Last year I found an old friend online and sent him an e-mail. We were really good friends as children, but we didn't stay in touch after I moved away 31 years ago. I went to high school, married, and have 4 kids. He went to a seminary and is a Catholic priest. Except for our childhood years I don't think we have anything in common. Except for a couple of e-mails we haven't had any contact. On the one hand I think it would be awkward to have a priest as a friend(I'm a catholic too) but on the other hand we were the best of friends for years and the only reason we didn't keep in touch was because when I moved I wasn't old enough to drive so I couldn't visit him, and in those days people just didn't make long distance calls unless there was a real good reason. I guess we could have written leters, but I'm not real good at it. Anybody else have a clergy person as a friend? Does it seem strange at times? I know they are just people too, but different,you know?
2006-10-21 16:18:52 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Family & Relationships ➔ Friends
It just seems different. We followed such different life paths. He followed God and I used to go out and raise hell. Nothing to get arrested for, but I just feel funny. I went to Catholic schools and even though the priests were so friendly, and the ones at church are the same, it 's like being friends with your high school principal. It's hard to explain, I guess
2006-10-22 01:13:57 · update #1
Ah, I think this would be one person who would be fascinating to have as a friend. As you knew him in childhood, that forms a foundation of sorts to start things off. You could write a email like, hey, remember Mrs. Crabapple our music teacher, well I was thinking about her and if it weren't for her, I never would have _______________....or something like that, you know. Bring up the past, tie it to now, and see where it goes...
This is a weak comparison, but I am an athlete of sorts. Self trained, started as an adult, and I met a professional coach by accident and we became friends. had I known this person's LONG list of sporting achievement, I would have shyed away, but I did not and now get the benefit of not only a friendship, but sometimes I tap into that person's area of expertise to help myself and she does the same to me about medical stuff.
Oh, take Reuben along when you meet him for the afternoon, too. he'll let you know whether the guy is okay or not.
2006-10-21 23:27:59 · answer #1 · answered by turtle girl 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why does his profession give you pause? Imagine if you'd asked "Can I be friends with a school teacher?" Or a bank teller or a nurse or a carpenter? Pretty silly, right? So what's the difference between that question and yours?
OK, the priesthood is both a job and a vocation related to who he is as a person and his values and beliefs, but many people get into other kinds of jobs because they feel a strong calling towards it and because it gels with personal beliefs and values. We should all be lucky enough to be in such jobs! And as a Catholic, you presumably share those values and beliefs.
So... I don't get the problem or why it's even an issue?
2006-10-21 16:27:16 · answer #2 · answered by Anna S 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Does communicating with someone a lot lead to romance? If that were true there were be a lot of incestual romances between people and their parents. A priest is just like your father. Communicating a lot with a man of God should only lead to beneficial outcomes. Stay friends.
2016-03-28 03:41:25 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely, you can be friends, it sounds to me like you are friends. Time and distance does not change that. You might find out he is the best friend you could ever hope to have. No, they are not different..... just chose a different profession than you.
They still feel, think, hurt, love and laugh just like anyone else. Better yet that you are Catholic also, you will never argue about religion.
2006-10-21 16:40:40 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think we can have friends even if they are priests also I think it is sweet that he still wants to communicate ...why it is so hard to give your friendship to someone that at least you know his background ...I have lots of friends and I had never thought if we have anything in common ...it is something that does not bother one bet...it is good to give a sincere friendship until you can not anymore...if you notice that he is trying to take advantage of the friendship in any way ...then you would be right to stop his friendship ..maybe you should ask yourself what it is that bothers you more than anything.....1)people comments because you have a priest friend
2)or maybe affraid he can roll you into the religion
I think this is something you should ask yourself...why you have to think it twice to give your friendship to him? what is the big deal?
2006-10-21 16:35:14 · answer #5 · answered by Yami 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Having friends that are different to you makes for interesting conversations and helps you grow as a human being. I think you should go for it.
2006-10-23 09:37:40 · answer #6 · answered by iluvafrica 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Of course you can be friends with him. Being a priest is his job, it doesn't mean he can't have friends just because is job is really important!
2006-10-21 16:22:26 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should be proud to have friend as a PRIEST
2006-10-21 16:50:12 · answer #8 · answered by Neighbour 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What's wrong with it?He's still a person,remembers old times and still whats your friendship.So give it.
2006-10-21 16:23:30 · answer #9 · answered by master_der_man 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
there is nothing creepy or strange about this. probably will be the most loyal trustworthy person you can talk with.
2006-10-21 16:21:40 · answer #10 · answered by Skorpian 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