How to Address Catholic Clergy
Steps
1. Identify the clergyman's rank: Pope, Bishop, Priest, or Deacon.
2. Be aware of additional titles like "Doctor" or honorary titles, like "Monsignor."
3. Identify the form of address to be verbal or written.
4. Address Deacons verbally as "Mr. Last Name". If you are addressing a letter to a transitional deacon, use "Rev. Mr. Full Name". A transitional deacon is one who will be ordained a priest. Permanent deacons are addressed as "Mr. Last Name". Sometimes, a Deacon can be addressed, simply: "Deacon Last Name."
5. Address Western Church Priests verbally as "Father First Name" OR "Father Last Name" depending on their personal preference. Some persons who are not Catholic and also certain Catholics prefer to address Catholic priests as "Reverend". In some parts of Europe,for example, in Italy, it is common even for Catholics to address a priest as "Reverendo" especially in the absence of any other title. "Reverend", while not originally a title, has become a title with usage and has been common in the U.S.A. for at least 40 years. It is only necessary to say the last name once, if at all, depending on the circuмstances. After that, simply call him "Father". In writing a letter, address the letter to "The Reverend Full Name" and append any doctoral degree (like Ph.D. or D.D.) if the priest has such a degree. Do not address letters to priests as "Reverend Father". In the address field write "The Reverend Full Name, Doctoral Degrees only," if any. Begin your letter with "Dear Reverend Last Name" or "Reverend Last Name" for a greater degree of formality; or "Dear Father Last Name." (NB: This advice differs from that offered by Debretts, who suggest that a formal salutation is "Dear Reverend Father". It is incorrect to write Dear Reverend Smith, as "reverend" is an adjective and should be prefixed by "The" when using the priest's name; as you would do in the address, i.e. "The Reverend John Smith" and not Reverend John Smith. Indeed, on that point the preceding advice is contradictory.)
6. Address Bishops verbally as "Bishop Last Name". [/b]It is optional to add his last name. If you say the Bishop's last name, do so only once. After that, simply address him as "Bishop". Address letters to "The Most Reverend Full Name, D.D.", then add any other doctoral degrees, if he has any. In conversation, a bishop may be addressed "Bishop" without name. It is preferable to use no name than to call the Bishop by his first name. Simply address him as "Bishop". In some cases, the most formal way to address a Bishop is "Your Excellency". The equivalent for Archbishops is "Your Grace". However, many senior clergy are extremely unlikely to insist upon this very high style of address.
7. Address Cardinals verbally as "Cardinal Last Name" or "Your Eminence" without name. If you address the Cardinal as "Cardinal Last Name", do so only once. After that, address him as "Your Eminence". Address letters to "His Eminence, First Name Cardinal Last Name." If the Cardinal is a Bishop, add "D.D." and any other doctoral degrees he may have, after his last name.
8. Address the Pope verbally as "Holy Father" or "Your Holiness". Never say the Pope's name in a conversation with him. Address letters to "His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI."
Tips
- In many places kissing the ring of a Bishop or Cardinal, a longstanding tradition, remains customary; while in other places, it is uncommon. If unsure of the practice in your locale, observe how others approach the bishop in question; if none kiss his ring or if you have reason to believe that he would prefer that this deference to his office not be shown, just politely shake the hand of the bishop if he extends his hand to you.
- When kissing the ring of your own diocesan bishop, it is traditional to genuflect on the left knee although, as with the kiss itself, this may no longer be customary in your locale. Today, genuflecting to bishops is usually not a part of the usual protocol. It is best to observe the custom with which the bishop himself will feel most comfortable; observe how others greet him.
- One ought not to genuflect at all to a bishop that is not your diocesan bishop. A problem will exist if there is more than one bishop present. A sequence of bowing, then genuflecting, then bowing, etc. is awkward at best.
- In some countries the traditional practice of kissing the hand of a priest remains customary. Again, observe what is the practice in a given situation.
- It remains a widespread custom to kiss the hands of a priest who has just celebrated his first Mass or who has celebrated a special Mass close to the time of his ordination.
- In North America and Europe, Catholic Priests may be verbally addressed as "Reverend Last Name" or "Reverend Doctor Last Name" (if he has a doctoral degree). In the U.S.A. it is perfectly acceptable to call any Christian clergyperson, "Reverend". With any clergyman you should include a doctoral degree or any honorary title, e.g., The Reverend Dr. John Smith, Ph.D., or The Reverend Msgr. John Smith. Do not abbreviate "Reverend" unless you are writing an informal note, and always include the definite article "The" before "Reverend".
- The use of "Father" as a verbal title originated in Europe and was only used with priests who were members of a monastic order. It distinguished the priest-monk("Father") from a lay person-monk ("Brother") who was not a priest. In Italy, for example, a parish priest is called "Don First Name". "Don" means "Sir" or a polite "Mister" and is not a religious title. "Don" is a little informal, but it is respectful. It can be used with any man that you personally know.
- If a priest has the honorary title of Monsignor, call them "Monsignor Last Name" instead of "Father", following the same rules concerning verbal and written forms of address for priests.
- Never append designations of academic degrees that are less than doctoral (e.g. BA, MA, STB, STL). There is one exception. The author of a book or study may wish to indicate a master's degree (MA) or licentiate degree (STL) appended to his name as part of his identification as the author.
- A general rule is always to be formal. Familiarity is not proper with any clergyman unless you are a relative, and then, only in private. Informality is never proper in public or with anyone unless you are a relative or a close friend, and you are in private circuмstances. If you are with your close friend who is a Bishop and you are in public, you must address him as "Bishop". The same model is used for persons with other professional titles, like "Doctor" or honorary titles like "Monsignor". Referring to your close friend who is a Bishop as "John" or "Marty" in public circuмstances is improper, and it will embarrass you.
- Clergymen may not address anyone in an informal manner at any time except in private conversation and only if the persons involved are in an informal relationship. A clergyman must always address people with their proper title: Mr., Mrs., Dr., Reverend, Father, Monsignor, Bishop, etc. Clergymen may address young persons by their first name. In a formal setting, as in making wedding or baptism or funeral arrangements, the clergyman must address people in a formal manner.
- Catholic Bishops and Catholic Priests in audience with the Holy Father should follow the protocol prescribed before the audience. Bishops and Priests should act uniformly at a Papal audience. This means that if the first Bishop or Priest to meet the Holy Father genuflects to kiss the Papal ring, others should do the same. Do not initiate your own protocol. Follow the instructions given before the audience with the Holy Father.
Topic: help! (Read 3122 times)