Decorum - LatinMassSociety

"Sunday Best" Clothes- Modesty and Reverence

"One cannot minimize the importance of style's influence for good or for evil. The language of clothing, as we have already said, is more effective when it is more ordinary and is understood by everyone. It might be said that society speaks through the clothing it wears. Through its clothing it reveals its secret aspirations and uses it, at least in part, to build or destroy its future." - Pope Pius XII

When we go to Mass we should first acknowledge that we are going to present ourselves to the Real Presence of God in His Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. It is important to understand how we dress, reflects how we respect the person we present ourselves to. At the Mass, we present ourselves to God not only spiritually but also physically; both aspects should be taken into consideration.

"Sunday Best" basically means wearing our nice clothes for Mass, which reflect our modesty and reverence due to God.

Everyone is different in the way they dress, what matters is we make the effort for God in His Real Presence. If we have a set of nicer clothes than our ordinary clothes, would God not appreciate the effort?

Suggestions:

Ladies:

For ladies at the SSPX - Veils and skits/dresses are essential.

Perspective: Veiling - "It's a sign of submission to God."

Man represents Christ, Woman represents the Church. The veil represents this submission to Christ.

Gentlemen: Show God we are serious in His Real Presence.

Tip: Consider wearing a tie, if possible. Wearing a tie can be uncomfortable, but it shows seriousness, courtliness, and solemness as it should be; it is the opposite of casual.

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To assist Catholics new to Catholic tradition on attire, please see the following information for assistance.

(This has been given to parishioners for our benefit by our local SSPX parish.)

Genuflection:

- We only need to kneel once when we enter the church and once when we exit the church.

- The only other times we need to genuflect is when we cross the Tabernacle (not exiting or entering the pews).

- Only genuflect when we see the red oil lamp which represents the Eucharist is present in the church.

- If the red oil lamp is not lit, we bow to the Crucifix instead.

- A genuflect should be done in one action with the right knee.

Kneeling for Eucharistic Adoration:

- When we enter or leave the church during Eucharistic Adoration, instead of genuflecting, we kneel (both knees) and bow our heads.

Receiving Holy Communion:

- Communion is received on the tongue while kneeling.

- While kneeling and ready to receive Communion the head should be tilted back as if looking the the Crucifix on the altar wall.

- The mouth should be open wide as if an Easter egg was placed in the mouth.

- The tongue should be touching the bottom lip.

- The hands may be placed on the Communion rail but not over the rail as it may impede the priest's movement.

- If you are unable to kneel, Communion can be received on the tongue while standing.

Suggestions:

Placing Missals on the pew backrest

As a courtesy, please do not leave your missal protruding out, on the pew backrest when the person in front is attempting to sit down and lean back.

Sitting in the pews

When arriving early, or when the church is getting full; it is helpful to sit (usually in the middle) where others can also easily access the pew on the ends. This can be a little bit of an annoyance, but it can also be a little sacrifice offered up to God.

Confession queue

When attending the TLM for the first time, note where the Confession queue in the pews is located. Do not sit in these pews if not going to Confession. (When there is definitely no Confession in progress, the pews are then available.)

Silence in the church

Refrain from any casual talk inside the church, God is truly there in the Real Presence. Spend time praying and adoring God before and after Mass. Let others do the same.

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