"Father"

We do not call priests "Father" because this is some title that they covet or desire, or because they seek to set themselves up with power and authority, to supplant God the Father.  It is not for their sakes at all, but for ours.  I have known priests who have asked to be called by first name, or some other diminutive.  I can well imagine why, I can see the gulf which separates the priest from the lay person, and the loneliness it entails.  But we cannot let ourselves forget that the priest is alter christus, and it is for that reason that we call him "Father."  We must call them "Father" precisely because we have no Master save Christ, no Father save Our Father, who art in Heaven, and hallowed is His name.