Term II > Month V
A Sign to the World:
The Sacred Witness of a Priest’s Attire
In the visible life of Catholic Churches, and especially the Latin Rite (Roman), Reformed Catholic Churches, Old Catholic Churches, the Liberal Catholic Churches and most of all other Catholic denominations around the World, the attire of the priest is more than mere uniform—it is sacramental in character, a sign that points to a deeper spiritual reality. Whether clothed in the austere black cassock or the more modern clerical shirt with a Roman collar or a tab collar, the priest’s manner of dress bears silent but potent testimony: “This man belongs to Christ”.
The black cassock, with its unassuming lines and sombre hue, has long stood as a symbol of death to the world and total dedication to God. Rooted in ecclesial tradition, the cassock conveys continuity with many, many centuries of priestly witness. Black, the colour of mourning, is here transfigured—it does not mourn what is lost, but what is freely surrendered: personal ambition, worldly recognition, and self-will, all in service of Christ’s Church. The cassock proclaims that the priest lives not for himself but for the flock entrusted to him. It silently echoes the words of John the Baptist: *“He must increase, but I must decrease”* (John 3:30).
Alongside the cassock, the Roman collar—whether integrated into the cassock or worn with a clerical shirt—serves as a visible “yoke of Christ.” Encircling the neck like a bond of spiritual servitude, it marks the priest as one set apart. The white collar, a stark contrast to the black, evokes purity of life and purpose, a call to conform ever more closely to the One the priest represents. It is both a privilege and a charge: “be holy, for I am holy” (Lev 11:44).
In the everyday world, where symbols are often fleeting or ambiguous, the priest’s attire cuts through the noise with clarity. It gives public witness not only to the faith but to Christ’s enduring presence in the world through His ministers. A priest in collar or cassock becomes an icon—a visible reminder that heaven touches earth, that sacred mysteries unfold not in some distant realm but among ordinary lives and daily roads.
There is also profound pastoral wisdom in the practice. For the stranger in need of Confession, for the dying patient hoping for last rites, for the weary soul seeking counsel, priestly dress is a beacon of accessibility. It draws people, not to the man himself, but to the Lord he serves. Indeed, when worn with humility and intention, the priest’s attire becomes a form of spiritual hospitality, inviting others into the mystery of grace.
Far from vanity or clericalism, the traditional dress of the priest is a modest but eloquent proclamation: “I am not my own”. I have been set apart to serve the Bridegroom*. In this way, the black cassock and Roman collar are not relics of a bygone era but enduring signs of a priest’s interior consecration and outward mission.
Canons Regular of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Clerical Attire & Dress Code Rules
“When wearing clerical attire, make it stand out, and present yourself with dignity and Christian humility, reject all temptations of vanity and out-of-place pride. Your clerical attire is witness-giving, a sign of belonging to Christ, a testimony of service and a lighthouse in days of darkness.”
Fr. Lewis G. Walker, CRSHJ Superior-General
Make it stand out but stay humble
-
Everyday Life Outside Ministry
As a Canon Regular Priest, you live integrated in secular society, you have a job, you go out socialising, etc. You are not expected to wear clerical attire when you go to work, or are out socialising, etc. However, if you wish, you can wear a clerical tab collar shirt, jeans and trainers or informal shoes, when you go to the cinema, theatre, eating out or meeting friends. But if you do wear it, you must give witness and honour it at all times.
-
Giving Witness in Everyday Life
Following on the previous rule, this is your typical attire when you are out and about in everyday life but wish to give witness at the same time. In this context, it is okay to wear Jeans, informal shoes or trainers, but keep informality within reasonable boundaries. And remember that though you may be in an everyday life context, you are wearing a clerical collar, so you must bear that in mind. Wearing the clerical tab collar tells the World you belong to Christ. Please remember that. This is also the ideal attire in ministry work involving younger people.
APPROVED SUPPLIER
-
Roman Collar Front
The black and white Roman Collar is versatile and adaptable to many situations. We recommend you have two types: The shirt front Roman Collar, also known as the beeb, which you can wear over a T-shirt or a Korean collarless shirt; and the normal clerical shirt featuring the full white circle collar, rather than just a white tab. Versatile and very adaptable to all sorts of social occasions, the Roman collar can be used in a number of everyday life occasions, business casual, business formal, a meal out, and formal or semi-formal events where the secular men suit and tie is advisable.
