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Question Title Posted By Question Date
hand bell robes Zoe Sunday, February 13, 2005

Question:

I am wondering if hand bell robes are appropriate to wear and liturgically correct? There is a conversation going on at my church and some feel that the use of robes sets the hand bell choir apart from the congregation. Some feel that we are ministers of music and should not be set apart from the congregation, others feel that bu wearign black skirts and slacks and white shirts is an appropriate "uniform". I see the robes as a "uniform" that enhances the litergy and shows humility. I am asking for your assistance with this question. I can find nothing in GIRM and do know other local churches that do wear robes. This is not a monetary issue as someone donated the money after they attended a concert where we played. He was moved to buy the robes as a remembrance of his wife. Thank you. Zoe

Question Answered by Mr. Jacob Slavek

Dear Zoe, in the GIRM you will find that an alb is the vestment for those with a lower rank than deacon, or also that street clothes may be worn.

In my opinion, those who are in the choir should wear something more special that what the people are wearing, white shirts and black slacks seem appropriate.  Albs I believe would also be okay or some other "robe" as long as they do not resemble a vestment that the priest would wear, such as a stole.  If the choir consists of seminarians or clergy then cassocks and surplices would be an option.

As for those who worry that separate dress may separate the choir from the congregation:  IN MY OPINION this sounds like it is coming from people who have nothing better to do with their time than complain about something that honestly doesn't matter to anyone anyway.

Mr. Slavek
Footer Notes: (a) A Eucharistic Minister is clergy (Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion). Laity are Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and should never be called Eucharistic Ministers.

(b) There is no such Mass called the Novus Ordo. The Current Mass is the Roman Missal of 2000, or the Oridinary Form of the Mass. The Tridentine Mass is the Roman Missal of 1962, or the Extraordinary Form of the Mass. Please refrain from using the term, Novus Ordo. Thanks.

(c) The titles of Acolyte and Lector belong exclusively to the Installed Offices of Acolyte and Lector, who are men (only) appointed by the Bishop. These roles performed by others are Altar Servers and Readers, respectively.