Church denies first Communion to fashion-loving girl who wanted to wear suit

The Washington Post ^ | Oct. 12, 2017 | Julie Zauzmer

[Gingersnap]

Her parents seem to be unable to understand what a First Communion really means.

It’s a huge milestone in the life of any believing Catholic. For cultural Catholics, it’s just an excuse for a party.

The dress code is designed to minimize differences - not showcase them. White shirt and dark slacks for boys, white dresses for girls. They all look pretty generic in the line-up and that’s exactly the point.

[Melian]

Her outfit makes her the focus when everyone should be focusing on God.

[Rebelbase]

Where in the bible does it say you have to be dressed a certain way to receive communion?

[Svartalfiar]

Yea, it doesn't sound like the parish is very central when you're that quick to leave, and the below paragraph tells me that being Catholic isn't very central either! A real Catholic doesn't go to a non-denominational church for a year only to decide to go back because they like Communion... Sounds like this family doesn't even know the point of or moaning behind Communion and what it really is.

That matters a lot to Chris, who said she tried attending a nondenominational church for about a year but returned to Catholicism specifically because of her deep connection to Communion. "I just felt really called to go back because of the sacrament. I prayed on it a lot. I always wanted my girls to make the sacrament in the Catholic Church," she said. "The Eucharist is just something so special. I think when you're a cradle Catholic, it's different. It's in your blood. It's in your roots. I just wanted my daughters to be able to experience that."

[Pollster1]

If Cady Mansell actually had a strong sense of fashion, she would understand the concept of appropriate attire. You dress based on what send the proper and appropriate message for an event, not based on your own whim.

[steve86]

If it was Communion in the hand it would be better to not receive at that Mass anyway.

[Gingersnap]

Where in the bible does it say you have to be dressed a certain way to receive communion?

It doesn't but my Bible doesn't specify what I should wear to beaches, funerals, or when welding. I do know that I can't wear the same gear around a welding rig that I might choose for a beach.

That's not a theological or doctrinal view, it's just commonsense.

The point of the dress code is to minimize differences. The entire rite is about being equal before God and equally participating in the sacrament.

It's not about how fashion forward you may be and it's not about drawing any attention to yourself. On the contrary, the correct attitude is one of humility. Kids have a hard time understanding this but all the adults should get this.

Change into your suit or whatever after church. Plenty of kids change after to wear more casual or more sparkly things for the dinner or party.

[Rebelbase]

I disagree. The most holy rite in Christianity is about connecting with God and shouldn’t be impaired by man’s opinion of what one should wear when doing so.

[gogeo]

First, the headline is a lie.

Second...The dress code prescribes dark slacks and a white shirt for the boys at the school, and a white dress or skirt for the girls. A girl would not be allowed to wear an outfit that fits the boys' dress code, the official said, though she couldn't give a reason, other than that it is against the dress code.

This isn't journalism, it's snark.

[Karl Spooner]

You are correct.

[topher]

Thank God they did this.

The church that Roger Staubach attends (or used to attend) had some horrible fashions at time.

I saw a woman (along these lines) receiving communion wearing jogging shorts that had slits up the sides such that she exposed quit a bit.

We do not need our churches as places such that they appear to be BINGO parlors.

Jesus said: "Love God with your whole heart, mind, and soul. Love your neighbor as yourself."

Some people attend such that it is clear that they worship the false god of football or whatever fashion (someone dressed in shorts and a shirt showing they are rooting for a particular team).

Or the fact they believe once they get into church, it is their house and social gathering place, and they should interrupt other peoples prayers.

This is a hot button for me as I was trying to spend a long time in prayer at my church, but could not because of people talking, spreading rumors about people, and, in general, ignoring God.

I would not like to be around such folks in a thunderstorm.

Time to get off my soapbox, but my spiritual life is important.

No one would want Governor John Bel Edwards to be called to active duty and be ready to do a parachute drop into North Korea or even Iran. He is former West Point and former 82nd Airborne.