This is also the preferred dress code to wear under the black clerical cassock.APPROVED SUPPLIER
-
Roman Collar Shirt
As previously mentioned (see Roman Collar Front), this is the full shirt version of the Roman Collar. It can be also worn under the clerical black Cassock. It is just as versatile as the front beeb Roman Collar version and can also be worn in events and on occasions as described earlier for the Roman Collar. If you are out and about but you are not wearing a suit jacket, a jumper, or the Cassock, then the Roman Collar shirt must be worn, because the Roman Collar front beeb has no back.
APPROVED SUPPLIER
-
Clergy Tab Shirt
As previously mentioned above in Giving Witness in Everyday Life, the clergy Tab Shirt is highly practical and adaptable to all kinds of occasions, from the informal combination with jeans and trainers, jeans and shoes or boots, to chino trousers, a full suit, or if you wear a full white Tab Shirt, even under a Cassock you will still look appropriate and presentable. We endorse Holyart UK as the supplier of choice for these shirts, which are very high quality, made in Italy and will last well for many years. They are usually supplied with 2 white tabs featuring a fine linen texture, in a matt top quality semi rigid material. Canons Regular may wear them in any colour EXCEPT Red, Violet or Purple. These rules apply to all Canons Regular, including our Canon Superior General.
APPROVED SUPPLIER
-
The Canons Regular Roman Cassock
The classic Roman Cassock is the ONLY cassock approved for use by our Canons Regular. We fully endorse as our approved supplier J & M Sewing Service Ltd, of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. When ordering, it must feature the following without exception:
Single-breasted; 33 fabric-covered buttons,1 pleat in the back down the middle, 2 pleats, one each side with reinforced dual-openings to give access to 2 deep cassock pockets and the trouser pockets. The length must go down to the cross-point in the Achilles Tendon, perpendicular to the ankle. Seams must not have piping and the garment must be in a plain weave deep black durable polyester fabric. Sleeves without a double cuff nor buttons. Inside black polyester sateen lining as if it were a blazer or a suit jacket. Finally a double-drop cincture or fascia in grosgrain fabric with fringes. Replacing the fascia with a black leather 2,5 inch wide belt is allowed in-doors. Outdoors, you must wear the fascia.These are the rules for wearing the correct Cassock in the correct form, approved by the Canons Regular.
APPROVED SUPPLIER
-
The Cassock - When Should I wear it?
The Cassock is without a doubt, the most powerful witness-giving sign, telling the World you serve Jesus Christ. You can wear a Cassock in most occasions where wearing the Roman Collar (beeb or shirt) is appropriate. These occasions include most business-like semi-formal or formal events, ministry events such as visiting a family or going to someone’s house to administer the Sacraments, all events where men are expected to attend in suit and tie, tuxedo, white-tie and tails or morning coat, for example. You should wear the Cassock in Public events, use common-sense and your best judgment, it might be a little OTT to wear a Cassock at a football match, for example. You may wear your Cassock in a cinema or theatre, concerts or opera outings, again use your best common-sense. Wear it also when visiting Roman Catholic, Eastern Catholic, Catholic Orthodox and Eastern Orthodox, and Church of England episcopal authorities, or churches. Also wear the Cassock if attending a religious event you were invited to and in many other occasions, pending your best judgment and our advice if you are in doubt. And remember always that wearing a Cassock requires appropriate decorum, behaviour and demeanour.
APPROVED SUPPLIER
-
The 'Biretta' and The 'Mozzetta'
At the CRSHJ, the Biretta has not been allowed since 2020 and it remains a prohibited item of clerical wear.
The same rule applies to the Mozzetta, the short cape covering the shoulders and half-way down to mid-chest. Our Canons Regular are barred from wearing the Mozzetta because it is impractical and a tad bit too clerical for a Canon Regular.
-
The Zucchetto or Skull-Cap
Yes, the Zucchetto or skull-cap is approved for use by the Canons Regular, subject to the following:
It must be ordered from our approved supplier only, North East Church Supplies, from this page. On their page, make sure to select the item Italia Range Zucchetto - Ref. IT-ZUC-01, in a Size 5. Ignore their measurements, Size 5 is 20-21cm, not inches as stated in their site. The Canons’ Zucchetto caps are imported from Rome and are made-to-order. Turn around is 7 days.
WHEN TO WEAR
The CRSHJ do not make it a mandatory rule to wear the Zucchetto. You do not have to wear a skull-cap, but IF and WHEN you do decide to wear your skull-cap, then the following strict rules apply:
You must wear it indoors only.
Wear it only when you wear a Cassock or Liturgical Vestments.
