Appropriate attire inside church

[fast007]

Is there appropriate attire ( no shorts, head scarf, etc) when visiting churches/service?

 

[Anniesantiago]

I wish I could say yes, but unfortunately no.
You pretty much see everything in the churches.
Out of respect, I do not wear shorts or sleeveless shirts.

More than dress, I wish people would be quiet and respect those who are praying or worshipping.
It can be horribly distracting for cameras to be flashing and people to be walking around loudly whispering.
But I guess I'm old and grouchy today.

 

[MTtoCamino]

I smile at this topic because most of us that have gone to church awhile have been quietly instructed to show respect by dressing "properly" yet there seems to be a difference between say a ranch community vs an upper class neighborhood. I simply believe, just by showing up, most are there for the same reason. Same holds true for those who find themselves on the Camino.

 

[Anniesantiago]

I smile at this topic because most of us that have gone to church awhile have been quietly instructed to show respect by dressing "properly" yet there seems to be a difference between say a ranch community vs an upper class neighborhood. I simply believe, just by showing up, most are there for the same reason. Same holds true for those who find themselves on the Camino.

Well, I grew up on a Portuguese farm, not an upper class neighborhood.
We had to cover our heads to enter the church, and if we were sleeveless, we were escorted out.
I also was asked to cover my arms once in a church in Rome.
Some things we learn in childhood stick.

 

[jefferyonthecamino]

Is there appropriate attire ( no shorts, head scarf, etc) when visiting churches/service?

on the Camino in spain, no bikinis or mankinis, but everything else works and is welcome (shorts, flip flops, tshirts...). on sundays and staurdays you will see the locals decked out, but they will also appreciate the fact that we're on teh Camino and going to mass.

in other words, i am pretty sure we just 'know' when we are wearing something inappropriate or offensive.

Buen Camino

 

[LesBrass]

Some things we learn in childhood stick.

Reading this reminds me of something that I think my mum told me when I was very small... and it sticks with me when I'm in churh... but it's so long ago I'm unsure of the memory.

She told us not to walk across or in front of the alter... but always approach from the side ailse of the church? I sang in the church choir so we were there there 3 times on a Sunday and for some reason this sits in the back of my mind whenever I enter a church. I always feel a tad uncomfortable walking down the centre aisle?

Can anyone shed light on this? It's possible I've remembered this wrong.

 

[Saint Mike II]

Is there appropriate attire ( no shorts, head scarf, etc) when visiting churches/service?

I suppose it depends upon your point of view. If you are a practicing catholic then you will know what is appropriate. For visiting pilgrims it can be difficult, especially those who are not wishing to offend. So I guess the "rules" that have applied to women at St Peters (in Rome) - shoulders covered; lose trousers (at least below the knee) or a dress/skirt that covers the upper legs and knees. For men again a "clean" shirt with sleeves that cover the shoulders (say half way to the elbows); again the lose trousers or shorts that are lose fitting and are close to knee length. I always remove my head covering but I am not sure what the current practice is for women.
If a service is in progress you can sit at the back a await the conclusion of the mass. So I guess the best rule would be to show respect! Thanks for raising this issue. Cheers

 

[Bala]

Well said, Saint Mike.

 

[Jodean]

For Catholic churches, men are supposed to remove their hats.
Doesn't have to do with clothing, but refrain from drinking your bottle of water while you in the church. (or any other drinks)

 

[movinmaggie]

Is there appropriate attire ( no shorts, head scarf, etc) when visiting churches/service?

Male or female, please..... no shorts.

 

[Lydia Gillen]

A Church is a place of worship so I would plead with all to have respect for those who are there to worship.

As regards clothing I would suggest to have shoulders covered.

Regarding shorts, there are knee length shorts and there are short shorts. I think that knee length shorts and a shirt that covers the shoulders with short sleeves can be quite modest and acceptable.

Taking photographs and holding tablets up high during a service is completely unacceptable and shows a lack of appreciation of what is happening and lack of consideration for those who are there to worship.

 

[IngridF]

Is there appropriate attire ( no shorts, head scarf, etc) when visiting churches/service?

no tank tops, I brought a light silk shoulder scarve, it hung from my backpack... came in handy for many things.

 

[NavyBlue]

Hi,

From Italy, also valid for Spain :
= no sleeveless clothes, miniskirts, shorts.

