Is there an alternative title for catholic priests other than"father"?

Question

I wish to use proper etiquette but do not feel happy using the term father.

Answer 1

Padre is a good one.

(paw-drey)

Answer 2

I hope Father K, a R&S regular, happens to see this -- he'd give you the most correct answer.

I believe it's fine to call a priest "pastor", as many priests are just that. Otherwise, since you aren't Catholic, use their first name. Most priests understand and would want you to use the term you're most comfortable with.

Answer 3

Reverend is fine.

Father does give that special distinction. I call Catholic Priests "Father", Jewish Rabbis "Rabbi" and Protestant ministers "Brother."

Reverend goes across the board.

What do you call an Imam? Imam Ibrahim? or is there another title?

Answer 4

Parrot of Holy Book

Answer 5

Catholic priests understand that some non-Catholics are uncomfortable with "Father". You may use his first name, or Mr. last name, or "sir".

Answer 6

While it is unusual, Reverend is also a proper term of address for a priest.

Answer 7

You may call a priest "reverend."

Just like anyone else, if given permission you may call them by their first name.

Matthew 23:6-9 reads, "They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues, greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation 'Rabbi.' As for you, do not be called 'Rabbi.' You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers. Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven."

Are we also not to call anyone "teacher" or "doctor" which is how "rabbi' would translate? I think not.

This is call for humility for those in leadership roles. Not to be taken literally.

We are not to deny our male parent and cut the Commandment to honor our father and mother in half.

Some leaders in any church may fall into the same folly of a lack of humility as the pharisees of Jesus' day.

The Apostle Paul writes:

I am writing you this not to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children. Even if you should have countless guides to Christ, yet you do not have many fathers, for I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. (1 Corinthians 4:14-15)

And:

As you know, we treated each one of you as a father treats his children, exhorting and encouraging you and insisting that you conduct yourselves as worthy of the God who calls you into his kingdom and glory. (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12)

And:

I urge you on behalf of my child Onesimus, whose father I have become in my imprisonment, who was once useless to you but is now useful to (both) you and me. (Philemon 10-11)

And finally, Peter calls himself the "father" of Mark:

The chosen one at Babylon sends you greeting, as does Mark, my son. (1 Peter 5:13)

With love in Christ.

Answer 8

Just call them by their first name. Joe, Kevin, Michael, whatever.

Answer 9

NOT Reverend, please - that's for envelopes!

You wouldn't think you were being respectful if you went up to a guy and called him 'Mister', would you?

Try, 'Your Holiness', and he'll soon tell you what he'd prefer!

Answer 10

Pope boy.