What's The Preferred Title For A Non-Catholic To Use When Addressi

[carmenchristi]

I'm sad to see that this topic has turned into a debate. Cooterhein, I'm edified by both the integrity and respect your question shows. You feel strongly about the use of a title, that's fine, but you don't want to offend or be rude in your disagreement, that's admirable.

I also think the debate about the use of the title is out of place here. But just for the record I'll add my 2 cents. The title "Father" is more than just a title, and for you, not using it is a gesture of respect towards those who believe that it is more than just a title.

C'mon guys, do you really believe that with ordination a priest earns a title as one would earn a doctorate??? I think all of us Catholics agree that "Father" represents what the Sacrament has made of an ordinary man. We are the ones making it banal while our non-Catholic brother (or umm... sister... I don't know which one applies!) recognizes that it is more than just a title.

I agree however, that any non-Catholic who doesn't have scruples about calling a priest "Father" without believing that it is more than just a title, doesn't do anything wrong. He sees it as a title and uses it that way.

This situation is resolved with incredible simplicity: Just call him Reverend.

[faithcecelia]

[quote name='carmenchristi' timestamp='1309593209' post='2262029']
I'm sad to see that this topic has turned into a debate. Cooterhein, I'm edified by both the integrity and respect your question shows. You feel strongly about the use of a title, that's fine, but you don't want to offend or be rude in your disagreement, that's admirable.

I also think the debate about the use of the title is out of place here. But just for the record I'll add my 2 cents. The title "Father" is more than just a title, and for you, not using it is a gesture of respect towards those who believe that it is more than just a title.

C'mon guys, do you really believe that with ordination a priest earns a title as one would earn a doctorate??? I think all of us Catholics agree that "Father" represents what the Sacrament has made of an ordinary man. We are the ones making it banal while our non-Catholic brother (or umm... sister... I don't know which one applies!) recognizes that it is more than just a title.

I agree however, that any non-Catholic who doesn't have scruples about calling a priest "Father" without believing that it is more than just a title, doesn't do anything wrong. He sees it as a title and uses it that way.

This situation is resolved with incredible simplicity: Just call him Reverend.
[/quote]


Yes, this.

The OP has expressed his discomfort with the title Father and asked if there is a respectful alternative, so that he can feel more comfortable. It is not up to us to say whether he should be uncomfortable with Father or not - he is, thats just how it is!


Actually, when in contact with a Carmel that still uses Mother for its prioress (not all do) I felt very uncomfortable with it at first. When I visited I did use it to address her and it felt okay while there, but once I got home and contacted her to say that I did not think her community was where I was meant to be, I reverted to Sister.

[carmenchristi]

When I was a novice I just couldn't stomach calling the NM "Mother Mistress"... it sounded so "icky". She allowed us to call her Sister (name) for a while, but eventually we had to switch to "Mother Mistress"... I never could get used to it, so I avoided names at all cost. Anything short of "Hey you!" So I totally understand!

[Ed Normile]

Gee I really feel sorry for your friends who are getting married in the Church yet, as you say, hope too avoid being too serious or even attend any denomination as no one really cares. Makes me wonder why they even bother with the ceremony at all, sounds like a JP would be more fitting.

ed

[mortify]

When in Rome do as the Romans do. Show the man some respect, call him Father, and move on. Nothing difficult about it!

[Groo the Wanderer]

Dunno. My wife is Pentacostal/Assembly of God. They call anyone who has 'credentials' (equiv. to 2 yrs of jr college, I think) Pastor. So there is the Pastor, the pastor's wife who is also called Pastor xxxx, the youth minister who is called Pastor xxxx, and everyone else they call Brother xxxx or Sister xxxx.

I don;t use those titles when speaking to them. Feels weird calling anyone else Pastor because my pastor is my priest. So I avoid the title entirely. As for their laity, I do not use Brother or Sister either since I think those should be reserved for monks/friars and nuns.



I guess it works both ways. Do whatever you are comfortable with, as long as it isn;t disrespectful. I address my bishop as Your Excellency even when my pastor and the other priests call him Bishop Vann. It just seems more respectful somehow. Wonder if I should kiss his ring one day?

[aggiornamento]

this is the most inane topic. sounds like someone has some daddy issues...

[dUSt]

[quote name='Groo the Wanderer' timestamp='1309631826' post='2262169']
Wonder if I should kiss his ring one day?
[/quote]
I did. Then he bought 3 phatmass CDs.