The following comes from a May 13 Huffington Post article by Timothy Merrill:
If you’re headed out the door this morning in a suit or a chic outfit, and if you’re under the age of 92, I can say with absolute certainly, that it is not Sunday and that you’re not going to church.
You might be headed for a job interview, a seminar or a meeting with the boss. You could be off to the art gallery, a fancy restaurant or a funeral. But you’re not headed for church.
This sad state of affairs is not the way it used to be. Getting ready for church involved a Saturday night bath, the ironing of a white dress shirt (and starching the collar), scrubbing the kids’ faces clean and getting out the Sunday clothes.
When people go to church these days, they dress like bedraggled slobs. Have you looked around? Men might be in T-shirts mottled with coffee stains, or in ratty jeans, ugly shorts and flip flops — the most ubiquitous sign in our times of the decline of civilization. Women are wearing stretch pants, sweats, halter tops, shorts and, yes, flip flops. We’re wearing essentially the attire of our Neolithic ancestors: a loincloth and sandals. If our clothes are a means of self-expression, we clearly loathe ourselves.
Think about it: We’re daring to approach a transcendent God dressed like Neanderthals? Really?
So, why don’t churches demand that adherents demonstrate some modesty and respect in the manner in which they dress? There are four reasons, at least: It’s about the culture, about God, about theology and about evangelism.
Culture. Sartorial standards have been in decline for decades. Grandpa used to go to Wrigley Field to watch the Cubs in a suit! In those days, people dressed up to go out for ice cream. Back then, nurses looked like nurses, not sanitation workers patrolling hospital rooms looking for trash. Doctors looked like doctors. Nuns looked like nuns, not Mennonites. And, of course, we can blame the Sixties, when my generation tore down just about everything, including dress codes. Skirts went up and bras came off.
God. Most Christians don’t really have a high view of God. Not sure how this happened, but God’s become our buddy. A pal. And a true BFF doesn’t care how we look or dress, right? Yet, Christians profess to believe in an omnipotent, ineffable God, a transcendent Being who flung the stars and planets into the universe, and anchored them in space. We believe God is the creator of the life force.
This is what we say. But do we believe it? Not if you look at the way we dress. There’s a huge disconnect. It just seems odd to me that Christians (I can’t speak to what’s going on in synagogues and mosques) who are entering a purpose-built facility to worship this God (whom, they say, will show up for their worship and be present), would dress for the occasion as though they’d just been to a WWE wrestling match.
Theology. Christians argue that God does not look at one’s outward appearance — that is, how well one’s dressed — but at one’s inward appearance. For example, the apostle James rails against church ushers who give seating priority to the rich, coiffured and well-dressed (James 2:1-13. See also 1 Samuel 16:7, Matthew 15:18).
Evangelism. There’s a concern about evangelism, i.e., attracting people to church. Many argue that if there’s a dress code, real or implied, people will opt to stay at home and watch the Home Shopping Network, or something.
These are valid concerns. The lack of dress restrictions is a distinguishing mark of Christianity. Christian houses of worship will not ask you to wash your hands, put on a scarf, take off your shoes — any of those things — even though many of these ideas are themselves found in the Bible (see Exodus 3, Psalm 24:3-4, 1 Corinthians 11, for example)
Dress codes will not be coming to churches anytime soon, and they shouldn’t. I gotta back off. I know that. As much as I appreciate the dress restrictions found in other religions, it doesn’t work for Baptist or Methodist churches. Episcopal churches, maybe. But definitely not Baptist.
After all, “Come as you are” resonates with what Jesus said, “Anyone who comes to me, I will never drive away.” (John 6:37).
Let me start a survey.
What do you usually wear to Sunday mass?
In what situations (if any) do you feel OK wearing something different to mass?
Since I am often a reader at Sunday Mass I try to wear something nice. Usually a skirt or dress. Sometimes dressy pants with a vest or blazer.
I have been known to wear jeans to a daily Mass–where I am never a reader–but always nicer ones than I would wear around the house or out gardening. However, when I can, I try to wear nicer pants and even a skirt.
He heh, I won’t get into the recent innovation of a veil.
Audrey, try a veil. Wearing a veil is in no way a “recent innovation.”
always a modest dress.
Audrey begs me to make a point. In my days before I converted, I often attended daily mass in college. There was no way I was going to go back to my dorm and don a shirt and tie for a 20 minute mass. Those masses, and the prayerful support I gained from our community of mass-goers, were critical for my conversion to Catholicism. If I had to wear a tie, I’d have literally never become a Catholic.
Suit and tie, muted colors, no ostentation.
Think in terms of the movie Witness when Detective John Book (Harrison Ford) in freshly donned Amish clothing gets the nod of approval from Amish Daniel Hochleitner (Alexander Godunov): [with German accent] “You look plain, Book. Very plain.”
