Kippah in Church?

[None None]

#10368

I want to wear my kippah during Mass but I am afraid to try it. Afraid I will be denied the Elements if I do. I sent an email to my pastor asking him about the topic but he did not respond.

The prelates wear little kippah-like hats during Mass. So obviously it is OK to cover one’s head during Mass. Theoretically, then, wearing a kippah should not be a problem.

Have any of you tread this path? Care to share the results?

Thank you.

[David Moss]

#10374

Shalom,
In principle, there should be no problem with wearing a kippah during Mass. In fact, one of our members used to wear both the kippah and the tallit at Mass.

When we came to St. Louis, this member attended a Mass with us which was celebrated by Archbishop, now Cardinal, Burke. Archbishop Burke was the one who welcomed us to St. Louis. After Mass, one of the Catholic men attending ran up to the Archbishop to tell him that a Jew had just received the Eucharist. Archbishop Burke knew who our friend was and he responded: “A Jew just received a Jew.”

Since Vatican II, theologians and clerics have been working to understand the Church’s relationship with the Jewish people, both those inside the Church as well as those outside. It is going to take time to revise the narrative that has been present for 1700+ years.

The prelates use of a kippah-like hat, called a zucchetto, is a tradition dating back, I believe, to the 1300s.

Regarding your desire to wear the kippah, I would advise you to respond with prudence and love. I know of no rules directing what the laity may wear. Today, it is scandalous the way some people come dressed to Mass. If your pastor doesn’t forbid you to wear it, then wear it. However, if wearing it causes distress amongst the laity, then out of love for them, I would not wear it. It is going to take time before normal Catholics get used to Jewish traditions.

• This reply was modified 5 months ago by David Moss.

[markvrbka]

#10377

I wear my Kippah to Mass. I have had no issues at all. A few curious stares, but far more supportive smiles. That is my experience, here in Los Angeles, anyways! Mark

[None None]

#10378

Mark, it does my heart good to know that not only are you permitted to wear your kippah to Mass, but that you are greeted with supportive smiles. I am glad to know you enjoy such a warm and accepting community. Kol tuv. :)

[None None]

#10458

Since my initial post, I wrote to my parish priest twice in an attempt to find out how he holds regarding wearing a kippah at mass. He did not respond.

Sadly, the vast majority of my emails to bishops and priest go unanswered. This surprises me every time, because I correspond with some of the most important Orthodox rabbis in the world and they answer me. Sometimes, they even call me on the phone.

I often wonder whether the failure of Catholic priests and bishops to respond has something to do with clericalism. I hope not.

[ABADI IOAN]

#10476

Shalom!

I think that you should not be afraid to wear your traditional kippa to the Holy Mass, or other spiritual celebrations, related to the divine praises, in the Catholic Church, if the priest did not give you any answer in this regard.
It is important to explain its meaning, if you are approached on this topic.
Yeshua HaMashiach, who fulfilled the law and the prophecies (see Matthew 5, 17), reminds us of this fact, when he emphasizes the importance of the divine law, manifested through justice, empathy, kindness, charity, that is, the background of our existential life, which is obviously accompanied by of form, in which the port is also included.
,,[But] these you should have done, without neglecting the others”. (Matthew 23:23).

Send me a message, and for your peace of mind you will see that there are Catholic bishops who understand our Jewish attitude, without being bothered by it in any way.
I hope that in the future there will be no problem for you in wearing the kippah, in the circumstances you mentioned.

To be taken into account – There are liturgical moments, in which out of respect for Yeshua, who descends on the altar, the head of those participating in the Holy Mass must be uncovered.

The LORD bless you!

Ioan

[Author]

Posts