Proper Dress Code Attire for Mass

Modern culture has done a lot to erode away many of our traditions as well as decency and reverence. Although the Catholic Church has no real dress code for proper attire when attending Mass, there is an unwritten dress code that demands we are properly dressed out of Respect, Honor, and Reverence for the Real Presence of Our Lord.

There are TWO main reasons one should dress modestly and decently for Mass:

1. Out of respect for God.

2. In Order not to be a distraction or stumbling block to our fellow parishioners.

It is also a wonderful way to teach our children respect, honor and reverence.

Here is what the Catechism of the Catholic Church has to say about dressing properly for Mass:

“To prepare for worthy reception of this sacrament, 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

Generally, we should be guided by a combination of virtue, common sense, and piety when deciding what to wear to Mass.

Ministers including cantors, instrumentalists, choristers, lectors, extraordinary ministers and hospitality should be particularly mindful of how they dress for Mass. They should be examples for our Parish. It is highly disrespectful to administer Holy Communion to the faithful while dressed in something like shorts or spaghetti strap tops.

Men/boys should be mindful to remove all headwear before entering the Church.