Letter to the Editor from Alpharetta, GA

Published: May 20, 2004

To the Editor:

Read with interest the article by Father Eugene Hemrick in the April 29th issue of The Georgia Bulletin.

To take his thoughts one step further, without being disrespectful to the folks who regularly attend Mass, I would like to make a comment about the way people dress for Jesus.

Prior to Vatican II, or perhaps in the “olden days,” proper attire was an automatic for Sunday Mass. After all, Christ is present in the tabernacle, and respect demands decent dress.

We do live in a more casual world, but few people would go for a job interview in shorts, sandals or flip-flops, tight-fitting clothes or clothing proper for beach wear. One should dress to fit the occasion and the respect for the ones present.

I am not suggesting suits and ties for men or fancy dress for women, but a little more thought could be put into how one presents oneself for the celebration of the Eucharist. Most churches are properly heated and air-conditioned, so comfort should not be a problem. If parents are dressed respectfully, children will be also.

It is always a delight to be seated near a family dressed properly for the occasion.

Thomas Schimmel, Alpharetta