Addressing a Catholic priest

[joggerjayne]

What is the correct form of address to a Catholic priest for a non-Catholic ?

[Octavius]

Informally, some like to be called by their Christian name only (Bob, Fred etc), some prefer Father Bob, or Father Fred.

If it is formal as in a letter, you might say Reverend Father Robert Smith, or just Father Robert Smith, etc.

Your denomination has no bearing on what form of address you use. Although some priests may even shower you with Holy Water for daring to speak to them, but they are just odd and should be avoided anyway.

[gat]

Usually Father followed by either their surname or forename whichever the parishioners use. If the priest is a Canon then it should be Canon and then the surname

[joggerjayne]

Thanks guys.

So, at a meeting in person, one could address him as ...

... "Father Michael" ... (for instance) ?

[brionon]

Catholic Priest -''A man who everyone calls Father,except his children who call him Uncle.''

[dustypuss]

Or father ted

I'm curious JJ . why do you want to know!
..*_h_~..*
#.(.'-'.) .**~*
>(****)<.*
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Ps its snowing like Hel*l hear

[joggerjayne]

Another dusty classic ... a fab snowman.

I love him.

dusty ... it's nothing very exciting. I'm going to be in company where one of the people present will be a Catholic priest. I like to do things properly, and want to make sure that I address him correctly (although I'm sure he won't mind too much).

And I'm just interested in these things ... like how grown-ups address school Headmasters

[Octavius]

Yes JJ, that would be a good start, he may turn round and say, just Michael is fine or he may notice your upside down cross and satan tatoo and march you off to the font. (just kidding)

[theonlyone]

Just call him what you want ...

[dustypuss]

or in your case jj how to undress a Headmaster =0)

[joggerjayne]

Regardless of me not being a Roman Catholic, I think it's a courtesy thing to use the proper form of address.

Thanks for all your help, guys.

[Whickerman]

courtesy it is, as it's the man's title regardless of whether you use his services.

[theonlyone]

You could always email the Village Vicar
he would know , he's on here ....sad wally ...

[andy-hughes]

If you don;t know his name, a simple 'Father' is perfectly acceptable.

A lof of young priests like 'Father Fred', the older more formal ones tend to go for 'Father Smith, but a generic 'Father' covers all bases easily.

Nice to know that the concept of respect is still alive and well on the AB.