Not sure if I did something wrong in confession

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AKDee

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I think this is probably a question more about tradition or etiquette, but I’m not sure.

I went to confession just a bit ago and since we’re in a transitional period between priests I was not surprised to see a new priest entering the confessional. When I went in I greeted him “Good afternoon, Father” and then when I began my confession, I said, “Bless me, Father for I have sinned…” but about halfway through the confession I realized it was the Archbishop. He was wearing regular black priest clothing and was not wearing his red zuccheto (skull cap) and his mannerism was different than I was used to seeing him (more humble, less authoritative) and so I didn’t realize it was the Archbishop until I heard him speak. I had never seen him out of his fancier vestments that he wears for Mass and I have only seen him 3 times I think so I just didn’t recognize him.

Did I commit a faux pas by addressing our Archbishop as “Father”? At least when I initially greeted him? Should I have said, “Good afternoon, Archbishop.” and then should I also have said “Bless me, Archbishop” rather than “Bless me, Father”? Should I apologize next time I see him?

Sorry- I’m a very new Catholic and so I just don’t know the answers to things like this.

Thanks in advance for answers.
 
AKDee said:
I think this is probably a question more about tradition or etiquette, but I’m not sure.

I went to confession just a bit ago and since we’re in a transitional period between priests I was not surprised to see a new priest entering the confessional. When I went in I greeted him “Good afternoon, Father” and then when I began my confession, I said, “Bless me, Father for I have sinned…” but about halfway through the confession I realized it was the Archbishop. He was wearing regular black priest clothing and was not wearing his red zuccheto (skull cap) and his mannerism was different than I was used to seeing him (more humble, less authoritative) and so I didn’t realize it was the Archbishop until I heard him speak. I had never seen him out of his fancier vestments that he wears for Mass and I have only seen him 3 times I think so I just didn’t recognize him.

Did I commit a faux pas by addressing our Archbishop as “Father”? At least when I initially greeted him? Should I have said, “Good afternoon, Archbishop.” and then should I also have said “Bless me, Archbishop” rather than “Bless me, Father”? Should I apologize next time I see him?

Sorry- I’m a very new Catholic and so I just don’t know the answers to things like this.

Thanks in advance for answers.
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Since you did not recognize the Archbishop until halfway through the confession, how could you have known to say “Good afternoon, Archbishop” and “Bless me, Archbishop” at the beginning of your confession?

But since you are a very new Catholic, your uneasiness is quite understanable. I don’t think you should feel at all concerned about this, and I also don’t think there is any need to apologize. Under the circumstances saying “Bless me, Father” was appropriate, and I much doubt the Archbishop was at all concerned about it and think most likely he paid no attention to it at all. He was there to hear your confession. I’d just let it go.
 
When I was a new Catholic I asked another very old Catholic how to address a bishop in a conversational setting, and he told me “*Father *is never wrong”. 🙂

That would apply, especially, with the traditional introduction to confession. I’m sure he sees himself there as a priest first, and bishop second.
 
You did nothing at all wrong. Every bishop is still a priest and a deacon as well.
 
Hello. Thanks for posting this. I think it highlights the humility and spirit of service that all clergy should have, and most do.

As for calling him Father, that wasn’t incorrect - all bishops are priests first. He obviously wasn’t concerned as he didn’t correct you.
 
Thanks, everyone. I really do appreciate it. I definitely feel better now.
 
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