Conversational Method of Address to Priest

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Father… whatever he wants to be called. I’ve known some who prefer first name, some last name… occasionally Father nickname… Just ask the priest.
 
Indeed. This is just one of a number of possible reasons, though, and I don’t always know what the actual reason is. This is why I don’t base what I call a priest on what others call him. I ask the priest directly how he wants to be addressed.
 
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I agree! I am just surprised when priests, especially younger ones, expect to be called Father Jones, but immediately call someone they’ve just met by their first name.
 
It depends.

We address our current pastor as “Father First Name”, as that’s his preference.

The pastor who was at our parish for many, many years was always “Father Last Name”.

If you’re not sure, just ask how they prefer to be addressed.
 
Then it is Father Last Name unless they prefer Father First Name
 
I’d also find that disrespectful. For the priests who are my personal friends, it is Father last name. For me, it is the way I show respect.
 
It doesn’t bother me one bit to call a priest Fr. Last Name regardless of his age. It’s a sign of deference and respect due someone who holds his office.

Then again, I still say “ma’am” and “sir” and address those older than me as Mr/Mrs/Ms/Miss last name or (Mr/Mrs/Ms/Miss first name if they insist in being called by their first name). I guess I’m old school like that! 🙂
 
I usually address them as Fr. (last name), even if I do know them and they know me. Even if they often go by Fr. (first name). I don’t know why, but I feel more comfortable addressing them more formally. If one were to object and say “call me Fr. Bill” or something, then I would do so, but no Priest has ever objected to me by addressing by their last name, even the ones I know the best. In fact, I usually just say “Father” rather than “Fr. Last Name” anyway when speaking to a Priest.
 
That’s kind of my point–the deference and respect needs to be consistent. When someone the age of my children expects to be addressed by a title, but uses my first name without asking me my preference, he’s the one who is breaching etiquette.
 
I’m sorry. I disagree. The priest’s title as “Father” is related to the office bestowed upon him. Whether or not you get called Mrs/Ms/Miss is a purely social etiquette decision. His breech of etiquette does not mean I’m going to stop deferring to the office he holds.

When I was in grad school, some of my professors were my age. They called me by my first name. I called them Prof. Last Name.
 
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You are free to disagree. I called my teachers “Professor” as well. But they called all of us Ms. or Mr. LastName.
If a priest wants to be on a formal basis, it’s absolutely fine with me.
 
JulianN said:
I agree! I am just surprised when priests, especially younger ones, expect to be called Father Jones, but immediately call someone they’ve just met by their first name.
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You shouldn’t be surprised since, despite their age, they’re our spiritual fathers and we’re their spiritual children and fathers don’t call their children by their last name.

I’ve notice by your posts on this topic that you seem to seek equality in dealing with your priests, that you appear to want equal footing with them.

In non-spiritual matters I agree, but in terms of the Church they are my superiors and I think they deserve the respect of being addressed as Father regardless if they address me by my first name or not.
 
I expect them to show the respect due an elder. I have no problem calling them Father – but I expect the courtesy of a title in return. Particularly in social settings that have nothing to do with their role in the Church.
 
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