For Ministers of Sacred Heart Catholic Church - Halstead

“This code addresses modest dress and appropriate dress and demeanor for Mass and other Church-related activities.”

Preamble with Regard to the Mass:
The ministers of our Catholic faith serve God and His people.  The role of the minister is vital to our liturgy.  It requires commitment and responsibility as role models.  Modest and presentable dress should be seen on God’s altar by the assembly.  In other words, dress in a manner which ultimately glorifies Him.

Those attending Mass have a right not to be drawn away from the Mass.  The ministers’ role, in fact, is to assist in drawing people to the Mass by being well prepared for their roles and to be properly dressed.  Therefore, ministers have a very serious moral obligation of helping others to focus on the Mass and not onto themselves because of their dress or their actions.

Appropriate reverence and gestures should be maintained.  Bodily demeanor (gestures and dress) are part of the elements for worthy reception of the Eucharist and that such acts “ought to convey respect, solemnity, and joy of the moment when Christ becomes our guest” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1387).  The Eucharist is a most holy occasion and thus should be treated in the reverent, holy manner—in body, mind, spirit, and dress.

Finally, appropriate demeanor is expressed through the reverence a person displays during worship at Mass.  Making responses in word and song, bowing in reverence to the altar when approaching the sanctuary, fasting properly before receiving the Eucharist, and avoiding the use of gum or mouth candies during Mass (as these could be considered breaking the 1 hour fast) are some examples of the appropriate gestures and actions for ministers.  Always come to Mass prepared inwardly and externally to serve, even when not scheduled, in case your service is needed. Ministers shall prepare inwardly and portray their outward preparation in appearance by appropriate and modest dress in respect for our Lord and His Presence in the Holy Mass.

Dress Code

Dress and demeanor guidelines are as follows:
Those who serve the people of Sacred Heart as representatives of the Church, such as Extra Ordinary Ministers, Lectors, PSR Teachers, Office Workers, Leaders of the Church, Altar Servers etc… please follow the Dress Code.

In general, one should not wear:
No jeans, sweatpants or yoga pants
No shirts exposing the navel
No tight-fitting clothes
No shorts
No flip-flops                                                                                                            
Sandals may only be worn if worn with socks

Altar Server Attire: No flip-flops or Sandals, No Shorts, No Cleavage, No Tight Fitting Clothes, No Dresses or Skirts above the Knee, Better to Wear Dress Clothes than Jeans, Wear Dress Shoes, but if you don't have dress shoes, tennis shoes are acceptable

Men:

Men please wear dress pants (not jeans) and a dress shirt (with tie would be nice), or a suit and tie when distributing Holy Communion, Lectoring, Teaching, Working in the Office, Acting as a Representative of Sacred Heart in any capacity.

Men and boys who come as ministers to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass shall come dressed properly.  Garments that are overly casual, sleeveless, tight fitting, or otherwise immodest are considered inappropriate.

No t-shirts (collared shirts only)
No sleeveless shirts

No Shorts

Women:

Women and girls shall come reverently and modestly dressed with skirts, dresses, loose fitting and appropriate pants suits or similar attire.  Apparel worn by women and girls must not be overly casual, tight fitting, or otherwise immodest or provocative.  

No sleeveless tops.    

No Cleavage at all may be shown. 

Flip-flops are an example of inappropriate dress.

If asked to serve, but are not properly prepared inwardly or externally, including having on proper attire, discern whether or not to serve.  Also, silence cell phones.  Ministers, office workers, PSR teachers, etc.. serve as role models in pointing others to glorify God.

No dress or skirt with a hem any higher than at or just above the knee.

No Shorts.
No spaghetti-strap tops or tank tops or tube tops.                                           

No sleeveless tops.
No style of dress exposing bare shoulders or bare back.
No style of dress exposing cleavage.

“I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes..” 1 Tim. 2:9



----------------------------------------------------

Dress Code Mostly Taken From:
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, Granger, IA

http://assumptiongranger.org/join-our-liturgical-ministries/liturgy-dress-code/

Human Resources Guidelines, Effective Jan. 1st 2015, Diocese of Wichita (Below are excerpts from the Human Resource Guidelines for the Diocese of Wichita)  “Normal attire is expected to be business casual and is expected to be neat, clean and modest.  When participating in a public meeting, attire will be business professional, dress slacks and tie for men and a jacket if desired, and a dress, skirt or slacks, with appropriate blouse and jacket for women.”……“The following are examples of attire considered to be inappropriate: sweatpants, shorts, spandex, or other form fitting pants, skirts with length more than 2 inches above the knee. Tank tops unless worn under a jacket, midriff tops, halter tops, clothing that is revealing or low-cut showing cleavage, flip flops.”  Commentary on the Diocesan Policy by Pastor, Fr. Edmond Kline: “These guidelines for workers, such as secretaries, etc…, are also beneficial for church events, meetings and PSR, such as PSR Teachers and Directors. The guidelines cause us to reflect upon attire for Holy Mass, such as Extra Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Lectors, Ushers, Altar Servers.  We don’t want to judge others by what they wear, for example. Some wear sweat pants to church due to their health or an injury to their leg.  However, when one is able to dress up for the Lord, shorts, tank tops, and any immodest clothing are inappropriate not only at meetings or events but especially in the House of God and in His Adoration Chapel.  It is wonderful the people of our parish love and respect the Eucharist, as can be seen by the many who wear respectful clothing and dress up for God, our creator.  When we respect ourselves, as a temple of God, we respect others and especially the sacred places of God’s real presence.  Thank you for being a good example for our visitors, but especially for your love of God and neighbor.”