I should answer my own survey. Most Sundays I go to the 11:00 mass with my mother and we wear our church lady” outfits” a long shirt, blouse or sweater, a blazer or jacket and hat. Sometimes, if I have a gig I on Sunday I go to a nearby 6:30 mass in work clothes. I also have some nice mid length summer dresses for when it’s really hot. One thing I won’t do is put a kleenex on my head if I don’t have a hat or scarf. My grandmother did that and I think it looks silly.
It seems like everyones bragging in your face style. No pun intended. My grandmum use to get us all dressed up for mass and she would say, keep your focus on Christ and do not allow your eyes to wonder judging others. This was in Mexico when we use to visit her growing up, when she was alive. Mass was very reverent and she tought us to have eyes of charity. She sure lead by example. She being an elder only spoke words that honored Jesus and if she ever saw immodesty, she would not make a public specticle outcry, instead she would gently speak to the person and remind them that we were at mass, then she would tell us to pray for them. She would remind us that first we must correct what we so err in before we dare to judge the hearts of others. My grandmum was a beautiful Catholic woman, loved, respected and very wise in the ways of the Lord.
THank you Abeca Christian, I think you’ve capture a lot of great things in your post.
I also have to say that this is one of those unfortunately rare threads in which all of us seem to be in agreement!
What I am hearing is that we should dress in a way that is respectful of the important event we are priviledged to witness. We should not dress in a way that calls attention to ourselves, whether either overly ostentatious or overly slacker-ishness, but in any case we should not judge anyone who enters the sanctuary in the work clothes that they need to go to afterword, or those who have no other option, or those who are simply not yet aware of the importance of what they are a witness to.
Christ came in swaddling clothes, and died in not much more clothing. Let us remember Christ in our discussions, and model ourselves after him in every way.
Your welcome. God’s graces be with us all today and each new day.
Ladies .. Would you go topless to mass?. I wouldn’t, but in New Guina women do. In 1984 St. John Paul II said mass there and the women wore their “Sunday best” in which they were bare breasted. The Holy Father had no problem with that. It just goes to show that “Sunday best” changes with time, location and culture. I guess that’s part of being the catholic, Catholic Church
most of us don’t live in New Guina……we just act like we do.
Scripture tells us to adore the Lord in holy attire. Men do not necessarily have to wear a tux, and women do not have to wear expensive furs from Neiman Marcus. But, they should always be dressed in modest clothing. It is nice if men wore a suit and tie, and if women wore dresses, but I suppose that is asking for too much. Tank tops, shorts and other beach wear is not for Mass. Shoes should be worn, with sox or stockings. If African American Baptists can get dressed for Sunday services, why can’t Catholics do the same for Holy Mass? When we attend Mass, we should not expect a fashion show, but then we also should not dress like we are participating in a sports event, or that we are rag pickers who just went dumpster diving. By wearing special clothes reserved for Sunday, and by making sure modesty is always maintained, these are the rules which should be followed. We are adoring Almighty God at Mass, and we must dress accordingly.
Great post, Fr.Karl, and I love your “dumpster diving’ remark.
Rag puckers aren’t welcome?
Fr. Karl was just using hyperbole to add some humor to his post. I am sure he is talking about people who can afford good clothing but just do not care, or who do not have enough respect for the Holy Sacrament and Mass I do not believe for one minute that he would throw a really poor man out of his church..
When I dress for mass and have the time to do so without being rushed, etc. I try to remember this excellent quote from the Epistle, which we summarize as “PUT ON Christ”. Clothe yourselves in him and his love and mercy, whether your closet is lovely or threadbare.
“Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, 10and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him– 11a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all.…”
Nawww, does God care how you dress? Sure, where whatever you wish. In fact, where nothing; after all, that is how you came into the world, so it is fitting to be with God in the “garb” he gave you to start everything with.
In fact, once you arrive au naturel, why not have sex in church? It is what God intended, after all. If you are not married, so what, “who am I to judge”. Just “gather” (as a favorite N.O. hymnal is entitled) and see who might be interested. Surely there will be applause, and a warm welcome to the display of your gifts.
Of course, it is best not to attempt this in a TLM, but then, these are on a planned exit from Catholicism anyway. Just look at that great guy, Bishop Lynch (St. Petersburg, FL), taking away even the right to attend the TLM at two parishes. Way to go, Bishop L, the Pope, and his minion cardinals (Dolan, Wuerl, and the rest of the goons) will be pleased.
“wear” whatever you wish, and “wear nothing” (not “where”).
Sorry, Catholic Readers. Too anxious.
But, really humbled to have a bishop like B. Lynch around to protect our Faith. Quite the pro-life guy, too (unless your name is Terri Schiavo).
Of course, B. Lynch is looking out for homosexual sexualists. See his op-ed piece in the January 7, 2015 Tampa Bay Times. Yes sirre Bob, he is one great Catholic leader (who would surely forgive the typos).
So now we gay people are accused of lowering satorial standards at mass. Gay men in our parish are among the sharpest dressers. Give me a break SC!
I am glad to see St. Christopher talking sense for once. Maybe there is hope for him yet.