 

[amorfati1]

Hi,

From Italy, also valid for Spain :
= no sleeveless clothes, miniskirts, shorts.

View attachment 25099

"Also the body has its language:
Dress with dignity and respect at a sacred/holy place/location.
It is inappropriate to dress in clothing without sleeves, in miniskirts, in shorts"

Thanks for posting this.

 

[Introibo]

LesBrass
Pre Vatican II the Blessed Sacrament would be reserved in a tabernacle which would be on the main altar.
So out of respect for the Blessed Sacrament you would generally walk down a side aisle if you were just
there to have a look around the church. If you passed in front of the main altar, you would genuflect.
Post Vatican II ? Certainly in this country the Blessed Sacrament could be reserved just about anywhere
in the church. Genuflecting seems to be reserved for entering and leaving your pew at the beginning and
end of Mass. ( I accept that there's some sweeping generalisations in what I've said and practice will vary
from parish to parish )

In large cathedrals the Blessed Sacrament is usually reserved in a side altar so those who wish to pray before
the Blessed Sacrament can have a quiet place to do so. In such an instance I would still reverence the crucifix
on the main altar with a slight bow of my head if I passed in front of it.

 

[Mark Lee]

They are places of worship, same as a mosque, Buddhist temple, synagogue etc. Nobody in any of those houses of worship goes in half dressed (or undressed). It's just plain seen as disrespectful. The Catholic churches in Spain are no different.
Also, take off your hat if you are wearing one.

 

[Icacos]

.....I would still reverence the crucifix
on the main altar with a slight bow of my head if I passed in front of it.

May I please add that the slight bow, if one is passing in front of the altar, be in conjunction with pausing momentarily while facing front, be it in the front of the church, middle, or back of the church.

 

[Introibo]

Hi Icacos. Most certainly. It's an act of reverence rather than a nod at a passing acquaintance.

 

[LesBrass]

@Icacos and @Introibo - many thanks for the explanations!

 

[Anniesantiago]

Hi,

From Italy, also valid for Spain :
= no sleeveless clothes, miniskirts, shorts.

View attachment 25099

Yes, I have seen these signs in Italy. They should have them on the Camino, imo.

 

[Sixwheeler]

I got booted out of Milan cathedral for wearing my rugger shorts, but that was in 1964!

 

[movinmaggie]

Hi,

From Italy, also valid for Spain :
= no sleeveless clothes, miniskirts, shorts.

View attachment 25099

Wish everyone on whatever Camino they are travelling could see this and not just forum members. Thankfully I think there are more who will maintain respect than not.

 

[ParistoCapeCod]

Is there appropriate attire ( no shorts, head scarf, etc) when visiting churches/service?

Thank you so much for asking! Yes, all of the above. I will add that reviewing the etiquette (I don't want a debate over "rules") for receiving Holy Communion is worthwhile. There are priests stationed in confessionals throughout the cathedral in Santiago with little signs stating what languages they speak for confession, in case it's been a while and you want to received the Eucharist. Also, when the darned botofumerio swings remember we are in a Mass and not Cirque du Soleil. Showing respect in any house of worship is never wrong. Ad pacem.

 

[SeaHorse]

And pilgrim specific: take care that your poles don't touch the church floor. Sound and scratch.

 

[movinmaggie]

I got booted out of Milan cathedral for wearing my rugger shorts, but that was in 1964!

And with respect, this is 2016…..it's still the same Cathedral

 

[Mark Lee]

I got booted out of Milan cathedral for wearing my rugger shorts, but that was in 1964!

I do have a confession () to make. When I did my first Camino in 2013 I had way too heavy a pack, and as I went along I ditched stuff at albergues on the donativo tables. In the process the only pair of pants I had (cotton cargo ones) was donated as well, leaving me with just two pairs of hiking shorts and three tech shirts from Pamplona to Santiago. So I went into churches and to mass several times along the Way wearing hiking shorts. I attended the mass in Santiago with the botafumeiro wearing shorts, but shorts were all I had.
My old school devout Catholic mother would have backhanded me even at my age if she had seen me going to mass wearing shorts, ha ha.

