From our bishop...
Dioceses of Dallas - Celebration of Mass
Proper Church Attire
The Liturgy Office has been receiving requests for guidelines on the proper attire in church. The summer season usually sees an increasing number of people who come to church to attend Mass or other liturgical functions dressed in a way that disrespects the sanctity of the House of God and the sacredness of the Liturgical Celebration.
This is a difficult topic. We do not want to suggest that one is not welcome at a Sunday liturgy without expensive clothing – and yet, out of respect for what we are doing at Mass and as an example for young children, a modicum of propriety is
expected.
The goal in dressing for Mass should be not to attract undue attention to oneself. It must be considered that some people, out of necessity, come to Mass wearing the clothes required by their profession; however, under normal circumstances, attire should reflect the solemnity of the Mass. One should aim for, “you look nice today,” as opposed to, “my gosh! Did you see what she or he was wearing today?”
The faithful are advised not to wear caps, tank tops or jersey shorts during Mass. Women are also asked not to wear spaghetti-strap tops, short skirts, skimpy shorts or sleeveless shirts with plunging necklines. Simply put—beach wear, lounge wear, etc. are not appropriate attire.
What we wear says a great deal about what we value. If you are a public minister in the liturgy, a lector, a Eucharistic minister, or a cantor, for example, you should dress with extra care, so that your appearance does not pose a distraction to the worshippers. We usually dress well when we go to things that are important to us, and as Catholics, this is the most important thing that we will do each week. The manner in which the minister dresses is part of the reverence that is shown to the Lord present in the Eucharist, as well as respect shown for God’s holy people.
“Bodily demeanor (gestures, clothing) ought to convey the respect, solemnity, and joy of the moment when Christ becomes our guest.” CCC1387b
10 comments:
What I don't understand is that people will dress nicer for a night out than they will for Mass. Do. Not. Get.
In the summer I do see a lot of church members dressed inappropriately...but it usually seems as if it's the women who are the ones being talked about. And I will admit, I've seen some young girls dressed horribly. Usually the women my age are dressed in summer slacks and nice tops but not bad. But the men! I am so sick of seeing them walk to Communion wearing shorts with their hairy legs hanging out and flip-flops. For some reason, no one ever says anything to them.
Our pastor did mention the proper dress code for Mass in a bulletin last year and I was happy to see it.
I will admit that I have gone to Mass in jeans from time to time on Saturday night, but they are nice jeans with a nice blouse---not a t-shirt or tank top. On Sundays I always wear something nice, and I'm not one to "let it all hang out."
I agree my friend the dress code is so needed for Church...and thank you for your service. Blessed holiday weekend my friend! (hugs)
Once again, if people would consider the feelings of others over their own, this probably wouldn't be an issue.[1Ti 2:9In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;] Are you there to draw attention to yourself? Do you consider that you may be causing someone else to stumble? Are you really going be dressing this way if you were in the actual physical presence of the Creator of all things, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords? OK, sermon over! LOL
The Ranter, they feel they can successfully BS anyone who sees them. With God it's a lost cause, so they don't care.
MRG, Catholics should set the standard. But too often we only lower it.
Mary Ellen/Nunly, you're right about a double standard being applied. IMO men should be more conscious of their appearance than women. Won't hold my breath for that to happen though.
WHT, thanks!
Bill, what really gets me is the fashion parade that takes place at Easter. How come the same care can't be taken the rest of the year?
DANGIT!! I was really looking forward to showing off my string bikini for God!!.....
or not.
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