I used to live in Saint Petersburg Florida and belive me Lynch “allowed” the TLM at his cathedral but we all knew very very well he uttlerly despised the fact the TLM was even there, very happy to have left his diocese.
Skin-tight pants, short skirts that barely cover their underclothes, skimpy tops and flip flops are not appropriate attire for women and girls in church. If they have financial problems, they could go to a thrift shop and buy some nice “gently-used” clothes that would be more appropriate. Jeans are not suitable for Sunday Mass, week day Mass, maybe, as long as they don’t have holes and are not so tight they look like they have been painted on. Men should not wear tank tops, shorts and flip flops. Why can’t they find a nice dress (business) shirt and full length pants? Again, try the thrift shops. How we dress does have a bearing on our behavior. At St. Peter’s Basilica, there are men at the doorways who do not allow men or women to enter who are wearing shorts and/or tank tops. Do we owe less respect for the God, Mass and the Church in the U.S. than we do in Rome?
We should dress appropriate, and be mindful that we are in the presence of the Living God. Our appearance should not resemble someone on the way to the beach. Modesty should be a major factor is our choice of attire to wear to Holy Mass. One may not afford to buy fancy clothes, but all can be respectful and not wear profane or revealing outfits that are too frequently seen at Mass today. Sad to say, Sunday finest has given way to “I am too lazy to shave, shower, comb my hair and dress nicely for Mass.” If prizes were given out for best dressed, then would that change the way people dress for Mass? We must do better. God gives us His best. We need to give Him our best, both internally and externally.
Mass is supposed to be something extraordinary, something special. During Mass, we have spiritual intimacy with the divine. But, since Vatican II, the emphasis is not on the sacrificial aspect, but instead on the meal aspect. The lovely churches have been whitewashed and wreckovated, the music is ear wash, and the prayers dumbed down, so you have a gathering at McDonalds or Burger King. That is why people are not dressing up. I know for a fact, 35 years ago Ken Fisher made posters to be placed in the churches to remind people of how they should be dressed at Mass. Only a few get them, and now you have beach wear at Mass in God’s house. This is tragic and depressing, and very widespread. Ave Maria Purrissima !
Funny the Protestants are the ones who dress for the Lord in proper and fittng attire, suit and tie for the men and long dresses for the women. In the Novus Ordo it is come as you please, sandles, short shorts, string tops, baseball caps, ripped jeans, just another “fruit” of the great Springtime of Vatican II.
Twenty years ago, during a Novus Ordo Mass, the pastor got up and made the following announcement . Up until this point, we had just lost our orthodox and conservative pastor, and now we received a neo-conservative. The new pastor said he found a silly pamphlet in the back of church concerning modest dress for Mass. Well, the new pastor continued his rage by ridiculing the dress code and announced that he did not care what anyone wore, just so they came to Mass. The next Sunday, ties and suits and dress shoes were abandoned by the men, being replaced with tank tops, shorts and beach thongs. The ladies gave up their dresses and high heels and came instead with sleeveless halters and tank tops, shorts and beach thongs. Some women came with curlers in their hair. Needless to say the dress code got even worse, but then I started going to the TLM. When one believes there is nothing sacred going on during Mass, the people will no longer consider dressing up and looking their finest. This is definitely not an improvement, but a slide into the barbaric.
The Mass is special. We should dress modestly in the presence of the Lord. The question, of course, is what is modest and appropriate. When I grew up, you learned at a very young age to wear a suit and tie to church. After college I got jobs that required suits and ties; forty years was enough. I went from about a dozen up to date suits, thirty dress shirts and thirty ties to no suits, one white shirt two ties and a sports coat. In the last fifteen years I have had occasion to wear a tie about ten times. I wear a sports coat when I am a Lector. People at work, except in city downtowns don’t wear suits anymore. What is called business dress was once called casual. Young people particularly live in flip flops, and generally don’t wear shoes except in the dead of winter. Shorts and jeans are the dress for the day. Good shorts and jeans on Sunday? Neither is unacceptable in church except to those of us brought up in another age. Nice, clean, modest is the rule of thumb. If I went to a very “conservative” TLM mass with shorts and flip flops and a golf shirt (not my idea of appropriate) would I be refused admission? I would hope not. Christ invited us all to the celebration. We should welcome everyone. Jesus wore everyday clothes all of his short life.
It is true, that Christ invites us all, to Mass. However, mature men and women have RESPECT for Christ, and take the time and care, to unselfishly make sure, they dress nicely, appropriately, and modestly, for Him– because it is truly worth it, for the great Son of God, Who died on a Cross for our Salvation! You are NOT going to McDonald’s, Burger King, or the beach!! It is WONDERFUL to see men of all ages, dressed in a suit and tie, for Sunday Mass! WONDERFUL also, to see women dressed nicely, in a lovely, modest dress, and heels! This shows that the congregation truly CARES!! Then again– the Church also should respect Christ, by allowing only beautiful, holy, traditional church designs, in architecture and art– and only allowing beautiful, and holy liturgies, for the Catholic Faithful, to worship God!