 

[Jennifer from Colorado]

I suppose it depends upon your point of view. If you are a practicing catholic then you will know what is appropriate. For visiting pilgrims it can be difficult, especially those who are not wishing to offend. So I guess the "rules" that have applied to women at St Peters (in Rome) - shoulders covered; lose trousers (at least below the knee) or a dress/skirt that covers the upper legs and knees. For men again a "clean" shirt with sleeves that cover the shoulders (say half way to the elbows); again the lose trousers or shorts that are lose fitting and are close to knee length. I always remove my head covering but I am not sure what the current practice is for women.
If a service is in progress you can sit at the back a await the conclusion of the mass. So I guess the best rule would be to show respect! Thanks for raising this issue. Cheers

Saint Mike, you always have the best replies!!

 

[Saint Mike II]

Some years ago I did a cycle tour of Vietnam and Cambodia - many the men and women were of course wearing their cycle lycra nicks. The suggestion we received was for men to have a pair of lose knee length shorts to go over the lycra and for the girls/women (either the shorts or) a sarong the could be tired around the waist and reached the knees. I am aware that many women bring a sarong with them for a number of uses - so maybe if you are wearing shorts you could wrap the sarong around your waist. As it has many uses and is usually very light so can be added without really adding to your load. I have to say I am impressed with the genuineness of the answers/suggestions offered here.

As for that sign (from Italy?) - maybe we should send a copy to John Brierley to include in his next edition. Cheers

 

[nellpilgrim]

As an Irish catholic I have an additional inbuilt reflex reaction-the genuflection. Though this serves me very well on pilgrimage it has occasionally had other less positive consequences. As kids and teenagers we were so hardwired to genuflect towards the altar on entering and leaving our church pew that I once genuflected when leaving my seat at the cinema to go to the loo. (it was in that sort of quiet bit before the ads or movie comes on, there was subdued lighting and a long carpeted central walkway….) Anyway I definitely blew that 'experienced woman of the world' my 17 year old self was aiming at by going to a Jean Renoir film in the first place (subtitles of course)…………

 

[bunnymac]

Is there appropriate attire ( no shorts, head scarf, etc) when visiting churches/service?

A good rule of thumb is cover to your knees and you elbows. No short shorts or vest tops/strapless tops. Head uncovered for men. Some places prefer ladies to keep their heads covered, others can be disapproving of hiking hats and baseball caps. It depends. I keep a light sarong or long T-shirt dress on top of may pack as a cover up.

 

[Mark Lee]

I only had shorts to wear so wearing trousers/pants was not an option. I was made to feel very welcome in every church I entered though. From the priest at the Iglesia del Crucifijo in Puente la Reina, to the one in Los Arcos or the Franciscans in Santiago among others.

Would I wear something longer if I had it and I knew it was required? Sure.
I just added this post so that other pilgrims in a situation similar to mine won't think that one is not welcome if their attire doesn't cover their legs.

My hiking shorts had a long inseam, down to the knees. Basically only my calves and shins were exposed. Honestly I don't think anyone even noticed that I had shorts on in church and I wasn't the only one.

 

[MTtoCamino]

I think the majority of pilgrims understand the respect aspect of attending Mass. Not all visitors to the church are of the catholic faith, so if you enter with non Catholics please try to educate as best you can. It was an eye opener of the number of people I walked with who claimed it was not a spiritual walk for them yet sitting in Mass & observing them weep, I could only think otherwise.

 

[Bajaracer]

The churches along the Camino are understanding of the attire that pilgrims wear and that they are not packing their "Sunday best." As long as you cover up your shoulders it shouldn't be an issue.

 

[Icacos]

........... we were so hardwired to genuflect towards the alter on entering and leaving our church pew that I once genuflected when leaving my seat at the cinema ...........

My mother has done likewise......also in a movie theatre. She's always been super absentminded!

 

[Mooncat]

Mark Lee's story is familiar about not having any alternate clothing options. When I walked the Camino last year, I made it a point to enter every church that was open. I wore shorts predominantly and nobody ever told me anything about how I was dressed. And, it didn't occur to me. The church workers and townspeople saw that I was a Pilgrim and knew what that entailed. Now, if I had shoulders exposed, maybe someone would have pointed it out. Maybe not. But, I can't recall any women pilgrims being told anything about covering their heads, shoulders, or knees. I do recall a group of Spanish ladies talking loudly at the front of a chapel. They had no head coverings and were locals. Nobody said anything to them. Now, Italy was different when I visited a few years ago. Their clothing requirements are often posted. I did not mean to show any disrespect in my attire and do not feel that I did. I always removed my hat, spoke softly, and respected the rules on not using my flash on the camera. You do the best you can and work with what you have.

