Q&A for How to Address a Letter to a Priest

Address the letter Very Reverend first name, middle initial, last name.

Jesus gives priests a special vocation, that is often one of the hardest and most grueling vocations God gives. He, himself, grants priests special dignity to celebrate the sacraments. In a way, priests are royalty among their parish, because they are often looked at for leadership and wisdom, like a lay person cannot give.

On an envelope you would write "The Reverend Canon (Last name)". When speaking to him, you would address a canon as "Father" or "Your Reverence".

You will most likely be able to chat with him after mass. Or you could try to get his email address and contact him that way.

For a regular priest, address it to The Reverend (First name) (Last name). For a canon, address it to The Reverend Canon (Last name), and for a vicar or dean, address it to The Very Reverend (First name) (Last name).

First greet him, and later ask him how you may be of help to him. After he has told you, help him with want he wants and thank him, wish him blessings and a safe journey back to where he is from.

The Reverend and Mrs. John Doe. Most Catholic priests are not married, though.

Generally no. The most appropriate way to address a bishop or archbishop is “Your Excellency” or, in formal writing, “Most Reverend Bishop N., Bishop/Archbishop of the Diocese/Archdiocese of N.” In formal salutations, it is appropriate to address the bishop/archbishop as “Most Reverend Excellence” or “Most Reverend Excellency.”

Assuming that the priest is not a vicar or religious superior, you would address him as Reverend Father (Full Name). If the priest is a vicar or religious superior, you would address him as Very Reverend Father (Full Name.) If the pastor of the parish is a bishop, you would address him as The Most Reverend Bishop (Full Name.)