Priestly Attire

Fr. Allen in appropriate clerical attireBefore ordination I’d heard and read that the ordinary uniform for clerics is the standard clerical attire; black slacks, black shirt with Roman collar / tabbed shirt.

Yesterday I came across the Decree of Promulgation, which defines Priestly attire in the U.S Conference.

On November 18, 1998, the Latin Rite de iure members

etc., etc., etc…

The National Conference of Catholic Bishops, in accord with the prescriptions of canon 284, hereby decrees that without prejudice to the provisions of canon 288, clerics are to dress in conformity with their sacred calling.

In liturgical rites, clerics shall wear the vesture prescribed in the proper liturgical books. Outside liturgical functions, a black suit and Roman collar are the usual attire for priests. The use of the cassock is at the discretion of the cleric.

etc., etc., etc.

I’m illuminated to realize our normal uniform (or habit, per se,) is a black suit; with a Roman collar. That’s a bit different.

But I like it.

The Rev. Kenneth Allen