Bob One, it is wonderful, that you “grew up in another age,” and value business dress, for work and church, particularly! I bet it must be hard for you, to accommodate poor and disrespectful dress, in church, and at work! Nice that you CARE!!
Bob One – I heartily disagree with your conclusion.. but not some of your observations about work attire..people don’t dress up for work anymore..but still work is work. You would still put on a tie to meet the President or even the Governor or Mayor. The dumbing down of everything culturally is definitely not a good trend…we have gutted the language and made it more pedestrian – so as not to ‘confound’ the not so well read..is that a good thing?? To have one say that jeans and shorts are now “acceptable” or more than acceptable as church appropriate is really just a sad commentary on our society… Jeans never look dressy…and I am not saying everyone must be in suits either – but jeans for church? or shorts?… same thing as a plumber wears to work on your toilet?? Nope …. just a skewed vision of what “should be” the “new normal” as far as what deemed proper for church. The same folks advocating this, or who practice this, are the same that deem a lot of things that were unthinkable, especially for Christians, years ago – as somehow “now OK.”
I got the impression, that Bob One, and other posters, too–really meant well, and missed the good dress we used to have, in our society, and in church! I got the impression, that lots of people sadly struggle a lot (as I do!) and don’t know what to do, politely, as our society and churches– are just SWAMPED with extremely bad dress, bad language, and no morals, nor manners! How can you nicely participate, and make friends of like-minded, good Catholics (we hope!)— in parishes full of such crudeness, crassness, coarseness– and carelessness?? With people of all ages, who have— EXTREME SELFISHNESS, and BAD ATTITUDES?? I also was HORRIFIED, when the World Youth Days began, with Pope St. John Paul II!! Same problem!! NO RESPECT!! How could the Holy Father stand it? On the other hand- what would Christ do? For myself, it is best, to simply stay far away from “problems” and give up on participation in some activities! Otherwise– I will get badly hurt, and have a “bad attitude,” inside of myself, to wreck my relationship with God!!!
” If I went to a very “conservative” TLM mass with shorts and flip flops and a golf shirt (not my idea of appropriate) would I be refused admission? I would hope not. ” This is so typical of the assumptions of the NO’ers. We who attend the TLM are heartless and dogmatic, hey Bob One I have attended the TLM countless times wearing my leather jacket and jeans, never once was I refused anything let along entry. However anyone who comes to mass in flip flops and shorts is completely ignorant of whose house they are entering, its not theirs and its not the beach house in Point Pleasant.
Aren’t you heartless and dogmatic Canisius? Aren’t you the one who said that homosexuals should get nothing but rejection and contempt when the CCC tells us we need to treat them with dignity and respect?
JonJ the real scenerio here is that your concept of heartless and dogmatic is defined by moral relativism. Its on your point of view but if you want to really know the real definition you wouldn’t attack Canisius but instead you would seek God and relate better to what Canisius is meaning. Remember God’s ways are not how we view them. We would have to take a lifetime to grasp on to them and even then, because we are all sinners, certain sins fracture our relationship with our Lord. You ask Canisius as if he were the one with an issue. Maybe or maybe not but Canisius is no heartless person. Human and a sinner, as we all are, but just because you misunderstand him doesnt mean he is how you view of him. Pax Christi
Bob One, the Lord did speak about proper wedding garments being worn, and that those who did not wear them got thrown out. Of course it was in a parable about having the proper graces and virtues to get into heaven and getting thrown out if one did not have those graces and virtues. Nevertheless, our attitude about what we wear to Mass on Sundays and other days certainly shows our respect or disrespect for Holy Mass. One can be dressed in inexpensive clothing but still be dressed with dignity. There is a difference between a poor man who wears his best even if it is patched and one who wears anything they want because they just do not give a hoot. It is best to put slacks or longer pants over shorts when going to mass if one is going for a walk in hot weather later. After all, if the priest has to wear all those uncomfortable vestments in hot weather, can we not offer up our discomfort to the Lord too?
A Correction to my post May 19 at 1:42 pm.:Actually men cannot put shorts under their longer pants as women can do under most skirts, but they can change later in a restroom or a car in a secluded place.
Half of the audience knew that already :) Thanks for the correction, nonetheless.
You are welcome. I corrected it because it sounded silly.
BobOne you are wrong about shorts. Everyone should wear their Sunday Best since they are visiting at the home of the Lord.
If you were invited to dinner at the White House would you wear shorts ?
You seem to forget that Christ is the King of Kings and deserves our utmost respect in every way – much more than any President or earthly King.
You should never purposely dress to stick out and be distracting to others including distracting the Priest
– “If I went to a very “conservative” TLM mass with shorts and flip flops and a golf shirt (not my idea of appropriate) would I be refused admission? ” – This is dressing like a lazy bum at a TLM Mass and would be distracting to many.
