A lot of fuss from Rome in the past decade or two about the blurring of roles at Mass. But honestly, except for children who are altar servers and the very occasional choir robe, in North America, vestments are all about clergy:
335. In the Church, which is the Body of Christ, not all members have the same function. This diversity of offices is shown outwardly in the celebration of the Eucharist by the diversity of sacred vestments, which must therefore be a sign of the function proper to each minister. Moreover, these same sacred vestments should also contribute to the decoration of the sacred action itself. The vestments worn by Priests and Deacons, as well as the attire worn by lay ministers, are blessed before being put into liturgical use according to the rite described in the Roman Ritual.[Book of Blessings 1070]
336. The sacred garment common to all ordained and instituted ministers of any rank is the alb, to be tied at the waist with a cincture unless it is made so as to fit even without such. Before the alb is put on, should this not completely cover the ordinary clothing at the neck, an amice should be used. The alb may not be exchanged for a surplice, not even over a cassock, on occasions when a chasuble or dalmatic is to be worn or when, according to the norms, only a stole is worn without a chasuble or dalmatic.
8 March 2012 at 9:21 am
How often do clerics wear albs these day that are not fitted to be worn without a cincture or amice? I certainly remember the very light, blousy albs (which required cincture and amice) of yore, but it’s rare that I see such now where I am.