A Note From the Pastor: September 14, 2025

A few years ago, when I was in the Cathedral in Milan, I noticed a young lady wearing an odd article of clothing, over her ‘regular’ clothes. Then I saw another young lady wearing the same odd garment over her clothes. Then I realized, those garments are what is given to visitors of the cathedral who are “under dressed”. I learned that if you come to the Duomo in a skirt too short or a top that is too low-cut, you are asked to wear the additional covering.

While God loves us regardless of what we wear, what we wear says a lot about our regard for God and the Mass. In the same way we likely wouldn’t dress like we’re going to a BBQ or the beach, when going to meet a queen, or to attend a funeral—all as a gesture of respect—we do well, I believe, to approach the Mass (especially Sunday Mass) with the same respect and care. As a society we’ve become increasingly informal, and not just regarding clothing. I’m among those who believe we could afford to reverse that trend, at least a little.

So how should we make decisions about what to wear to Mass? Does it truly not matter? Some would reasonably cite Scripture verses like: “Stop judging by appearances, but judge justly” (John 7:24) and “God does not see as a mortal, who sees the appearance. The LORD looks into the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). It’s true, we shouldn’t be preoccupied with outward appearances. Jesus makes this point when he admonishes Pharisees, “…cleanse first the inside of the cup, so that the outside also may be clean” (Matthew 23:26), calling for congruency between what’s inside us, and what’s outside.

With that last sentence in mind, ask: What do we believe about the Mass? That it’s an event for which Jesus gave/gives his life. It’s participation in things of heaven. It’s an intimate encounter with our Creator. Wow! None of that’s ordinary. But perhaps we should ask ourselves if that’s what we truly believe. If so (I hope!), then to Jesus’ point above, I want my outside to reflect my inward belief. Or maybe think of it this way: I want to bring God the best parts of myself, inwardly and outwardly.

To be clear, what we wear isn’t to impress God (or each other), but instead, what I wear reminds me that the Sacrifice of the Mass is important. We’re not here to police each other’s attire, nor to be preoccupied with judging. Patience, mercy and encouragement must always be at work, inwardly and outwardly. I gently ask us to consider what the Mass really is and what it means to us, and thus to dress accordingly.

Yours in Christ,

Father Todd O. Strange