 

[Jennifer from Colorado]

Is there appropriate attire ( no shorts, head scarf, etc) when visiting churches/service?

Surely, but it's mostly the respect issue.
Head scarves not required, not since Vatican II.
Shorts of an appropriate length (appropriate meaning your backside isn't pooching out)

But for pilgrims, for those of us who are on a religious pilgrimage and are in prayer, we're grateful if you have rubber tips on your trekking poles, no flash photography, your leggings do not expose your genitals, you know - all the normal stuff, and a quiet respect for those who are in prayer.
In Rome or in any of the European cathedrals off the camino - women are not allowed to expose bare arms or midriffs (I would suppose that's because men typically don't; can't think of another reason why men would be allowed in cutoff shirts).

 

[Fletchonides]

It's really about how you show respect for being in a house of prayer.
Traditionally attire has been the main demonstration of that, and I think southern Catholic countries have been more forward about determining appropriate standards of dress because its warm and people may be wearing less.
There's a difference between visiting a church we pass during the Camino (when we are wearing our Camino gear) and going to a service in the evening when we are more able to chose something more 'appropriate' out of the vast wardrobe that we have with us.

Respect in your behaviour and attitude to me is far more important though. It is a house of prayer and people may be praying. So quiet, reverence, etc. are the key attitudes. When there is a service on, respect that and don't be a tourist.

We are pilgrims, god can handle a few bare knees if your heart is right

 

[Jack Quinn]

I have attended mass on the Camino many times wearing shorts and a T-shirt, because that's the best I had to wear. I always felt welcome. The people who live along the Camino and the priests understand that we pilgrims carry as little as possible, and they welcome us dressed as we are. I have even served as a translator between the priest and non-Spanish-speaking pilgrims in religious meetings, and the priest was always grateful for my presence, despite my casual attire.

 

[soozansings]

Reading this reminds me of something that I think my mum told me when I was very small... and it sticks with me when I'm in churh... but it's so long ago I'm unsure of the memory.

She told us not to walk across or in front of the alter... but always approach from the side ailse of the church? I sang in the church choir so we were there there 3 times on a Sunday and for some reason this sits in the back of my mind whenever I enter a church. I always feel a tad uncomfortable walking down the centre aisle?

Can anyone shed light on this? It's possible I've remembered this wrong.

We were taught that if you do walk in front of the altar that you stop and bow your head before walking on.

 

[mspath]

Generally it is heart-felt intent and not attire that is most important when within a church.

Imagine my surprise when entering the small Romanesque monastery sanctuary in Rabanal del Camino one cold November night in 2011 to be greeted by cozy heat as well as the Abbot magnificently clad in his robes who smiled as he asked "Do you speak English?" When I nodded he then handed me a selection on St Elisabeth and love to read aloud during the evening service.

Clad in basic pilgrim winter evening attire I removed my insulated cap and mittens, and although worried that my wooly pants looked too messy went "live" in front of the assembled pilgrims and parish members. After the service we all filed out into the frosty starlit night.

Next morning cold fog swirled white and dense throughout the village. The local bread delivery truck was parked where the camino continues westward. Now dressed like any pilgrim in his "civies", wooly cap and mittens the Abbot was buying two huge loaves for the monastery. As we nodded to each other I thanked him for the past evening's service; he wished me a spiritual Buen Camino and then disappeared into the dense white. After these brief encounters each of us would follow our separate paths into the fog blanketed unknown having shared heart-felt emotion.
.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

I was in the church at Carrion de los Condes one afternoon when I noticed that a funeral service was going to be held. I left but when I went back it was in time to see the coffin being carried out. One of the pallbearers was wearing a tee-shirt that was printed to resemble a tuxedo.

 

[Icacos]

I was in the church at Carrion de los Condes one afternoon when I noticed that a funeral service was going to be held. I left but when I went back it was in time to see the coffin being carried out. One of the pallbearers was wearing a tee-shirt that was printed to resemble a tuxedo.

God has a sense of humour too! But, in all seriousness, it might have been the best the poor guy had to wear.