Angie, I still think it depends on where you live. For the record, I have never worn shorts to Mass on Sunday, and when I am a Lector I usually wear better slacks and at least a dress shirt and often a sports jacket. But, in the summer a lot of men wear shorts because that is the accepted dress for weekends, on the docks, on the boats, at the golf club, etc. On weekends people in our area just didn’t wear fancy cloths on weekends. Their mode of dress was not a distraction. When you are wearing Tommy Bahama shorts and shirts at $80-120 apiece, its not like you are wearing rags. They are very appropriate for the weekend. Most of the men my age don’t wear long pants in the summer, live in flip-flops and golf shirts and have a very casual life style.
Men or Women should NOT wear shorts to Mass – ever.
Cost of the shorts does not matter.
1) It is disrespectful to the Lord;
2) It can be distracting to the Priest or some others at Mass.
Your Priest needs to correct those who dress inappropriately and immodestly for Mass. If he does not, he participates in the sins of others.
You are not going to a barbeque or golf game. You are going to pay homage to the King of Kings, and the lack of respect given to God violates
CCC: ” 1868 Sin is a personal act. Moreover, we have a responsibility for the sins committed by others when we cooperate in them.
BobOne, the way people dress for Mass is one more way they show their RESPECT
or LACK of RESPECT for Our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Cost of clothing has nothing to do with it. In fact the more expensive the inappropriate clothing, the worse the sin of disrespect – because they can afford appropriate clothing.
Your Priest sins if he does not cover inappropriate dress from the pulpit or in the Church bulletin – when it becomes obviously needed at your parish.
– – – – –
Another sign of respect:
Although permitted standing (due to heretic Joseph Bernardin’s insistence)
or kneeling at the OF Mass – all who are physically able should KNEEL when receiving the Lord.
This is not an issue where we I go to Mass. All of the Masses are the Traditional Latin Mass. The faith of our fathers.
I hope and pray– to find a parish church, just like the Traditional Latin Mass parish, of the poster John Feeney!
John Feeney, let us try to remember that Christ was from Palestine, wore everyday clothes, and spoke the language of His father – Aramaic. Why don’t we use that language instead of Latin?
BobOne – your statement has NOTHING to do with dressing appropriately and modestly for visiting the King of Kings at Mass.
Let us also not forget that Jesus Christ is God, Bob One. Those who walked with Christ back in the day had the benefit of seeing visible miracles to call their attention to that reality. This is what led men to kneel before Him.
In this current day, when we are supposedly more thoroughly educated to understand Christ’s divinity, men do not even want to kneel before their Lord and King, let alone take the time to dress for the occasion. So maybe encouraging the faithful to dress up a little might be in order.
To encourage the opposite seems rather like a manufactured attempt to forget that reality.
I think the important point is that regardless of how one dresses, such attire should Not Interfere with or Distract from the Mass.
I remember as a child the tremendous drawn out and often semi-hysterical production it often took to put four young children in to ‘Sunday Best’ in order to make it to Children’s Mass on Time…. Or late, with at least one child crying, albeit usually for reasons not related to Church itself, but more of a fashion statement / lament about ‘Sunday Clothes’.
Now I know one guy who Ushers in a ‘Tommy Bahama’ shirt with dice and highballs embossed on it, but he is a nice guy and they only serve wine during Mass anyway. Most people seem to dress as they would in public, and if that helps them attend then I see no problem.
I don’t wear neckties (unsafe, unsanitary, unsightly…) but wear a coat and dark clothes with a collar when Reading – but then I have traveled enough in warm / equatorial climates to appreciate the need to accommodate the weather both in and outside the Church.
Respect is Always the Key.
Agreed about “respect.” I am not married to the idea about insisting on “neckties” but neckties are what??? Very -uhmm – “Un” -usual take. What is “Children’s Mass?” I though we had one Mass, Holy,Catholic and eternal (thankfully those were not part of my generation). ..And … really….only dark colors? Blazing white robes in the Book of Revelation.. Christ may not be into drab as much as you seem to think.
I’ve reminded this website more than once, JosephZ, that Jesus would have had his immaculate seamless tunic woven of the best linen his women followers could have attained to spin and weave. It would have been clean and mended. There’s absolutely no way his mother, the perfect wife and Mother, role model to all women, would have had it any other way. People tend to put everything and everyone from the past into their own conceptions of what matters. It mattered then…cleanliness was next to Godliness. They washed their hands and feet often. The soldiers rolled dice to win the robes of Jesus. He didn’t walk around like some hippy with scruffy hair, contrary to how modernists seem to picture him. Just read some of the rules about entering the temple, what was worn, what was expected of people. It mattered what you wore to temple then.
Wait a moment here. You are portraying Christ as some perfect model of Judaism, as though he went to temple every Saturday and lived a life in luxurious clothes. He was a simple son of a carpenter, unlikely to have had funds to get him the kinds of clothes you pretend he wore. He is never even reported to have entered the temple after that adolescent incident in which he was lost between the guys’ side and the gals’ side. Most of his ministry was about going against what the temple priests were teaching, and in fact, most people see the destruction of the Temple in 70 AD as Christ’s final triumph against Judaism.
