Inviting the Priest to dinner

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mercygate:
I sometimes like to scare my guests a little by serving something like brussels sprouts, which I consider a delicacy. An Irish nun once nearly ran out of the house screaming once when I served stuffed grape leaves – I didn’t think they were particularly exotic but she acted like she though they would kill her. Good thing I didn’t offer the grilled octopus that day!
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:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

You are BAD!!! 😃
 
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mercygate:
This probably goes without saying, but as with any guest whose dietary foibles are unfamiliar to you, be sure to ask if there is anything he can’t, doesn’t or won’t eat.

I sometimes like to scare my guests a little by serving something like brussels sprouts, which I consider a delicacy. An Irish nun once nearly ran out of the house screaming once when I served stuffed grape leaves – I didn’t think they were particularly exotic but she acted like she though they would kill her. Good thing I didn’t offer the grilled octopus that day!
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Our pastor at our old parish was a great cook! He would not have run at dolmades (stuffed grape leaves to the unitiated), let me tell you!

That is one thing our present pastor has not done. He is very shy, tries his best at the people stuff, but just doesn’t quite get it. We will keep inviting, though…Some have suggested that he only goes to certain homes, where people are wealthy, or “in” with the diocese. I highly doubt that. He spends at least two nights a week in ministry to police officers, on ride alongs, alllllll night long.
 
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mercygate:
A Priest friend of mine told me that in the 18 years he served at a posh uptown East Side New York parish, he was invited to members’ homes only twice. He speculated that in the universe of “actual people” and “servants,” the clergy were categorized as servants and not entertained as social equals.
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How sad. Here many priests have been over, both religious and diocesan. They are people too and many feel honored to come for dinner. Plus, yes they will always remember that, and will also respect the fact that you invited them over. What we have done is have them over AND at the same time have then bless the apartment, then for blessing, also give them a donation: usually 20 dollars in an envelope. If religious he will give it to the superior/pastor for the order’s expenses common fund, as per they cannot stay with any money for themselves unless they have their superior’s permission. Or if he is diocesan, he has his personal expenses and 20.00 etc always helps.
 
My m parents had invited some priests over when I was younger. it was alot of fun. But of course me and my brothers had to keep our rooms clean and our toys put away. My mom wants to invite out priest from the chrch we go to but he always has a busy schedule that why we need to priests at our church.
 
My husband and I invite our pastor over for dinner regularly. Many of the parishioners do also – as a matter of fact, when you ask him to dinner, he has to check his calendar, and usually gives you a date several months in advance, he’s so booked up. He enjoys it and it gives him a chance to get to know his parishioners on a more personal level.
 
We live a 20 minute walk from our church. New pastor (former chaplain of the UM football team). Invited neighbors from the parish. 14 people. Potluck. Lots of fun.

I’ve never heard a priest swear before…
 
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cardenio:
We live a 20 minute walk from our church. New pastor (former chaplain of the UM football team). Invited neighbors from the parish. 14 people. Potluck. Lots of fun.

I’ve never heard a priest swear before…
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Oh Sweetie, you have a long life ahead of you…you’ll hear one again…they are human…
 
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OutinChgoburbs:
Oh Sweetie, you have a long life ahead of you…you’ll hear one again…they are human…
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I know that, but it was funny!

His first homily at our parish he said “I grew up bilingual. We spoke two languages at my house: English and Foul.”
 
First, my husband and I asked our parish priest if he accepted invitations to dinner. Some don’t due to schedules. Some don’t want to offend parishoners if they don’t really see eye to eye with the person. Others just don’t feel comfortable. Our pastor was so down to earth, funny, and he had helped us a great deal. We took him out to dinner and had a great time.
 
Oh yes! I highly recommend it. Some priests aren’t as outgoing as others, though, so we usually “feel them out” at a coffee & donuts gathering after a mass when we are curious.

I think it’s wonderful for the children in the house to get some “one-on-one” time with a priest. They are less intimidated in their home setting and I often notice that the priests we have had to dinner enjoy the children.

It’s nice to be able to ask them questions about the Faith, but it’s also nice to learn where they come from, how they discerned the priesthood, all that stuff. We formed a very close relationship with the associate paster at our parish (just moved on, though, to his first pastorate!) and we still keep in contact with him by e-mail.

I think it’s a wonderful way to get to know your parish priest and to allow them to see the “Domestic Church” in action! It can be very encouraging to them. We often think of our priests as not needing much in the way of guidance from laity…and maybe it’s not really guidance…but anyway, priests need our love, concern and prayers as much as we need them.

Anyway, I highly recommend at least inviting the priest (if he is open) to your home for dinner.
 
My only issue with inviting our Parish Priests to dinner, is I see how busy they are, they never sit still for very long, and I don’t want to take up their precious time. That’s what’s been holding me back. I guess if I just ask… They can always say they can’t.

Debbie
 
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