What a Father is to his family, a priest is on the spiritual level to his parishioners.  That is the whole point of priesthood.  

The notion that a priest heads a spiritual family of parishioners--why should that be offensive?  Why should that be bad?  How does that smack in the face of "discipleship?"  Someone always has to lead.  Why is it bad that the priest is that person?  What is the difference between a priest leading a parish and a board of trustees or elders?  Even on a board of elders or trustees there is always a president--someone who makes the decision or has more authority than everyone else.  Why do liberals hate authority--unless they are the ones exercising it?