Dress Code (Ladies)
Guidelines for proper dress at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass
Due to the ongoing deterioration of Western Civilization, and the general relaxation of attitudes governing modesty and propriety in dress, it has become necessary for the lay custodians of St. Jude Shrine to remind the faithful who attend Holy Mass and devotions at the shrine of what is expected of them regarding their attire while present in the House of God. The following standards in dress are required of those who wish to attend Mass at St. Jude’s.
A visual illustration of an appropriate Mass outfit is provided on this page, as well as a detailed list of clothing that is permitted and prohibited inside of the church.
Thank you for your cooperation.
PREFERRED:
Ankle-length dresses with three-quarter length sleeves (as stipulated by Pope Pius XI)
Full-length mantillas (veils)* or hats.
*Veils are provided at the front entrance to the church for newcomers to borrow or for those who have forgotten to bring one.
REQUIRED as a minimum standard:
Dresses or skirts that extend far enough below the knee that they cover the knees when the woman/girl is seated.
Tops with necklines no lower than two inches below the pit of the throat (as specified by Pope Pius XI); If designed with buttons, with only the top button left unbuttoned. Sleeves that extend at least halfway to the elbow.
Mantillas or scarves (chapel caps for pre-school girls only)
Sleeves that extend to the elbow
Dress shoes or dress sandals.
PROHIBITED:
Outfits with an exposed or potentially exposed midriff
Low-cut or revealing dress or top of any kind
Tight or form-fitting garments that excessively display the female form.
Sleeveless or very short-sleeved tops
Garments made of see-through, clingy, or stretchable fabric that excessively display the female form.
Halter tops
Dresses/skirts that expose the knees at any time
Mini skirts, sun-dresses, pants, pantsuits, pant skirts, culottes, split skirts, skirts with high slits exposing the thigh, and shorts.
Tennis shoes, beach shoes, and flip-flops.