The Importance of Dressing for the Occasion

A gentle reminder as we begin the summer months

While to a large extent casual attire has come to replace what used to be called our “Sunday best,” it’s still important to be mindful of how we dress for Mass on Sundays. Of course, it's true that God knows what’s in our hearts, and to be sure, what’s in our hearts is what counts most. But what’s also true is that Mass is holy; it’s the celebration of the sacrifice of our Savior for us.

Saints and angels are with us at Mass, surrounding the Eucharist. Our daily or weekly participation at Holy Mass is a particular break from the stress of the world, an opportunity to refocus ourselves on Jesus for the rest of the week, and literally a heavenly partaking in communion. In other words, the significance of Mass is endless. Therefore, intentional dress at Mass is a statement to ourselves and to those around us that this is not just any other activity. This is important.

As Catholics, we believe in the Incarnation, so allowing the spiritual to be manifested into the physical is another reason why dressing for Mass is meaningful. Moreover, others will see the respect of parishioners and understand that this isn’t just a casual occurrence. Mass is an honorable and external expression of our spiritual faith; and our participation at Mass in all ways is evangelical--in other words, it teaches; it spreads the Good News of Jesus to others.

“The dress of the body should not discredit the good of the soul.”

St. Cyprian