Uncle thinks he's a priest

baystateapple

I debated over writing this about ten times, then thought maybe this board would be the best place for it.

FI and I sent the STDs out last week.  Friday, two days after they went out, my mom called and said that we need to send two more out, to her sister and brother down in FL, whom she'd previously told us we didn't need to invite, but now we have to, since they apparently both called her and assumed that they were invited.  I am not close to either of these people, but that is not the problem here.

My uncle thinks he's a priest.  He was in seminary back in the 1960s but dropped out to get married.  A few years ago, he decided that he wanted to be a priest again, so some friends of his formed their own sect, ordained themselves, and now go around claiming to be Roman Catholic priests.  He also insists on wearing his priest's collar to all occasions.

This offends my father and grandfather, who are at least prepared for it, but I don't know what to do about my boss, who IS a Catholic priest and whom I'm inviting as a guest to the wedding.  I am not sure what to do.  I know you can't dictate guests' attire, and I don't know how to go about "warning" my boss about my uncle.  Advice would be great.

woodie

I have no advice for you but your title made me laugh out loud! 
This sounds like it has the potential to be really funny!
- You could tell your boss (the priest) that your uncle has multiple personality disorder and might show up in a collar or in a dress. 
- You could get all the guests to wear collars.

Being a priest, your boss has probably met all kinds of people.  Just explain to him just like you explained to us.  I am sure he will understand.

Let us know how things go! 8)

Calypso1977

i dont think you need to say anything to your boss.

he will probably see this man has a collar, may strike up conversation with him, then come to his own conclusions.  or, he may never even encounter this person at your wedding.

Theresa626

I agree with calypso but if it still bothers you, you might say something like... So, I have this distant uncle who thinks he's a priest.  Please do not be offended by him if you do meet him.  We don't approve of what he does but he is is own person.

Remember that priests hear people in confession all the time. they are used to hearing some really crazy things. He might not be as offended as you think.

Jay+Marissa

All I can say is that is hilarious! He hasn't tried to butt his way into doing your ceremony yet, has he?

baystateapple

Nope, he hasn't offered to do the ceremony (thank God)!  If he did I think my father would blow up.  My cousin was tentatively thinking of having him perform the ceremony for her wedding, a year after ours, and my dad was very RAWR about the whole thing.  It never legitimately crossed my mind to ask him.

Thanks to everyone for their advice.  I especially liked the idea of asking everyone to wear collars (one of my friends actually suggested that in jest).  I'm going to talk to my parents tomorrow night about their feelings in regards to it, and if I should talk to our priest or not about it.  He's only been my boss for about five months now, but we're getting to the point where I think I could sit him down and say "BTW, my uncle thinks he's a priest, etc."  And thanks to everyone who made the point of saying that priests hear a lot, that he probably wouldn't be as shocked as I am anticipating.

sawahleee

LOL... I am so sorry this must be a stressful topic for you and here most of us think it is comical...

well, it seems to me that your uncle is a tad bit "batty" so (while you cannot exactly control what he wears even if you had a small chat with him) maybe you should play it off like that. If your boss makes a comment to you just laugh it off and respond with "O that's just good old uncle ___. He thinks he's the pope or something..." If that seems disrespectful than just be completely frank and honest to anybody that questions your uncle's "authenticity". I am sure people will understand.

ocprincess

Tell your boss the truth.  I'm sure he's heard crazier things, especially if he's been a priest for long.  Heck, there are WOMEN running around calling themselves Roman Catholic priests. 

theredskittle

That is so funny! I agree with Theresa, to let them have a convo and then your boss can make his own conclusions.

theredskittle

p.s. love your cat in a basket! super cute!