So I guess my point is, where do we see Jesus following any sort of Temple rules of cleanliness or dress?
“…And he came to Nazareth, where he was brought up: and he went into the synagogue, according to his custom, on the sabbath day; and he rose up to read.”
Our Lord was observant. His ministry was to fulfill the law which included dispelling the false, man-made workarounds of the Pharisees that circumvented the spirit. That said, it is not necessarily “luxuriant” to be clean and well kept.
Nobody would throw dice to obtain a stinking rag of cloth.
Wow I agree with Michael McDermott. May the Lord be praised! I thought his comment “I think the important point is that regardless of how one dresses, such attire should Not Interfere with or Distract from the Mass” was especially insightful.
I imagine that if you went to a parish where the regulars wore the usual mishmash of polo shirts, dress shirts, jeans, and an occasional T shirt, that going in a three piece suit might distract others at Mass. On the other hand, if you went to a more traditional place where people dress up, the polo shirt would be a distraction.
So thanks, MIchael, for your charitable contribution to the discussion. I’m happy to say, I learned something from your post.
If you’re concerned about the moral component of your clothing choices and attempting to divine how they are perceived by a non-corporeal meta-being by way of the social standards of your parents or peer group. You’re way off.
Maybe start by looking into the fact that your clothing (regardless of how it appears) is most certainly produced by child and/or slave labor.
Good points but the clothing does “speak” and speaks volumes sometimes.. and the language it speaks is that of the societal norms. Again, if it is deemed “not OK” to meet with the President or Mayor -for goodness’ sake – in jeans, what about the Lord of Lord and the King of Kings? If indeed we believe all of that. The truth is, on some level at least – many don’t. And they say so with their dress and coinciding behaviors. Not an absolute, but still holds true for quite a large percentage I’ll go out on a limb here and suggest. But good point about slave labor, should not be overlooked.
Lack of a good dress code, both in secular society and in the Church, is a real tragedy! It is a very poor reflection, on church-goers, particularly! Especially to lack respect for Modesty– is a horror, in a church! When young, we always dressed up, and were proud to dress and behave nicely, even to just go shopping! Everyone has better behavior, and more pride in themselves, when dressing simply, modestly, and well. It is the same thing, as taking a bath or shower, and then grooming yourself well, and preparing for a nice day! Good clothes also cost the same, as jeans and a t-shirt! Even poor people, can afford to buy (or make) a nice outfit or two, for work and church! Good dress, good speech, and good manners and morals, are a sign of a more mature, more respectful, and higher-developed society— that goes to some extra trouble, unselfishly– to care, and do things well!
Things go in cycles. Wearing a business suit to a baseball game was stupid. But, I suppose that happened because games were held during the day and a lot of men went to the ballpark when they could take off from work.
Also, dress codes can be affected by circumstances. I wore shorts to church a couple of times. That was in the tropics in a provincial church in the Philippines without air conditioning. They were nice shorts that I could wear at a business barbecue with a knit shirt and sneakers.
About 35 years ago, I heard a Wedding Consultant talk about her business, at a wedding reception. She had been trying, since the deadly 1960’s, to educate young people, in all the details of how to have a lovely, memorable wedding— with limited success, at times! While some immigrants from ethnic groups, were always very interested in such things– most American young people, had been “brainwashed,” since the hippie era, against good dress, speech, manners, and morals, and observances of special religious and family traditions! The Wedding Consultant spoke of the typical, young, modern couple, who had sadly accepted the hippie, anti-society “brainwashing”– and dressed and spoke poorly, no grooming, nor good manners– and “shacked up,” believing “marriage is only a stupid piece of paper,” and if you are “in love,” the “piece of paper” is stupid, meaningless, and unnecessary! It was so hard, for her (and the priests!) to work with such couples! A Wedding is a holy, special, and memorable, ONCE IN A LIFETIME event!! NOT a “bunch of junk,” from “society,” and your mom!!
What we are speaking of here is not style or fashion or even cleanliness.
We are speaking of modesty..
I see women in mini tank tops, mini skirts and see-through items. I see brides with no-back gowns and low cleavage in front.
I see a few men in very short shorts.
Surely, each pastor could post a sign on the front door that demands modesty in dress.
Yes. This would be easy and effective……at EWTN’s chapel and also at the Monastary…..signs are posted at the doors that you are entering the “House of God”…..proper dress, decorum and no cell phones. (I believe its spelled out for those who do not have a grasp of the language)
An overweight woman who sings at my parish’s Sunday 8:30 am Mass ALWAYS wears a top (over a short skirt) that’s so low-cut, anyone can see her cleavage when she’s standing, and when she even slightly bends over, half of her enormous breasts are displayed. Perhaps she thinks she’s performing in a nightclub.
Of course, no one says a word about it — not the music director, not the pastor.
