The Need for Vestments

It has been the custom in every age that those holding positions of dignity or practicing religious vocations should wear distinctive costume and bear insignia to designate their rank and duty. We are naturally inclined to set aside places, to design rites and to recognize the leadership of special people as our guides in worship. Our universal practice is to adorn those places and leaders with symbols that enhance our sense of reverence.

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Christian liturgical vestments express that deep meaning. The vestments worn by celebrants in Christian worship connect us to the time of Christ in the days of the Roman Empire and so symbolize an important element of our tradition. Yet, in a deeper sense, they connect us directly to God by creating a heightened sense of awareness and reverence during worship

A Bit About Vestments

Broadly, vestments are all the garments worn by ecclesiastics in performance of ceremonial functions, including the alb, cassock and surplice or preaching robe, the stole, and the dalmatic, chasuble or cope. It is common, however, to understand the word vestments to mean those garments worn specially for celebration of communion - Mass Vestments - the stole, dalmatic, chasuble and cope.

• The Stole
  The stole came into use about the fourth century. Originally a form of robe or cloak, its form gradually modified until it became a narrow strip. The priest or bishop wears the stole around his neck with the ends hanging down in front. The deacon's stole is worn on the left shoulder and cross the chest, like a sash. This vestment's roots are believed to come from the court uniform of Roman judges, and to have been adopted by the Church to denote the authority of her ministers.

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• The Cope
  A long hooded cloak, closed with a chain or morse but otherwise open in front, the cope is a magnificent processional vestment for the priest or bishop. When worn by the principle celebrant, the cope is replaced by a chasuble for the communion rite, and then it is donned again for the recessional. The cope appears to be derived from the same Roman cape or cloak that gave rise to the chasuble.

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• The Dalmatic
  A knee-length tunic, open at the sides, with wide sleeves, the dalmatic is the distinctive outer garment of the deacon. The tunicle, a similar style vestment made with simpler adornment, is worn by the subdeacon. Like all communion vestments, the dalmatic originated in Roman dress: this style is said to have evolved in the Roman province of Dalmatia.

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• The Chasuble
  The most visible part of a priest's liturgical vestments at Mass is the chasuble, the large vestment worn on the shoulders and hanging down in front and behind. The word chasuble comes from the Latin "casula," which means 'a little house,' likening the chasuble to a form of shelter for the priest.
  

  This vestment has gone through a variety of changes during the centuries of its history. Originally, it was a large mantle or cloak with an opening for the head in the center and had to be raised at the sides to allow the hands to be extended.

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The color of liturgical vestments varies according to the Mass being said for a particular day. The following chart details the church season, calendar, and corresponding vestment color.

Vestment Color Chart for the Church Seasons

Vestment Colors for Special Occasions

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Almy's four basic vestment-making services:

• Quick Ship Vestments
  These are stoles and chasubles that are made in a variety of styles and materials. Quick ship items are in stock and can be ordered directly from our website, and generally cost 20% less than Design-Your-Own or Almy-Designed equivalents. They are a good value with no compromise on quality that can be delivered overnight.

• Almy-Designed Custom Made Vestments
  These are vestments that are made to order according to designs developed by our designers. A limited number of customization options are available. Perfect for the client who is not in a rush, yet not interested in going through the design process. Items are available from our catalog or showroom. Click here for more ordering information. Approximate delivery time is six weeks from date of order.

• Design-Your-Own Vestments
  This service allows customers to choose from among a very large array of sizes, fabrics, patterns, colors, trimmings, symbols and other adornments to create their own look for the basic vestments styles we offer. It offers a very high level of customization for the same price and delivery standard as the Almy-Designed service. Items are available from our catalog or showroom. Click here for more ordering information. Approximate delivery time is six weeks from date of order.

• Custom Vestment Design Service
  This service allows clients to work with Almy designers to create unique looks especially for the client and his or her church. Standard Almy fabrics and symbols are not often utilized in this process. Click here for more information on custom design services.

No matter what you're looking for in the way of liturgical vestments, CM Almy can accommodate you. Contact us today for prices and availability or click here to access our online store.