Potentially silly question

kmt_cas

Please excuse my ignorance on this, but I'm confused so I'm hoping you can all help me!What is the difference between Father and Reverend?  The priest I grew up with went by Father.  I recently emailed the priest who will marry us as Father so-and-so.  I just looked at the church's website and it states he goes as Reverend so-and-so.  Did I just do a major faux-pas or are the terms interchangeable?  Making the priest mad before the wedding is not something I was planning on doing!

Sydney.O.Rutledge

I think "Reverend" is a title based on certain experience, education, or training, so it would appear on a website, letterhead, etc.I think "Father" is how you may refer to your parish priest in a verbal or written communication when you address him directly.I could be wrong, though :-)I'm sure he is not mad in any case.  If you are worried, just ask him next time you email or talk to him.

ffmaid

My understanding and I could be wrong All Catholic priest are Father ( unless say cardinal bishop ect) But a reverand is a priest who is a parish priest

kmt_cas

Thanks for the help ladies!  Seems like they are fairly interchangeable (woohoo!), but I'm sure there is some reason for the difference.  I'll make sure to ask at our next meeting.

clearheavens

"Father" is what you call a priests by.  If you're addressing him, use "Father."  If you're writing his name formally, use the following.  And don't forget the "the" in front:Diocesan priest: The ReverendPriests who are members of religious orders: The Reverend FatherPriests with various grades of jurisdiction above pastor: The Very ReverendPriests who are abbots of monasteries: The Right ReverendAlso remember that the priest is the celebrant.  So you can write on your program something like this:CelebrantThe Reverend John DoeIf you have more than one priest who is celebrating Mass, you can write something like this:ConcelebrantThe Reverend Michael SmithFinal note, not to confuse you further, but this only applies to the Roman Catholic Church.  All of this changes if you're talking about the Eastern Catholic Church.

kmt_cas

Clear - thank you!!!  That was very very helpful!