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What To Learn When Deciding Funeral Mass Attire
The Catholic church has very formal rites and rituals that are observed when a parishioner passes away. For someone not familiar with these practices, it can be somewhat confusing when their attendance is requested at such a service. The clothing one wears to a funeral mass should conform to a few simple guidelines.
As the second of three services performed for deceased Catholics, the Requiem is a formal affair. The main reason for holding it is not just to honor the one who has passed and to say prayers for their soul, but also to provide support and comfort to all who suffer the grief of loss. In general, it should take approximately ninety minutes for this occasion.
Respectful clothing should be worn to any memorial service, especially those being held in a religious setting. Sweats, shorts, tee shirts, shorts and jeans are much too casual for these types of occasions. A simplified tip is to dress as if one were going to church or to a very important business meeting.
Suits with ties, or a nice dress pants and shirt combination in neutral tones are appropriate choices for men. Ladies wearing skirts or dresses should opt for articles which sport hemlines at least long enough to keep the knees covered when sitting or standing. Conservative pantsuits are acceptable but bold patterns, bright colors, deep necklines and bare shoulders are not.
In this particular Catholic service, men should not keep their hats on upon entering the building. Women, on the other hand, are expected to have some type of covering on their heads. Some parishes and churches realize that this may not be common knowledge and will often provide veils or scarves for those ladies who do not have one of their own.
There are certain ritualistic actions such as kissing icons, statues and the priest's hand included in these procedures. As a matter of courtesy and respect, those wearing lipstick should make a point to blot it off to avoid leaving transfer. For a Catholic funeral mass, dressing conservatively and modestly is expected.
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