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My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Imagine if the bishop or priest celebrating Mass came out wearing shorts, tank top, and flip-flops! Most people would be shocked and would not hesitate to voice their objections. So why does there seem to be a different standard for the laity attending Mass? Yes, the celebrant is ordained to the ministerial priesthood, but all the baptized belong to the common priesthood of the Christian faithful. Both the clergy and laity come to offer sacrifice at Holy Mass and receive Our Lord in holy Communion. The clergy have prescribed vestments, but the laity should also show respect for God in His house of worship by dressing appropriately with proper reverence, not as if they are going to the beach or a picnic.
Most of our churches are air-conditioned, so summertime heat should not be an excuse. Even if the church is not air-conditioned, a person can wear cooler clothing while still being dressed modestly.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church has this to say about dressing properly for Mass: “To prepare for worthy reception of this sacrament [i.e., The Eucharist], the faithful should observe the fast required in their Church. Bodily demeanor (gestures, clothing) ought to convey the respect, solemnity, and joy of this moment when Christ becomes our guest” (CCC 1387).
What does dressing “modestly” or “properly” or “appropriately” mean in practice? There is a dress code for St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome that must be followed by all visitors, irrespective of age or gender, so we can look to their dress code for guidance.
According to the website, A Guide to the St. Peter’s Basilica Dress Code, “Roman Catholic Churches have always had a dress code, dating back to the earliest centuries. … During Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, men and women are required to cover their knees and shoulders. Men can wear trousers and shirts, while women can wear long skirts or dresses, both of which must cover the knees. Women are allowed to wear hats for Mass, however, men must take their hats off before entering the Church.”
The following are listed under “What to wear to St. Peter’s Basilica”:
- Shirts or blouses that cover your shoulders: Plain T-shirts, formal shirts, or full-sleeved blouses or tops are permitted.
- Trousers or skirts that cover your knees: Pants that cover your knees and long skirts or dresses can be worn inside the Basilica.
The following are listed under “What not to wear to St. Peter’s Basilica”:
- Sleeveless shirts or tops: Avoid wearing anything sleeveless or with straps or anything too tight.
- Low-cut tops: Low-cut tops or crop tops that expose your chest or stomach are strictly forbidden.
- Shorts or skirts that are above the knee: Do not wear mini-skirts or shorts that don’t cover your knees.
- Obscene or offensive tattoos: If you have any offensive tattoos, make sure you cover them up before you head into the Church.
The above should be considered minimum standards. Of course, people may voluntarily choose to dress even more formally, if they wish. For example, it would be a great sign of respect for a man to wear a suit and tie in church. Some women choose to follow the traditional custom of wearing a head covering such as a mantilla or a lace or silk liturgical veil.
We have just completed our three-year National Eucharistic Revival, intended to promote a greater understanding and respect for the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Dressing properly for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is a great way to express in a concrete and practical way that we do believe that Jesus Christ is really present at Mass and to show our love and esteem for Our Lord and Savior as He comes into our hearts in holy Communion.
May God give us this grace. Amen.