It has been upsetting also, to see poorly-dressed Catholic lay leaders on EWTN, with no sense of respect for God, in church! Especially, women in jeans and immodest tops– or very low-cut dresses, with the tv cameras showing everything!! And babyish men or women hosting programs, dressed poorly– worse than one of their guest speakers, who may be wearing a suit and tie, if a man– or a nice dress and heels, if a woman! EWTN has poor dress standards! They cater to the poor values of the times!
What about you?
It hurts, particularly in very wealthy areas of San Francisco, to attend Mass at a lovely church, and to see a poorly-dressed dad, with his wife and kids, wearing jeans, or shorts, an athletic t-shirt, and sandals– serve as a Eucharistic Minister! It hurts! Those kids are not having a good example set for them! Especially– by a man serving in Eucharistic Ministry, who is one of the top parish leaders! What does this same man wear to work, and to big, fancy business meetings and conferences– in the Financial District, of San Francisco? Does he have any respect– as a business leader, or as a lay leader, in his church? Anyway– I try to avoid such things, when possible, because it just hurts!
In 1960, while visiting San Francisco with my family, I recall my grandma telling my sister and I, of how she had recently attended a lovely tea, at a big hotel, with other relatives, for Democratic women– hosted by Rose Kennedy, on behalf of her son, who was running for President. My grandma wore a nice dress, hat, and white gloves, to the tea, and Mrs. Kennedy shook hands with everyone. It was not too big an event. Well, all of those people are now gone! Today, I am older than my grandma was, in the summer of 1960! And nobody in our family, would be caught dead or alive– voting for any immoral, (especially, a “bad” Catholic!) Democratic candidate! I don’t suppose Democratic women have fine teas any longer, with lovely ladies in nice dresses, hats, and white gloves! Today, they are all mostly immoral feminists, who support “shacking up,” contraception, abortion, and gay “marriage!” Cheap, immoral, un-feminine, and “un-American” misfits!!
My mom and I hosted a tea party for friends, Linda Maria …we made real scones, crumpets, oat cakes, etc with silver tea service, China cups…the works. A good time was had by all. We were all women raised to love other women and value tradition . The average child sees their grandparents about once in two years. How are they ever going to value the past when they’re never exposed to it? How will they learn to dress nicely if they only have their peers for role models? My granddaughter still remembers a tea party we had when she was two…we made a Cinderella cake, and little cups of calico tea. We can only do what we can. If we say anything we might be shot or yelled at in this age of thuggery.
Was that you, Dana, in the above “Anonymous” post, writing all about your tea parties, in your family?? That is so much fun, for women and girls to share a lovely tradition, like having tea and treats! My grandma taught me to drink tea, and we had many wonderful, memorable times, while I was growing up, of drinking tea, and eating her wonderful cookies, cinnamon rolls, and other treats! We so badly need our old society and Church back, with good traditions, a slower pace, lots of time for memorable occasions, sharing experiences and doing things together, and good talks! For boys to grow up to become men, for girls to grow up to become women, and yet have your own personality, and own ways to do things.
Was that you, Dana, writing as “Anonymous,” in the above post (a computer error, I bet!)?? I agree with you and Ann Malley! How wonderful, are our lovely (and so MISSED!) traditions, in the Church, and in society! My grandma taught me to drink tea, and she would bake goodies, too, for “tea time!” We had many wonderful, memorable experiences and conversations, when I was growing up! She and my grandpa, knew so much about life, and could talk about anything! They always had plenty of time for you, and totally enjoyed it al! (Nothing is new, under the sun, I learned from them– neither fashions, ideas, religion, relationships– nothing!) All of the grand-children have greatly missed our grandparents, since they both have long been gone, now! And the world has changed too much– for the worse!! How wonderful, if your grand-daughter could give her grand-daughter, a memorable tea party, as a child, with Cinderella cake, and calico tea! What a beautiful, heart-warming memory!! You cannot replace such things!!
Sorry– but my computer goofed! I tried to write something, and thought it all got erased– so I tried again, later! Anyway, let’s see what the result is! A big mess? Oh, well!
heh. Yes, it was me, Linda Maria. I sometimes forget to sign in when i’ve cleared my cookie cache. Yes, I agree with you about all that’s been lost. I still use only cloth napkins, tablecloths, etc. but I’ve really begun slacking off as my husband wants to be more casual. Life can be so much richer by just taking the time to present food in a colorful, simple way, setting the table correctly, flowers on the table. It is serving God because it pleases people, makes them want to stay at table to converse longer, have a bit of peace for the family to partake in together and talk about their day. All the little small things we can do can produce bigger results, though unrecognized or even appreciated. We know ;)
I recall being devastated to reach the “age” wherein I would have been allowed to wear one of my mother’s Spanish lace mantillas only to have them wrapped in tissue paper at the bottom of her drawer.
Love those memories of gloves, hats, Sunday best, giving a darn, trying to look one’s best and show by way of the effort made that the one being visited was respected, admired, and deserving of that extra mile.
We have lost so much.
