Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

In the Latin Rite of the Catholic Church, the word "vestments" refers to the liturgical garb worn by bishops, priests, and deacons during the celebration of sacraments. These garments hold symbolic meaning and serve a specific purpose in the worship service. To understand the ownership of these vestments, it is important to delve into their historical background.

The term "vestments" originates from the Latin word for clothes, highlighting the fact that these garments were initially derived from everyday attire. It was only around the fourth century that liturgical dress began to take on a distinct form from ordinary clothing. Over time, the Church formalized the dress code for bishops, priests, and deacons, incorporating it into the liturgical law.

While in the United States, the term "vestment" is commonly used to refer to the chasuble, which is the outer garment worn by bishops and priests during Mass, it is essential to note that vestments encompass a broader range of liturgical attire. These include the alb, cincture, amice, cassock, surplice, and stole. Each of these garments holds its own significance and symbolism within the liturgy.

The alb, a long white garment, signifies baptismal rebirth. The cincture, a rope-like belt, represents chastity and celibacy, particularly for bishops, priests, and transitional deacons. The stole, a scarf-like garment, symbolizes the authority of Christ and the clerics' role as His representatives in administering the sacraments. Finally, the chasuble, the most recognizable vestment, symbolizes the "putting on" of Christ by the bishop or priest and signifies their humility as they allow Christ to act through them.

Not only do these vestments hold symbolic meaning, but they also contribute to the decorum of the sacred action itself. According to the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, vestments should reflect the dignity and sacredness of the celebration. While they should not be opulent, they should convey the magnitude of the event to those present, signaling that something special is taking place.

Now, addressing the question at hand, it is common for Latin Rite priests in the United States to own their own alb and one or two chasubles, if not one for each liturgical color. Often, these chasubles are given as gifts for ordinations or special anniversaries. In cases where priests' vestments wear out, it is typical for them to purchase new ones themselves.

The ownership of vestments within a parish may vary depending on its size and resources. Many parishes in the U.S. possess extra chasubles and albs to accommodate visiting priests or to provide for those who may not have their own. However, there is no definitive rule governing vestment ownership by parishes, making it a matter of individual circumstances.

In conclusion, the vestments worn by priests in the Latin Rite of the Catholic Church hold deep symbolism and significance within the liturgy. While priests commonly own their own albs and chasubles, the presence of additional vestments within a parish may vary. Ultimately, the purpose of these garments is to reflect the dignity and sacredness of the celebration, allowing the priest to act as a conduit for Christ's presence during the sacraments.