Our Gospel this week is the parable Jesus told of the man who invited many friends to come to a banquet. When they all gave excuses not to come, he sent his servants to go out and invite whoever they found. However, one of those who joined the banquet at the last minute was not wearing the proper wedding garment. So we ask, “What is more important: coming to church or wearing the proper attire?”
Years ago, at a parish where I served as assistant pastor, a young, teenage altar boy came to me quite upset. The pastor had told him he could not serve Mass because he came to church wearing tennis shoes. “Jim” was heartbroken, and he felt rejected. He came from a rather large and poor family, and those tennis shoes were the only shoes he owned. He could no longer be an altar boy because he did not own a pair of dress shoes.
As a pastor, I have never implemented a dress code for altar servers or other liturgical ministers. The way I feel, all that matters is we come to church neatly dressed and groomed. This applies to all of us who gather for liturgy. The truly important thing is we are all there, participating in the liturgy.
I hope all of us keep this in mind. We always want to welcome people who come to church–some returning after being away for a time. Let us not judge them because they lack “proper attire,” but rather, let us welcome them and rejoice because they have come to pray as part of our community. That is what is most important.
Our 5:30 PM Sunday-night Mass at St. Isidore has become my favorite Mass. The assembly is quite diverse and younger than our other Masses. It is great to see high-school- and college-age young people there on their own. People at that Mass tend to dress a bit more casually. I am just delighted they are there.
This also holds true for Eucharistic Adoration. Christ wants us to be there and spend time with him. We should be comfortable to “come as we are.” Proper attire is not required! I remind you that, as part of the Church’s Eucharistic Revival, our Family of Parishes will be celebrating a special Eucharistic Holy Hour and reflection on the importance of Eucharistic Adoration at St. Therese this Thursday, October 19, at 7 PM. Please join us. And come as you are!
Fr. Ron Victor
Priest in solidum, St. Isidore Church
