• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Corpus Christi Watershed

Pope Saint Paul VI (3 April 1969): “Although the text of the Roman Gradual—at least that which concerns the singing—has not been changed, the Entrance antiphons and Communions antiphons have been revised for Masses without singing.”

  • Donate
  • Our Team
    • Our Editorial Policy
    • Who We Are
    • How To Contact Us
    • Sainte Marie Bulletin Articles
    • Jeff’s Mom Joins Fundraiser
  • Pew Resources
    • Brébeuf Catholic Hymnal
    • Jogues Illuminated Missal
    • KYRIALE • Saint Antoine Daniel
    • Campion Missal, 3rd Edition
    • Repository • “Spanish Music”
    • Ordinary Form Feasts (Sainte-Marie)
  • MUSICAL WEBSITES
    • René Goupil Gregorian Chant
    • Noël Chabanel Psalms
    • Nova Organi Harmonia (2,279 pages)
    • Roman Missal, 3rd Edition
    • Catechism of Gregorian Rhythm
    • Father Enemond Massé Manuscripts
    • Lalemant Polyphonic
  • Miscellaneous
    • Site Map
    • Secrets of the Conscientious Choirmaster
    • “Wedding March” for lazy organists
    • Emporium Kevin Allen
    • Saint Jean de Lalande Library
    • Sacred Music Symposium 2023
    • The Eight Gregorian Modes
    • Gradual by Pothier’s Protégé
    • Seven (7) Considerations
Views from the Choir Loft

The Importance of Uniforms

Fr. David Friel · September 6, 2015

EVERAL SUMMERS AGO, I underwent training at the Naval Chaplains School in Newport, RI. It was a terrific experience (and Newport is not a shabby place to spend the summer). Over that summer, I learned about the traditions of the Navy, did a lot of PT, and became friends with a rabbi & an imam. I am forever grateful for the formation I received during those months.

One thing that many people don’t know about Navy chaplains is that they serve not only the Navy, but also the Marines and the Coast Guard. So we learned about those branches, also, during our training. For a two-week period, we focused exclusively on the Marine component, and we were taken off-site for special field exercises.

We spent most of our time on NAVSTA Newport wearing Navy uniforms—khaki’s mostly, with the occasional need for summer whites. The day we left for the field exercises, however, we all dressed in Marine uniforms. I will never forget looking in the mirror that morning and seeing myself decked in woodland camouflage. My interior response was strong, immediate, and multi-faceted. I felt unworthy, honored, and humbled to wear this particular uniform; the sight produced within me a tangible sense of duty; my mind was consumed with the thought of so many Marines who have died wearing the very same uniform. To be honest, the experience was a bit overwhelming. The question, “Who am I?” repeated itself quietly but firmly in my mind.

HE CASSOCK can be something of a lightning rod. I have yet to forget the occasion when I first wore one, about two months into my first year of seminary life. The feeling was very similar to my experience with the Marine woodlands. I felt unworthy, coupled with a sense of duty and the insistent question of identity.

A great portion of my life has been spent in uniform. Whether it’s been a Catholic school uniform or a baseball uniform or a Scout uniform or a Navy uniform or my current uniform of black, I’ve always enjoyed the feeling of being part of something larger. There are real benefits to wearing a uniform (beyond the freedom of not worrying what to wear).

An article published two weeks ago by Esquire writer-at-large, Tom Chiarella, has some fascinating insights into the effect a cassock can have on the one who wears it and those who see it worn. Though not a priest, Chiarella undertook a mission to wear a cassock around downtown Chicago for a day, observing how it affected him and those he encountered. He continued the experiment by dressing on other days as a security guard, a mechanic, and a doctor. I won’t rehash all of his insights, because the article is worth reading for yourself.

In large part, Chiarella recounts being met with pleasant-to-positive encounters during his day-in-the-life. After four years as a priest, myself, that surprised me a bit. While I am typically met with great warmth in the neighborhood where I live & work, a casual walk through Center City dressed as a priest elicits mostly disinterest. There are, of course, occasional unpleasant encounters that largely stem from the scandals of the last decade, but I would say that the majority of people pay little mind to a passing priest.

That being said, I could not begin to list the many wonderful encounters I have had with strangers who have approached me simply because I was dressed as a priest. Many prayers have been requested, blessings have been offered, and questions have been asked. Without a doubt, wearing priestly attire is good for the priest, since it is a reminder of his vocation and an encouragement to his priestly identity. But it is also good for those around him.

