From time to time it is good to be reminded of the holiness of our Church, made such by the presence of God.

All places of worship have their cultural ways of showing reverence for God dwelling there, and respect for fellow worshippers. .

When I scrape the gum stuck under the pews, or sweep cornflakes I ask myself if people are aware of the basic code of conduct to be followed while in Church. .

Muslims and Buddhist leave their shoes outside their places of prayer, while Jews are required to cover their heads. .

Catholics dip their fingers into the Holy water available at the church entrance, and slowly they bless themselves making the sign of the Cross. They then acknowledge the presence of Christ in the Eucharist by kneeling or bowing reverently. .

The attire should befit this holy place. In the past we used to wear our best clothes. Women used to cover their head with a veil that symbolized the abiding presence and protection of God. .

I’d like to share with you the dress code enforced in the USA Prison facilities. .

The U.S. Bureau of Prisons applies the following restrictions to persons visiting inmates incarcerated in federal detention facilities:.

Inappropriate/unauthorized attire is considered to be: .

transparent clothing; strapless garments; any garment which exposes the stomach or any intimate area of the body, tank-tops; halter tops; dresses, skirts and shorts which are shorter than four (4) inches from the middle of the knee; garments with obscene logos; low-cut blouses; obvious lack of undergarments. .

So let us ask ourselves: did the persons who present themselves to receive the Eucharist at our parish on Sundays meet the prison decency code?