Vocations Diocese of Worcester

Clerical & Serving Attire:

1. While at their seminaries, seminarians of the Worcester Diocese should comply with all clerical attire policies and traditions proper to that institution. If it is the seminary's policy that during certain on-campus or off-campus occasions, seminarians are to follow the clerical attire traditions proper to their Diocese, this matter should be discussed with the vocation director for further clarification.

2. While on vacation from seminary, inside or outside the Diocese, only transitional deacons may wear their clerical attire. During vacation periods, when formal attire is required or appropriate, transitional deacons should wear the clerical collar and black suit. Other seminarians should wear a black suit, with white shirt and black tie.

3. During the 10 week summer assignments, seminarians (pre-theologians and theologians) should wear clerical attire only when doing apostolate work for the parish and when participating in the celebration of the Eucharist in the parish church. Otherwise, they should wear casual attire or on formal occasions a black suit, with white shirt and black tie.

When formal attire is required or appropriate outside of one's assigned church, transitional deacons should wear the clerical collar and black suit. Other seminarians should wear a black suit, with white shirt and black tie.

4. When serving at a diocesan parish within the Worcester Diocese, the pastor of that parish dictates what liturgical vestments should be worn by the seminarian (i.e. cassock and surplice, or an alb and cincture). Transitional deacons should wear the alb and deacon's stole.

Clerical & Serving Attire at the Cathedral:

When serving at liturgies at St. Paul's Cathedral, seminarians should arrive to, and depart from the Cathedral in formal attire: a black suit, with white shirt and black tie. However, transitional deacons should wear clerical attire. While serving at liturgies at St. Paul's Cathedral, seminarians should wear the cassock and surplice. Seminarians may attend rehearsals in casual attire, except for the Christmas Midnight Mass rehearsal.