Is this typical behavior for Catholic priests?

[shanpeter77]

I know a family that is very close with their local Catholic priest. He travels with them on all of their frequent trips, once even going wine tasting with them. The family can ask him to reschedule Mass when it isn’t convenient for them. I’m not sure if he is the priest at any particular church or if he holds private Mass for this family. He doesn’t wear a collar and you’d never know he was a priest by looking at him, he dresses in jeans and t shirts. He has supposedly performed baptisms and weddings at the Vatican (I’ve seen pictures). It’s like he’s on the family’s payroll. They refer to him as their “family priest”. I don’t know much about Catholic priests, but this sounds fishy to me. Is this normal behavior for a Catholic priest?

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Hi,

With the exception of priests who are contemplative monks, the ministry of the priest is for all people, and not for a select number of favorite individuals. The scenario you describe sounds fishy indeed! It is not the practice of most priests.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.