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What should we call the priest?
Topic Started: Thursday, 3. November 2011, 18:41 (581 Views)
pat
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My great grandmother (born in 1895) was known by the vicar (a very high church Anglican) and most parishioners as Mrs Sparkes (occasionally called Sparky by close friends). However when she moved to a different parish the vicar there automatically called her Emily and everyone called him by his first name (I forget it now). She bristled a bit at first, but got used to it.

In the 19th century priests were referred to as "Mr" in England, and in medieval times they were referred to as "sir".

I think if a priest insists on you using his first name, it is courteous to do so.
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catholic

I never address them by first name..even friends.. Usually Father. Reverend in writing. But informally I never make any difference between titles...so a Monsignier..I still address him as Fr.
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tomais

In training medical students,they request of the patient how they wish to be addressed All through the interview they,and it has to be admitted,there are legal shadows-in the back ground.
Do you address your GP as -Joe-Tom_Sara ? Or as Doctor,thus acknowledging their professional status.
It takes a long time to use a Christian name of a Cardinal or consultant doctor- but then only in amongst close friends; other wise with "an others"- the professional style is used.
The priest will if requested,or other wise has indicated,will offer a preference.
Imagine saying-Hi Tom-to the late Cardinal Winning!!!! The reply would have be an eye opener,but not predictable!
Go on folks,try it on for size!
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Gerard

How ??

Gerry
"The institutional and charismatic aspects are quasi coessential to the Church's constitution" (Pope John Paul II, 1998).
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Rose of York
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pat
Friday, 4. November 2011, 00:05
I think if a priest insists on you using his first name, it is courteous to do so.
I had never thought of that before. If he expresses a preference that is his right. By telling him I insist on my choice, to address him by the title of Father, that is me being selfish and rude. Also, it could be construed as "I label you, you are priest, your individuality is irrelevant".

Some time ago when I had correspondence with a bishop, regarding serious problems with a priest he kept addressing me "Dear Rose". If ever I have cause to complain again I will advise him use of my Christian name is in appropriate in formal correspondence of that nature. I had the feeling it was a case of "pat the old dear on the head, give her a bit of sweet talk, that will pacify her and shut her up."
Keep the Faith!

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Clare
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Putting the "Fun Dame" into Fundamentalist
Gerard
Thursday, 3. November 2011, 20:01
My objection to the title is the submissiveness associated with it,...
He who exalts himself will be humbled.

Honestly, people today need to rediscover submissiveness. The world would be a better place!
S.A.G.

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K.T.B.

Clare
Friday, 4. November 2011, 18:34
Honestly, people today need to rediscover submissiveness. The world would be a better place!
This is rather a broad statement, Clare :)
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Rose of York
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Clare
Friday, 4. November 2011, 18:34
Gerard
Thursday, 3. November 2011, 20:01
My objection to the title is the submissiveness associated with it,...
He who exalts himself will be humbled.

Honestly, people today need to rediscover submissiveness. The world would be a better place!
A person who insists on being adressed by a title to ensure his or her exalted rank needs to rediscover submissiveness.

Submissiveness imposed is not a voluntarilly practised virtue. Humility cannot be imposed.
Keep the Faith!

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Penfold
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pat
Friday, 4. November 2011, 00:05
I think if a priest insists on you using his first name, it is courteous to do so.
Pat it is not a matter of insisting. A Priest has a Christian name if people insist on using his title then they should attach it to his surname not his Christian name, unless he happens to be a monk who have traditionally dispensed with not only their surname but also their own Christian name and are known by the name chosen for them at their profession by the Order.
I refer to my doctor as Dr Smith but when talking with her call her Jane (False names used to protect the innocent) thus in the Parish people can refer to me as Fr Penfold but when talking with me call me Ernest. It is courtesy to address people correctly but it is also a discourtesy to suggest that the priest is the one insisting that he be called by his name rather than his title when, to remind people of where this thread began, Jesus tells us not to insist people call us “Rabi” or “Father”.

If I ever train pigs to fly and find myself wearing a mitre I shall of cause become “Bishop Penfold” and insist on being addressed as “My Lord” because that will really annoy “Danger Mouse” and “Coronel K”

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PS: Pen is acceptable but nor Penny or Nibsy. :yahoo:
Edited by Penfold, Saturday, 5. November 2011, 01:18.
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Angus Toanimo
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Penfold
Saturday, 5. November 2011, 01:17
pat
Friday, 4. November 2011, 00:05
I think if a priest insists on you using his first name, it is courteous to do so.
Pat it is not a matter of insisting. A Priest has a Christian name if people insist on using his title then they should attach it to his surname not his Christian name, unless he happens to be a monk who have traditionally dispensed with not only their surname but also their own Christian name and are known by the name chosen for them at their profession by the Order.
I refer to my doctor as Dr Smith but when talking with her call her Jane (False names used to protect the innocent) thus in the Parish people can refer to me as Fr Penfold but when talking with me call me Ernest. It is courtesy to address people correctly but it is also a discourtesy to suggest that the priest is the one insisting that he be called by his name rather than his title when, to remind people of where this thread began, Jesus tells us not to insist people call us “Rabi” or “Father”.

If I ever train pigs to fly and find myself wearing a mitre I shall of cause become “Bishop Penfold” and insist on being addressed as “My Lord” because that will really annoy “Danger Mouse” and “Coronel K”

Posted Image

PS: Pen is acceptable but nor Penny or Nibsy. :yahoo:
Bang on, Quink!
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James
James
It is a difficult one this .
Years ago , as mentioned, people just used the word "Father" in all instances.
Nowadays everything is changing and perhaps new forms will emerge.
For me however,
In confession - is is "father" without compromise.
During a sick visit or administrating to the dying it is "Father, without compromise.
After mass on the way out it is "father"

Socially , I play it by ear on a one to one basis - probably not give any title or nome in conversation and "see what emerges" in that particular encounter - until you get to know each other better.

James
Edited by James, Saturday, 5. November 2011, 02:03.
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OsullivanB

James
Saturday, 5. November 2011, 02:01
It is a difficult one this .
Years ago , as mentioned, people just used the word "Father" in all instances.
Nowadays everything is changing and perhaps new forms will emerge.
For me however,
In confession - is is "father" without compromise.
During a sick visit or administrating to the dying it is "Father, without compromise.
After mass on the way out it is "father"

Socially , I play it by ear on a one to one basis - probably not give any title or nome in conversation and "see what emerges" in that particular encounter - until you get to know each other better.

James
I think we are dealing with a familiar distinction between etiquette, which offers a guaranteed safety-play but can be awkward sometimes, and manners, which require sensitivity to what is required to make people comfortable and may vary with the situation.
"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance - that principle is contempt prior to investigation." Herbert Spencer
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PJD

"Socially , I play it by ear on a one to one basis - probably not give any title or nome in conversation"

Seems sensible James; and I suspect most of us follow that line.

PJD
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Rose of York
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When my bishop is mentioned I called him a right wally.
Keep the Faith!

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Angus Toanimo
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Familiarity can often breed contempt.
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