The Esquire article reminded me of William Riccio’s reflection upon the Eucharistic procession held in NYC at the conclusion of Sacra Liturgia back in June. The effect of that procession was a profound spirit of peace felt by participants, police officers, and passers-by alike. The sight of a priest, like the sight of that procession, can have incalculable effects.

Chiarella’s observations, I believe, are valid and important. They are evidence of humanity’s innate desire to connect with God. This desire is written in the hearts of all men, including those who otherwise live in the mire of secularism. If we are serious about the New Evangelization, it is incumbent upon priests to capitalize on simple opportunities to engage modern man. It would seem that wearing priestly garb in public settings is such an opportunity. Doing so often serves as an entre for conversation and prayer—even confession.

HETHER A PRIEST wears a cassock or a black suit, the witness of clerical garb is essential in the modern age. The world needs the witness of priests in ordinary life, not just inside the church building. Our brothers & sisters in the streets and in all of society need to be reminded of the presence of God. We priests should be humbled and honored to be that reminder.

Opinions by blog authors do not necessarily represent the views of Corpus Christi Watershed.

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: Roman Collar Distinctive Garb Last Updated: January 1, 2020

Subscribe

It greatly helps us if you subscribe to our mailing list!

* indicates required

About Fr. David Friel

Ordained in 2011, Father Friel is a priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and serves as Director of Liturgy at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary. —(Read full biography).

Primary Sidebar

Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    “Music List” • 22nd in Ordinary Time (Year C)
    Some have expressed interest in perusing the ORDER OF MUSIC I’ve prepared for 31 August 2025, which is the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C). If such a thing interests you, feel free to download it as a PDF file. As always, the Responsorial Psalm, Gospel Acclamation, and Mass Propers for this Sunday are conveniently stored at the spectacular feasts website alongside the official texts in Latin.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “The Worm That Dieth Not”
    My pastor asked me to write a column for our parish bulletin with reflections on the sacred liturgy and church music. In my most recent article, I discuss “The Worm That Dieth Not.” At this website, you can access it conveniently; simply scroll down to the one dated 31 August 2025.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    A Nice Hymn In Spanish
    In my humble opinion, this is a really beautiful hymn in Spanish. If I practice diligently, I’ll be able to pronounce all the words properly. If you’re someone who’s interested in obtaining a melody only version (suitable for your congregational ORDER OF WORSHIP) you can steal that from this.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    Solemn “Salve Regina” (Chant)
    How many “S” words can you think of using alliteration? How about Schwann Solemn Salve Score? You can download the SOLEMN SALVE REGINA in Gregorian Chant. The notation follows the official rhythm (EDITIO VATICANA). Canon Jules Van Nuffel, choirmaster of the Cathedral of Saint Rumbold, composed this accompaniment for it (although some feel it isn’t his best work).
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    Pope Pius XII Hymnal?
    Have you ever heard of the Pope Pius XII Hymnal? It’s a real book, published in the United States in 1959. Here’s a sample page so you can verify with your own eyes it existed.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    “Hybrid” Chant Notation?
    Over the years, many have tried to ‘simplify’ plainsong notation. The O’Fallon Propers attempted to simplify the notation—but ended up making matters worse. Dr. Karl Weinmann tried to do the same in the time of Pope Saint Pius X by replacing each porrectus. You can examine a specimen from his edition and see whether you agree he complicated matters. In particular, look at what he did with éxsules fílii Hévae.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed

Random Quote

“As late as 1834, British society had many restrictions on any person not adhering to the Anglican church. For example, Roman Catholics could not attend a university, serve on a city council, be a member of Parliament, serve in the armed forces, or even serve on a jury.”

— Regarding the Church of Henry VIII

Recent Posts

  • “Music List” • 22nd in Ordinary Time (Year C)
  • Brave Schola Director Posts ‘Live’ Recording
  • “Cracker Barrel & Catholicism” • Logos and Lessons
  • “Reform of the Reform” officially embraced by USCCB
  • “The Worm That Dieth Not”

Subscribe

Subscribe

* indicates required

Copyright © 2025 Corpus Christi Watershed · Isaac Jogues on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

Corpus Christi Watershed is a 501(c)3 public charity dedicated to exploring and embodying as our calling the relationship of religion, culture, and the arts. This non-profit organization employs the creative media in service of theology, the Church, and Christian culture for the enrichment and enjoyment of the public.