Remember buying a new spring outfit and spring coat, gloves and hat? It was so fitting to begin each Easter/spring with new Church clothes. We always wore hats and gloves to church every Sunday . What we wear most assuredly reflects who we are and what we think of ourselves and others. As some of you know I was once into fashion & design and when you study fashion history you learn more about a cutture than you do from their art. I would say this country has to be singular in it’s apathy toward appearance. There aren’t many cultural universals, but one was decorating the body/adornment. Every group of people emphasized to a marked degree what they wore or decorated themselves with. Sit and watch people walk by in any airport or mall and the sloppy dress, bad posture, slouchy walk is absolutely appalling. There’s also a lack of individuality or imagination. The lack of reverence in dress in our churches is simply an extention of our lack of awe or joy. It’s especially sad to see young women dress like garbage men when they’re in the bloom of their life and should be simply glowing. I used to really love the beautiful vestments worn by Pope Benedict XVI…all the past popes. What a treat they were for the eyes.
I miss the spiffy red shoes!
…the red shoes were a sign of the Pope being willing to martyr himself for the Faith. So, yes, I miss them too for many reasons. (Nothing can beat that symbolism of the shabby priest with a shiny, patched cassock who has given up all for God donning a gem encrusted brocade vestment intended to visibly mark him as the alter Christus while offering mass.)
As to current “fashion”, I find the upcycled garbage affinity disturbing. This fantasy with dystopian projections (junkyard rubber hose “jewelry” and everything ugly) is also telling as it seems to reflect a society that wants to suffer, and in the most despairing way. The accent elements of days gone by – Victorian handmade lace, Turk’s head tassels etc – is almost a cry for help. The fashions are a mute mea culpa directed nowhere (by design), but increasingly pitiful nonetheless.
Thanks for the clarification of the red shoes, Ann…I’d read that long ago but had forgotten. So wearing black street shoes means…? The fashions are so sad…immodest, vulgar and rob the wearers of their dignity. Pitiful, indeed. But what with civilization collapsing about our ears what we wear is the least of our worries…now the feminazis are baring their tops everywhere…let’s be thankful for those who are at least clothed even if not in the best of taste, :(
…let’s be thankful for those who are at least clothed…”
A definite silver lining, no matter how dark the cloud gets. Enjoy your weekend ;^)
Oops. Sorry, Linda ..that was me!
The OF and EF parishes I attend wear their Sunday best. Praise be Jesus Christ. Even the other rites that we visit, pretty modest and nice.
Because the Mass is no longer referred to as HOLY, MASS or SACRIFICE, but is instead a Eucharistic celebration, or a meal, it is no longer God centered, but man centered. The church building is no longer considered the House of God, and the Gate of Heaven, but instead is a hall where the Catholic community meets together. Since most people do not dress up to go on a trip, do not dress up while going shopping, do not dress up to go to a restaurant, etc. they feel that they do not have to get dressed up for Mass. Some of the ‘fashions’ I have seen at Novus Ordo Masses are very immodest, and down right sloppy. Of course, the priests seldom preach about dress, so the culture becomes more coarse each day. People coming to church half naked is disgusting and shameful, and shows they have no respect for God and one another. Because of this, and other abuses, I now only attend the TLM as everyone at the TLM is decently and respectfully dressed; they know they come to Mass to worship God, and not each other.
DRESSING MODESTLY (especially at MASS) –
This priest was courageous and gave a good sermon.
Father Dominic gave a wonderful homily. Similar to our local faithful OF parish priests. Thanks Leigh for sharing. Enjoyed the link you shared very much.
The Priests in our parish wear sandals year round, even to say Mass. Oh, I forgot, they are are Franciscans! :)
I understand Bob One. Also Todays styles women have dressy sandals that can be worn in a dressy feminine way with long skirts or medium modest length skirts and dresses. I love dresses and skirts and i don’t always care for high heals so some nice dressy sandals are modest and respectful for mass. Its all about modesty. No one has to be rich to get that accomplished. ☺
Yes, sandals are different from flip flops, and flip flops are not safe either as some times another person accidentally steps on the backs of one causing the person wearing them to fall. They are especially dangerous for children at times. Most sandals are less likely to do that and are of better quality and better fitting…
The Priest is the video is also an EWTN “Franciscan”.
Of course, God cares what you wear. He cares what you eat and drink. He cares what you think and feel. He cares about the smallest detail of your life.
YES, God does care what you wear.
Hence Jesus’ parable about the guy who was thrown out of the wedding for not dressing appropriately!!!!
What you wear shoes how much or how little respect you have for the Holy Mass, for God, and for the people around you.
For me….the dress code today is close to blasphemy ….what happened to respecting the presence of the Holy Eucharist???? Today at Exposition of the Holy Eucharist, before Sunday Mass…up goes two girls in “short-short” ( they were headed to the sacristy to serve), right by the Blessed Sacrament…exposed for our praise, adoration… Can’t believe parents and the priest would not correct or instill the Holy Presence of God, only a few feet away. To me it is disrespectful, pure and simple….