Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with priest

What is the name of this small-town priest submarine movie?

excitementMD — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 17:00:39 -0800

There is a movie about a Russian sub that shows up in a small town in maybe Canada? One of the Russians has a problem with spontaneous combustion and has a fire extinguisher with him, and there's a priest from the small town that's handing the situation. What is the name of this movie!? These are all the details I remember, but I know it exists. IMDB/google has been fruitless so far. Thanks mefi!

Why do Catholic priests wear black?

saffronwoman — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 14:57:57 -0800

Why do Catholic priests wear black? A friend of mine asked me this since I was raised in the Catholic church, but I didn't have an answer for him other than it's traditional.

Now I'm curious.

What is involved in a Catholic wedding couples consultation?

Anonymous — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 19:59:45 -0800

Pre-marriage Catholic priest consultation - what to expect? I am an atheist. My girlfriend is from a Catholic family. Apparently, Catholic wedding services require (or strongly expect) the couple to visit a priest beforehand and get some kind of approval. This approval takes the form of some signed document. This is a couple months out, but what should I expect from such a meeting? Do I need to hold my tongue with regard to my religious beliefs, or lack thereof?

In general, I am not especially good at asking authority figures for their permission. I do not share what seems to be a fundamental element of some religions; having respect for someone based only on their position or title. Respect, to me, is earned on a personal level. I seem to be in the minority in this regard. Naturally, I expect this might present some problems, since by default I have no more respect for the priest we meet than any other person I would meet during my day.

Privacy-wise, I am not too keen on someone asking me questions along the lines of "How do you plan on raising children?" This question is out of line coming from a stranger, which is what the priest would be to me. However, I expect such a response may be unwelcome.

Lastly, as far as politics go, I am not likely to share much common ground with the priest. It's possible, but unlikely. Therefore, any questions along these lines would also be unwelcome.

Indeed, this is my main problem: I can't think of any questions about my future marriage that I'd like to discuss with a stranger.

Practically: What does such a meeting entail? What questions or subject matters should I expect?

Philosophically: Should I consent to such a meeting? Is it actually required? My girlfriend and her family are intent on having a Catholic service, though not one including a mass. This doesn't bother me. However, a direct questioning that could end badly would put this process into jeopardy.

I am not interested in lying to placate the priest. Any suggestions you have would be very helpful.

Can an Episcopal Priest marry me in a Catholic Church?

UMDirector — Tue, 11 Apr 2006 19:00:49 -0800

Can a Priest from a High episcopal Church marry someone at a Catholic Church? Can they Co-Preside? We are getting married at a Catholic church but they are priestless our wedding weekend so a Deacon was going to marry us. My future mother in law goes to a high episcopal church. Has anyone ever heard of an Epis priest being able to marry someone in a Catholic church? I know a couple of Episcopal priests have become cathoilc priests. If they can not do it alone does anyone know if they can co-preside over the ceremony with the Catholic Deacon?

Where does the surname Bishop come from?

nebulawindphone — Tue, 22 Nov 2005 06:03:14 -0800

The Smiths are descended from a blacksmith. The Potters are descended from a potter. But priests can't get married or have legitimate children, so where on earth does the last name Bishop come from? Yes, I know priests used to be able to get married and have children, but that was long before surnames became common in Europe, so that's not the answer.

And yes, I know that sometimes a priest will father a child. But he can't marry the child's mother or give the child his last name, so that's hardly any help.

What gives?