Minnesota… population " 8000 people if that in my town" so to us it is like homeschooling in a way… very small classes and everyone knows everyone in our town and in our parish. I only wish more could have something so good… God has really blessed us

 

[Zooey]

Ahem…I’m the one that posted that lovely Plainly Dressed site. I don’t care about their various files on their site. They worship God and they dress that way to please Him. I am also dressing this way to please Him.

I hope that nothing I said came as sounding critical.I didn’t mean to be.I was stating my own personal conviction on the subject of dress, not attacking anyone. ( Frustratingly, the one jumper I really love, is the one at Plainly Dressed.)
I think it is great that you are following the Lord’s leading in your life, as I think that most of us here are, also.

I admire the style of the Mennonite ladies around here. I always think they look both modest & attractive, & certainly, their dress is a witness to their Christian faith.
If I had enough money to be outfitting myself new, I would probably find one of them to sew for me. Better than giving money to a stranger, who might do whatever with it!!

Its horribly difficult to find modest clothes in my area and haven’t had much luck looking online. Plainly Dressed was the only place I found thus far and I’m pretty pleased with the modesty they have. It honestly looks more prairie-ish than Amish if you just avoid the Amish styles and Amish headcoverings.
I’m more after the prairie dress, their dress-like apron that goes over like a pinafore, a bonnet, their empire jumper, can’t afford the shoes but I like them, in short…just prairie-style. I like their maternity clothes too.

Another place who has very nice modest things is Lilies of the Field. I have a cousin who has bought from them for herself & her daughters…Less Amish, but very modest. And of course, the modestclothes.com link I gave has lots of choices. (Just for a little more variety to choose from).

Salvation Army is Protestant and sells clothes, but I won’t say anything further. I didn’t think it was important where you shopped.

Sally Ann? My:thumbsup: fave!!!

As for the charge that it has Anti-Catholic stuff in it, I haven’t noticed anything like that and they regularly supply the clothes and stuff even to Catholics.

Again, I think this comes down to people’s personal convictions. I would feel funny buying there (& I’m not even Catholic!), but then I try to follow as the Lord is leading me…:nope: not anyone else. That’s:nope: not my job…I’m only in charge of me!!

It is very hard to find nice things readymade these days. And there are so many nice internet sites, who have lovely things that can’t be found in most areas. We are blessed by the ability to connect with these folks…

God bless all here.