St. Catherine of Siena’s Liturgy Committee would like to share some information from the Diocese of Sacramento Office of Worship for all Lay Ecclesial Ministers serving regularly. Help us to “improve the quality of our Liturgy” in how we dress during Mass.
Why It Matters…
“You may say, “God doesn’t care how we dress; God looks on the heart!” True. God doesn’t need us to dress nicely; WE need it, and those around us deserve it. Dressing nice is a way of saying to our fellow parishioners “I respect you; you’re important to me.” It’s also a way for us to show respect for God, for as St. John said, “He who does not love his brother who he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen.” (1 Jn. 4:20). “Respect” is just another word for “love.”
When we think of “liturgical environment” the first thing that usually comes to mind is decorating the church and hanging liturgically appropriate fabrics for different seasons. But the most important element of the liturgical environment is not colored fabric, but your attire. Yes, your attire is arguably the most important element of the “liturgical environment.” If you want to improve the quality of the liturgy in your church, you might want to start with yourself and how you dress for Mass. ”
Suggested Guidelines for Altar Servers:
White alb that fits properly, i.e. comes down to the ankle/top of the foot.
Black shoes; black socks. NO TENNIS SHOES.
Suggested Guidelines for Greeters/Ushers; Readers and Eucharistic Ministers:
Men: slacks; collared shirt, jacket and tie, i.e. “Business professional/casual”
Women: slacks or dress; jacket, i.e. “Business professional/casual”
