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home page baptisms the Order wedding blessing 'On Call' funerals our members other services our work in the UK membership our work in Kenya admin 1 our work in Canada admin 2 our work elsewhere 1 admin 3 our work elsewhere 2 contact us terms and conditions apply to use of this web site - click link to view the Order's vestments page last updated 27.04.2009 Summary extract from the Order's Rule of Simplicity: Vestments 1) The most appropriate garments to wear at all times are those of faith, hope and charity. These should be kept in good order and be worn with humility for they are the garments our Lord has provided for us. 6) The basic liturgical/sacramental vestment for all members is the alb, tied at the waist with a plain white rope cincture. It should not be decorated in any way as it is symbolic of the humility those serving in ordained ministry should have before God and those they serve. 8) A stole should be worn over an alb during the celebration of any sacrament or liturgy. A stole is the symbol of the authority the wearer has been given to serve as an ordained minister or priest. 18) Members of the Order should wear a clerical collar when In public places to identify that they are priests and are ready (on call) at all times to serve both God and any individuals as required. A simple garment symbolising humility, chastity, submission and purity. It is made of white linen or some such material, to symbolize the self-denial and chastity befitting a priest. It hangs down to the ankles as a reminder that the wearer is bound to put faith into action and do good works each and every day. There is a tradition that a priest in putting on the alb says this prayer: 'Purify me, O Lord, from all stain, and cleanse my heart, that washed in the Blood of the Lamb I may enjoy eternal delights.' The alb is the basic vestment for all members of the Order and other than the addition of a stole and a white rope cincture is all that is needed for the celebration of any sacrament or litutgy.             the alb The monastic scapular is an outer garment about the width of the chest hanging down from the shoulders, front and back, almost to the feet. It is open at the sides although it was originally joined at the waist by simple strips of cloth. It is first recorded as an item of monks' clothing in the Rule of Saint Benedict (ch. 55.4-6), and is referred to as a 'scapulare propter opera' (a surcoat for work). It is suggested that it might simply have been a kind of apron to protect the monk's habit. It is certainly a very practical piece of clothing. Over the centuries religious orders have adopted and adapted the basic scapular for themselves. 'On Call' is no different and use the scapular as a symbol of humility and service. It is also the symbol of the confraternal way, combining with it the principle of 'ora et labora' (prayer and work). Members of 'On Call' may wear either white or black scapulars over a black cassock or over a white alb.           the scapular     Many Latin terms were used to refer to the chasuble, including 'casula.' which is where the word comes from. 'Casula' strictly speaking, means 'little house.' The chasubles original purpose was as a large, heavy garment covering the wearer and protecting the clothes underneath. Like the scapular, it was a piece of practical clothing and over a period of time was adopted, adapted and associated with the celebration of the sacraments The chasuble has long been a symbol of charity and also as identifying the wearer as being under 'the yoke of Christ'. In the Order, it is permitted to wear a chasuble for all the sacraments, not just the mass. This follows the traditions of the church to the 17th Century and reminds members of the Order that in celebrating the sacraments, they are under obedience to Christ to serve all.           the chasuble These days, the stole tends to symbolise the authority of the priest to preach the Gospel. Traditionally the stole symbolizes the bonds and fetters with which Jesus was bound during his Passion. Stoles are usually ornamented in some way with with either a single cross or other symbolic decorations. Different colour stoles are used in some traditions to represent the liturgical seasons of the Christian year. In the Order, a white or non-metallic gold stole is all that is required as it is accepted that they encompass all colours. The principle regarding the use of vestments in the Order is simplicity in all things.             the stole   Liturgical Seasonal Colours reference guide: (not obligatory) A simple white or non metallic gold stole worn with a white alb and rope cincture will be sufficient for members of the Order for all occasions. If a chasuble is required, any simply decorated or plain coloured one will suffice providing it is clean and neatly presented. Simplicity in all things and the avoidance of unnecessary expense is the rule for vestments. Members may follow the seasonal liturgical colours if they feel it is absolutely necessary but this is neither recommended, suggested or requested as part of the Order's rule. This guide is presented for information only. Benedict XIV (De Sacro Sacrificio Missæ I, VIII, n. 16) states that up to the fourth century, white was the only liturgical colour used. This single colour principle still holds good.     Green Ordinary times         Ordinary times     Violet/Purple Advent Lent Holy Saturday for liturgies other than Mass. Sacrament of Reconciliation Masses/offices for the dead/All Souls' Day Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday) Fourth Sunday of Lent (Laetare Sunday)       White Christmastide Easter season Holy Thursday Feasts of Our Lord other than of His Passion General saints feast days Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul Nativity of St. John the Baptist Feasts of the Angels Weddings Baptisms     Red Pentecost Palm Sunday Good Friday Confirmation Celebrations of the Passion of the Lord, Feasts of the Holy Cross Feasts of the Apostles and Evangelists, except St. John Feasts of Martyred Saints/Holy Innocents       Black All Souls' Day Masses and offices for the dead       .  copyright (c) The Province and Jurisdiction for On Call Ministry and its member groups unless otherwise stated.