The true etiquette answer has proven very hard to find. Please try to limit your comments to what you think to be proper etiquette:)
2007-06-09 16:00:07 · 25 answers · asked by woodthi32 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
"Father" is a title that has been earned much the same way as Doctor, Major or President. Unless you are on a first name basis, etiquette suggests the use of these titles. Just to be clear, I am not a Catholic either.
2007-06-09 16:09:38 · answer #1 · answered by Uncle Bob 3 · 6⤊ 0⤋
You don't HAVE to do anything. I understand it can feel more awkward to call a priest 'father' since 'father' has more than one connotation. If it's truly a social situation, I think it's appropriate to explain to the priest that you're a non-Catholic & unaccustomed to that title, then ask him how he prefers to be addressed. Anyone with a reasonable understanding of others will give acceptable alternatives. If you're not comfortable broaching the subject, I would use 'father' out of respect for the position.
2007-06-09 16:16:40 · answer #2 · answered by Blooming Sufi 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
As a non-Catholic, I see the name 'father' simply as a title. As for me, I would address the priest as father Jones, or whatever his name may be.
2007-06-09 16:09:20 · answer #3 · answered by doggybag300 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
It depends on how well you know them. "Father" is a title much like "Doctor" is. If you are in a social setting with a doctor, do you still have to call that person "Doctor Smith?" You may know one doctor really well and call him "Bob," but may hardly know another doctor and address him more formally.
If you are good friends with the person or know them to a certain level, you will probably get used to calling him by his first name and that's acceptable.
Matt
2007-06-09 16:25:47 · answer #4 · answered by mattfromasia 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's a title, just like doctor. Whether you agree with what he does or not, it's what he does. I've known several priests and reverends, and only a couple of them gave me cause to personally not respect them. As long as they don't do something that I disrespect or try to shove their religion down my throat, why shouldn't I address them by their titles?
2007-06-09 16:10:36 · answer #5 · answered by Skeff 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
No, you don't (you may, of course). Priests understand that some non-Catholics have issues with that. You may call him by his first name, Mr. Last Name, or just "Sir".
2007-06-09 16:10:23 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
A priest's official title is Reverend actually. You could use that if it is more comfortable for you than Father.
But as a show of respect, you should use one of those names.
2007-06-09 16:39:32 · answer #7 · answered by Faustina 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I don't think you have to call him father. I don't think a priest minds either way.
2007-06-09 16:05:26 · answer #8 · answered by Misty 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
"Father" is the man's title...just as Dr. would be of a physician or PHD or Pastor would be to a protestant minister. It would be appropriate etiquette to use the title. It does not mean that he is "your" father.
2007-06-09 16:05:40 · answer #9 · answered by Poohcat1 7 · 7⤊ 1⤋
As a follower of Christ, my book of etiquette is the Bible. The Bible instructs Christians to "call no man Father." This title belongs to our Father in Heaven and no one else deserves it. Giving this title to priests is a non biblical Catholic tradition.
I am in a position of serving the local Catholic priests in my restaurant business and I have always called them by their first names. It seems as though it is acceptable to them.
We are all sinners saved by grace - even priests.
2007-06-09 16:28:50 · answer #10 · answered by Freedom 7 · 1⤊ 5⤋