Nouvelles

Dressing like a jockey doesn’t mean you ride a horse

While I whole heartedly agree with the basic premise of respectful attire, a modicum of restraint in imposing strict rules which impede a person’s attendance at Church. Indeed clothes aren’t much of an indicator of one’s worth, truth, or closeness to God, look for instance, at politicians. As a teacher coaching basketball in the 70’s, we had a Saturday morning time at the gym. When we finished, I said I was going to stop at church to visit the Blessed Sacrament if anyone wanted to come. It was just across the parking lot. All but two came, dressed as high school boys would be expected to be dressed on Saturday in Sept. We went in the back door and silently knelt in the Chapel. We had no sooner arrived and settled than the pastor swept in the back door and started loudly berating the boys for being there with improper dress. I approached him and told him that I had invited them in after gym and that it was my responsibility. He looked disapprovingly at my attire, but didn’t voice what his facial expression made obvious. On subsequent Saturdays, I made my visit, but unfortunately, I was alone. Even those who were riding home in my car, waited outside until I came. How very sad. What was missing was common sense, instead, the boys were given a sense of being rejected because of another’s code of proper dress. How many stay away for that reason? How many stay away because we don’t make them feel welcome whether children or adults. The lepers? It would be better if we stressed more the welcome to the House of God. A growth of understanding of Who is in the house will bring about the desire to present one’s self with the best they have both inside and out.

Sad story but exceptional situtations such as you describe need not fall under the general norms. WHat I am proposing are general norms for general situations. Exceptional cases such as visits are suject to different norms I’d say but cannot be included in general norms .