Wearing Albs

[MissScripture]

So, several months ago, I was at Mass, and there was a lady who was cantoring and doing readings, I think (I don't remember for sure), and she was wearing an alb. I thought that was kind of odd, and honestly, I was a little uncomfortable with it, because it felt like she was trying to hold a position higher than the one she was actually fulfilling. I mentioned it to someone (I don't remember who) and that person said that actually anyone doing readings or anything like that should be wearing an alb. Is this true?

[Tridenteen]

JMJ
I don't know, but I can ask the liturgist at my community. It would kind of make sense since the people are sitting on the priests turf, on the altar, that is. Although to me, it is just like lay people trying to make something clerical out of themselves...like the men's schola wearing cassocks and surplices...[img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/dry.gif[/img] in the choirloft[img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/mellow.gif[/img]

[MissScripture]

[quote name='Tridenteen' date='05 July 2010 - 11:58 PM' timestamp='1278388690' post='2138305']
JMJ
I don't know, but I can ask the liturgist at my community. It would kind of make sense since the people are sitting on the priests turf, on the altar, that is. Although to me, it is just like lay people trying to make something clerical out of themselves...like the men's schola wearing cassocks and surplices...[img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/dry.gif[/img] in the choirloft[img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/mellow.gif[/img]
[/quote]

Right, and I think that's why my initial reaction was discomfort (although, the person was one of those people who is kind of self-important, anyway, it might have something to do with that, as well). And even if it IS what is supposed to be going on, then I think that may change my views on what women should and should not be doing at Mass. Also, this is the only place I had EVER seen it, which is why I found it a little odd.

[CatherineM]

I have worn what some might think of as an alb when singing at funerals or weddings. I can't physically wear dresses because there are parts of my legs that don't have feeling, and I can't make them do things when I want them to. I literally have to pick my leg up by my pant leg to get in and out of cars for example. Most people don't want a cantor in pants, so I wear a white choir robe.

[MissScripture]

This was definitely not a choir robe. It was the same thing the servers were wearing (just bigger).

[TeresaBenedicta]

I think if the reader is properly a lector (that is, actually instituted as one, ie minor orders), then it would be proper for that person to wear an alb or cassock and surplice. Of course, this would only be males and is usually only seen in seminaries anymore. I think that having laity dressed in albs for such a duty is not appropriate. I've seen it once before as well, for those serving as EMHCs.

[CatherineM]

[quote name='MissScripture' date='05 July 2010 - 11:13 PM' timestamp='1278389596' post='2138317']
This was definitely not a choir robe. It was the same thing the servers were wearing (just bigger).
[/quote]
That's what I wear. To be honest, it is one that I made for a deacon who outgrew it really quick.

[Resurrexi]

[quote name='Tridenteen' date='05 July 2010 - 10:58 PM' timestamp='1278388690' post='2138305']
JMJ
I don't know, but I can ask the liturgist at my community. It would kind of make sense since the people are sitting on the priests turf, on the altar, that is. Although to me, it is just like lay people trying to make something clerical out of themselves...like the men's schola wearing cassocks and surplices...[img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/dry.gif[/img] in the choirloft[img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/mellow.gif[/img]
[/quote]

That's actually a quite appropriate way for the men's schola to dress since, in an extended way, the schola members are really servers.

[MissScripture]

[quote name='Resurrexi' date='06 July 2010 - 07:24 AM' timestamp='1278415447' post='2138372']
That's actually a quite appropriate way for the men's schola to dress since, in an extended way, the schola members are really servers.
[/quote]
Any input on the OP?? *insert hopeful look here*

[loveletslive]

i went to Mass at a church recently where the reader and all the EMHCs wore cheap albs (like the kind that velcro shut by the neck) - it just looked stupid. especially because most of them were women.