Church Decorum

From time to time, it is appropriate to remind our parishioners about a few concerns that fall into the category of "church decorum." These are offered with the sincere hope that they will contribute to a respectful worship and care for the House of God.

Attire...Does it matter how I look?

In a word? Yes! Our clothing choices reflect the importance we place on an event. Yet Americans have a penchant for comfort that translates into casual clothing, especially outside the workplace. This attitude shows in the way we dress for church. While it is edifying to see a number of people wearing their "Sunday best," more and more people are opting to attend Mass in attire more appropriate for a workout at the gym or a visit to the beach.

While it is certainly true that the Lord knows our hearts and that all are welcome in His House, the choices we make regarding our appearance are a way of providing a witness to our brothers and sisters that worship is important, and that the Church is no ordinary place.

Cell phones...How sweet the sound?

Cell phones are now commonplace and so before each weekend Mass, we remind parishioners to turn off or mute their cell phones. This is done so that all might worship the Lord without distraction and participate fully in the sacred mysteries.

How impressive it is to witness the changing of the guard at the tomb of the unknown soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. There, strict silence is demanded and observed as part of the honor we render to the fallen heroes entombed there. Our church, the dwelling of the Lord, deserves no less respect. Happily, our parishioners heed our weekly reminder and so it is rare that our prayer is disturbed by interesting ringtones!

However, texting during Mass is observed more and more. Cell phones have many helpful functions, but their use at Mass is inappropriate and a distraction to prayer.

Books and bulletins...Helpful but...

All parishioners should take an interest in the appearance of our parish church. The books we use should be stored neatly in the holders provided. The holders should not be used to stuff tissues, bulletins, or candy wrappers etc.

Our weekly bulletin contains important news that should be widely known, but should be taken on the way out of church and kept at home for reference. Time prior to Mass is best used as a time of prayerful preparation for Mass.

The shelves or tables at the entrances should not be used as collection sites for our broken religious articles, old greeting cards, or magazines, etc.

Thanks

I offer a word of thanks to all who contribute so positively to our worship and who so often "pitch in" to maintain the beauty of both our churches. I am also grateful to all those who participate at Mass with attention and devotion.

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Here are some reasons why we should make an effort to dress well for Sunday Mass:

In the first place, we must think of what Mass actually is…the most perfect prayer…the union of Heaven and earth. We are guests of the King of the Universe at His Heavenly banquet. That seems worthy of better attire than old jeans. But…the counterargument states. It’s true that we go to Mass to worship God, and He is Lord of all, but He loves us just as we are. Why should how we dress matter to Him if we truly love Him?

Well, it is absolutely true that He loves us just as we are, but how much love are we showing Him if we do not even try to look better than we do on weekdays for Him? In fact, good dress in church is the reason in English we have the expression “Sunday best,” not “Sunday ordinary.”

But, the counterargument continues, a heart filled with love for Him is always more important than the outfit one is wearing. Considered by itself, this statement is correct. Certainly, the most important thing someone can bring to Sunday Mass is not good clothes but love. However, looking unkempt for Mass is not as innocuous as it might seem. In reality…Sunday dress has much less to do with mere appearance, and more the interior spirit it helps to reveal.

There are other underlying reasons why people might be dressing badly for Mass, rather than just a simple preference for casual clothes. It could stem from an attitude of indifference (“So what if I’m not dressed up? I’m already going out of my way to go to church, so I’m not going to go to even more trouble. Another reason is simply laziness, or “I just don’t feel like changing.”

However, perhaps the greatest cause…is a loss of the sense of the sacred. Perhaps people dress up for something like the opera because they have a sense of respect for the performers. If we respect opera…in that way, why not give God just the same respect?

Now, there are some legitimate reasons to go to Sunday Mass in bad clothes—say you overslept and are running the risk of being late or wore all your better clothes during the week and forgot to do laundry. Dressing well for Sunday Mass is important for giving God due respect. But there is another positive aspect to it. If we are striving to love God better, improving our dress is one way of reminding ourselves that “He is greater than I,” and putting Him up as greater than earthly activities in our lives.

Now, I’m not saying that everyone who wears bad clothes to Sunday Mass is automatically irreverent and has no love for God. Rather, when done with the right intention, choosing to dress well is an outward manifestation of a love of God…Next time you’re getting dressed for Mass, if you feel inconvenienced, try not to think about it that way. First, remember that you’re doing it for God. Second, think of it as aiding you to grow in love for Him. You could remember that no sacrifice was too great for Him…in saving us, so this small sacrifice should not be too great for us.

Abridged: The Importance of Dressing Well for Sunday Mass; Cecily Lowe: From Blog Catholic Stand 3 Nov 2021