The following Clerical Customary is intended to ensure simplicity and uniformity within the Ordinariate. Each cleric will need to determine what attire best suits their situation on a day to day basis. This may be governed by practical needs, medical conditions, sensitivity to heat or cold, etc. The Ordinary will not unreasonably burden a cleric, but it is the responsibility of each cleric to present themselves professionally and hygienically, to those they serve.
EVERYDAY CLERICAL ATTIRE
- The standard clerical attire color is black.
- Those serving in tropical climates, or in situations where black may be culturally problematic may request the use of white, gray, or blue from the Ordinary, who shall not unreasonably deny the request.
- Deacons, presbyters, and bishops shall wear the clerical collar.
- Subdeacons and licensed lay ministers may wear the so-called 'brother's collar'.
- Postulants of any grade should wear a polo shirt or turtleneck in the conduct of official duties.
- The use of the cassock in non-liturgical situations, while traditional, has come to be seen by many as a political statement. Clergy are encouraged to give consideration to this reality, as well as the realities of their ministry location, in making any decision concerning the daily wear of the cassock.
CHOIR DRESS
- Black cassock with black fascia or rope cincture is the normal base for choir dress.
- Postulants, subdeacons and licensed lay ministers, deacons, and presbyters shall wear a surplice.
- Bishops shall wear the rochet, mozetta or chimere, pectoral cross, and zucchetto.
- Clerics leading the Divine Office or present at the Eucharist shall wear the stole appropriate to their order.
EUCHARISTIC DRESS
- Lay assistants at the Eucharist (servers, readers, crucifer, etc.) may wear cassock and surplice.
- Postulants and licensed lay ministers shall wear cassock and surplice.
- Subdeacons shall wear the alb, and may wear the tunicle.
- Deacons shall wear alb and stole, and may wear the dalmatic.
- Presbyters shall wear alb and stole, and - when the principal celebrant - the chasuble.
- Bishops celebrating simply shall add the pectoral cross and zucchetto to the attire of the presbyter.
- Bishops celebrating solemnly shall add the pectoral cross, zucchetto, and mitre to the attire of the presbyter.
EPISCOPAL INSIGNIA
Bishops alone make use of:
- Pectoral Cross
- Zucchetto
- Mitre
The Ordinary alone ordinarily makes use of:
- Crozier
In situations where the Ordinary has delegated an episcopal act to another bishop, the delegate may carry the crozier.
It should be noted that, while the current customary colors associated with bishops are fuchsia (i.e., Roman purple) and/or green, in the use of clerical attire, black is preferred for all uses within the Ordinariate. At their discretion, bishops may wear the fuchsia zucchetto and fascia at ecumenical gatherings.
Ecumenical guests visiting our congregations and events should abide by their traditions, even where they differ from ours.