Monsignor or Bishop in the Confessional

[bella_mama]

If we attend a parish where our priest is a Monsignor or Bishop and they happen to be in the Confessional when we go in, should we still say “Bless me, Father…” or should we use their appropriate title?

 

[allhers]

I think Bless me Father would still be the way to go. What if they were behind a screen and you couldn’t see them? Wouldn’t you still say that then? They are our Spiritual Fathers afterall.

 

[VietCatholic83]

I believe referring to them as “father” would still be appropriate as the poster above said, they are still in a very real sense our spiritual fathers. On occasions where I have spoken to my bishop one-to-one, I have always addressed him as “father” because I am his spiritual son, knowing full well that he holds the office of the episcopacy. I’d probably call the Pope “father” as well if I were ever blessed enough to meet and speak with him!

 

[LilyM]

If the sign outside the confessional says ‘Bishop’ or ‘Monsignor’ I’d probably say ‘your excellency’ (which I believe is the correct address for a US bishop) or ‘monsignor’. After all, their offices are worthy of additional respect.

 

[consumedconvert]

In the confessional I always say “Bless me father.” We have two Msgnrs in our parish, one on loan from Africa while getting his education degree, but he always goes by Father. We who were in RCIA found out because he slipped one day and said “People in Africa will tell me, ‘Monsegnior, I did such and such…’”. He was the Vicar General of his diocese.

I often slip and call our Pastor, who is a Msgnr, Father when I see him around. He never seems to mind.

Funny story–the first time I went to Mass at my current Parish–as a Protestant, of course–another Priest from Africa was celebrating and the deacon gave the homily. Since the Deacon “preached” I thought he was the Priest, and figured Fr. was actually the Deacon!

Also, the first time I saw Msgnr. I for some reason didn’t think he was a priest and thought he was our Assistant Pastor’s assistant!

 

[markadm]

I would still say “Bless me Father”. He is still a Priest, and our Father.

 

[EddieArent]

Still should be Father, IMO. The 1962 liturgy for instance doesn’t change at the Confiteor for instance, the server always prayers “et tibi pater…” when praying it and not “you bishop” or “you monsignor,” but “you father.” Thus I think it should be retained as “Father.” However, would it be sinful to call the priest by his proper title in the Confessional? Nope.

Different situations (Sacraments) between the two, but it’s the best example I can give. Just my $0.02.

 

[EasterJoy]

I’d ask him. If I had to guess, I would expect the bishop to answer “oh, people do both”, but I would be curious about his answer and preference, all the same. As for the monsignors, I would expect the answer from the ones I know to be, “you’re joking, right?”

 

[Anne1964]

Our parish priest is a Monsignor. Most people address him as Father. I say “Bless me Father” in the confessional. He calls himself Father on his voice mail message. However, when I have introduced him to friends I always introduce him as Monsignor.