12th Sunday Ordinary Time

12 ^th Sunday Ordinary Time
 
Proper Dress Code in Church
 
I have been asked by a couple of parishioners to say something about what is considered appropriate dress for Church. You all know, before I go any further, you are damned if you do and you are damned if you don’t.  This is the fun part of my job. As soon as I say anything about appropriate dress someone comes and bites my head off. My dilemma is this: How do you set a standard that is acceptable to those who are older parishioners and to those who are younger parishioners? The word modesty appeals to some. The word sexy appeals to others. We live in Texas where it gets hot in the summer. Lots of people go about their business wearing shorts and T shirts. This seems acceptable in the Supermarket but less so in Church. People comment to me about some going to the Altar for Communion. To try and say it discretely, it is all as low as possible at the top and as high as possible at the bottom. They tell me that some come to Church and they are dressed for the beach. I guess that means that if you are dressing for the beach on a Sunday morning you are going to the beach. I guess if you are dressing for Church on a Sunday morning you are going to Church. We do identify what we call Sunday best. We do know how to dress when we go to see the Bank Manager. We do know how to dress when we are going out to a formal dinner at night. So, how do we dress to go to Church on a Sunday morning? That seems to be different for everyone. Instinctively we know what is acceptable and what is not acceptable. I think a common denominator for all is not to dress provocatively. That means we do not dress in such a way that invites comment from other people. Maybe wearing shoes might be a good idea. Dressing sexy does not belong in Church. Barefoot does not belong in Church. Wearing provocative clothing does not belong in Church. As you can see from my ramblings it is quite hard to be specific because the rules apply to people differently. Parents with young children and teenagers have different perspectives from those who are older and retired. Little boys and girls want to be superheroes and princesses. Mr. and Miss Teen want to make their fashion statements. Mom and Dad just want everyone to get along. Grandma and Grandpa, well they are just perfect always. What can I say to conclude? Can we all be a little bit more sensitive to other people feelings? Can we all make an effort and try to get along? If you choose to dress provocatively, inappropriately, in Church then get ready for comment.
With love, Fr. Pat