“Adopt a Priest” Campaign in France Parodies a Dating Site

Six dioceses in Normandy, France have come together to create a humorous web site that is intended to increase donations from young Catholics. The site parodies a French dating site and urges people to donate by “adopting a priest.”

Before you pass judgement, I urge you to visit the site and browse around. If you don’t know French you can translate it by right clicking in Chrome and selection “Translate to English.”

I don’t have a firm opinion on this. I am glad the diocese is reaching out; the numbers reveal they clearly need new donors. The site looks snazzy and impressive and I hope it brings in much needed funds to a region that I am sure is in much need of a boost.

But I do have a few thoughts/misgivings:

1. I feel like the format of the site, modeled after the popular French dating site Adopt a Guy, underestimates young Catholics. Chances are, if you are young and Catholic in France you’re the kind of person who thrives on going against the grain. You’re ok being the odd person out, because you are loyal to God and to your faith. I’m not sure this kind of young person is going to be too thrilled with this kind of presentation…

2. Is it just me, or does the site objectify priests? I’m used to seeing nuns on mugs and calendars but I think this steps far beyond even that kind of obvious objectification. It’s not just that it is modeled after a dating site and uses language that is usually reserved for cute puppies in animal shelters. Take a look at the “50% off'” retired priest or the priest photographed coming out of a box with a sheepish look on his face and the words “Ships Within 48 Hours” next to him. Yikes…

3.  Whether or not you think this is a good idea, I think it clearly screams the need for the New Evangelization in Europe. (Side note: Why aren’t there any religious orders dedicated to the reevangelization of Europe? This is the Church’s new mission territory!)

Let’s keep the diocese of Normandy in our prayers.

May they gain many new vocations and get the funds they need to minister to the people of France.

Update: A Twitter friend read the post and told me this campaign reminds him of this. No words….