You must remove it off your head during Mass, just before the Liturgy of the Eucharist and during the Exposition, Adoration and Blessing of the Most Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist.
You should also uncover your head to greet a bishop (of any denomination) or your Ordinariate, covering your head again when the greeting is over.
Wear it with the Cassock when you welcome visitors or guests to your house or your Oratory.
APPROVED SUPPLIER
-
Choir Dress
A Canon Regular wearing a Cassock, cotta and stole, dressed in what is often called "choir dress" is a view to behold. This ensemble is typically worn during liturgical services, such as Vespers, Laudes, Weddings, and Funerals, and when the priest is not the celebrant or concelebrant of the Eucharist.
As we have seen earlier, the Cassock is a long, black robe, and the Cotta is a white, short, and wide-sleeved garment worn over the cassock. The stole, a long, narrow scarf-like vestment, is worn over the cotta, symbolizing the priest's office and authority.
Cassock
The Cassock is a long, black robe that forms the base layer of the outfit. It is worn by clergy in many Christian denominations, including the Canons Regular of the SHJ.
Cotta
The cotta is a white linen or smooth cotton pleated garment, often shorter than a surplice, with wide sleeves. It is worn over the cassock.
NOTE:
At the Canons Regular of the SHJ, cottas and surplices made with parts of Lace are strictly prohibited, but a small decorative effect is allowed.
Stole
The stole is a long, narrow scarf-like vestment. In most Western Churches, it is worn by priests and deacons, and it is worn over the cotta.
APPROVED SUPPLIERS
ALBS:
COTTAS:
CASSOCKS:
-
Approved Suppliers
A question you may ask is why the CRSHJ keep an approved list of suppliers. Primarily for reasons of value-for-money and time-tested durability, but also for the reasons of uniformity. The manner in which the Canons Regular of the SHJ present themselves is an important point of discipline and public conduct. We want to be known for being impeccable and disciplined in how we dress, because everything else will shine through the image other people will retain of us. We cannot stress this point often enough. That image people retain of you will encourage people to call you back again and again, you will be wanted and you will be always welcome because you look impeccable, you conduct yourself without reproach and you possess the Spiritual, Pastoral and Liturgical Ministry to match.
There is no such thing as “shabby chic” in the Canons Regular’s Ministry. A Canon Regular is never “shabby “ because poor presentation is incompatible with our Pastoral Duty to give the very best; and a Canon Regular is never “chic”, because pompous behaviour and vanity are incompatible with the love, and charity in humility we are suppose to offer to everyone, regardless of social position, rank, education level, sexuality, marital status, parental status, and so forth.
Having approved suppliers ensures every Canon Regular follows a uniform policy commensurate with the work and Pastoral Ethic of our Institute, the quality and durability are high, the value-for-money is really good. We look good and we behave good too.
We do all this for the good and spiritual welfare of our flock and for the glory of God.
-
Frequently Asked Questions
I am due to be ordained and become a Canon Regular; but live and work outside the UK. Do I need to use the same suppliers?
Yes, you do. A Canon Regular follows a Uniform Discipline, no matter whether you live in the UK, Europe, Africa, America or South East Asia. The way we look points at certain ethics of presentation and demeanour.
Can I wash my Cassock?
Yes you can but be mindful… The cassocks are made of the highest quality 100% polyester and are very durable. But make sure you machine wash it on a gentle WOOL program setting with cold water only. Spin it , then mount it on a wooden or plastic cloth hanger and let it dry hanging at room temperature. This will make it easier to iron.
How about ironing my Cassock?
Yes, you can. Set the thermostat in your iron to the minimum or between minimum and medium, in the area that indicates it can make steam. Make sure there is no limescale, sediment, and the iron plate is spotlessly clean. Watch this video for guidance, but remember the video shows a white cassock in Africa. Your Cassock is black, so it is prone to gain lustre from passing the metal plate on the fabric. To avoid unwanted lustre, make sure your iron steam setting is set to medium/high. Plenty of steam will avoid the ‘polishing’ effect on the cloth. Also observe how ironing the back and side pleats is done in the video.
Can I wash the clerical shirts together with the white collar tabs in my machine?
NO! You can’t! Machine-wash the shirts, but place the collar tabs in a clean bowl filled with COLD water and a dessert spoonful of gel bleach. Stir the bleach into the water well. Then drop the tabs in it. Leave it for an hour, or until the tabs are brilliant white, then rinse well and dry with a clean towel.