Haus Jakob

Know you not, that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

1 Corinthians 3:16

As summer approaches, it is a fitting time each year to remind our dear faithful of the dress code for attending church and Holy Mass. It is not legalistic to uphold a dress code for church, nor is it intended to bar anyone from approaching God. Our demeanour and clothing reflect the value we place upon ourselves and the activities in which we are participating. Observing the dress code for church is fundamentally an act of charity or love. It is out of the love of God by honouring the body of each one of us as the temple of God. It is out of the love of our neighbours, particularly our fellow church attendees, to dress and act in a manner which will not cause distraction and scandalisation among others.

Please note that not every aspect of this dress code may be observed universally in the entire Catholic Church. Dress code may vary in accordance with the cultures and customs of different communities. This dress code is appropriate at least for the Archdiocese of Beijing, and it must be observed by all attendees and visitors—Catholic and infidel alike—of St. Benedict’s chapel.

General Baseline

• Generally speaking, clothing should be modest, clean, and dignified.
• No casual or athletic garments, shoes, or accessories are permitted at all times.
• No skintight garments are permitted at all times. Your clothing should not reveal the shape of your body.
• No see-through or ripped garments are permitted at all times.
• No clothing with improper writing, pictures, or advertising is permitted, except work uniforms on weekdays.
• Necklines must be high enough to provide full coverage of the chest, shoulders, and back.
• It is recommended to wear sleeves long enough to cover the elbows.

For Men & Boys

• Hats must be removed inside the church. “Every man praying or prophesying with his head covered, disgraceth his head” (1 Corinthians 11:4).
• Collared shirts must be worn at all times. Polo shirts are permissible but not recommended.
• Trousers must be worn at all times. No shorts are permitted.
• Suit jacket and tie or bow tie are recommended, particularly on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation.

For Women & Girls

• Head coverings (mantilla, veil, or hat) must be worn inside the church. “But every woman praying or prophesying with her head not covered, disgraceth her head: for it is all one as if she were shaven” (1 Corinthians 11:5).
• Skirts or dresses must be worn at all times. No pants, slacks, jeans, or shorts are permitted. “A woman shall not be clothed with man’s apparel, neither shall a man use woman’s apparel: for he that doeth these things is abominable before God” (Deuteronomy 22:5).
• Skirts and dresses must be long enough to cover the knees while standing, sitting, and kneeling.
• Skirts and dresses must be full enough to allow ease of movement without the need for slits or openings.