Q&A for How to Address Catholic Clergy

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  • Question
    What can people in wheelchairs do as an alternative to standing when the clergy enters/leaves the room?
    Community Answer
    You don't have to do anything. The main thing is the attitude of respect during the celebration.
  • Question
    Is it OK to talk to the pope?
    Community Answer
    Yes. He is human, too.
  • Question
    How should I address a disrobed priest?
    Community Answer
    You would still address them as Father/Monsignor because they have the same authority robed or disrobed.
  • Question
    How do I address correspondence to a retired priest? Do I address it as Father John Doe, or John Doe and then initials for a priest?
    Community Answer
    Address a retired priest the same as you would a serving priest, he is still ordained.
  • Question
    My nephew is a priest. Do I say "Father," or call him by his fist name?
    Rice18
    Community Answer
    As he is a part of your family, and you probably know him well, you can call him by his first name. However, if you feel more comfortable calling him Father, that is also acceptable.
  • Question
    How can I address a personal letter to a priest?
    Community Answer
    It really depends on what religion you are referring to. For example, if your priest is Christian, you would most likely start the letter, "Dear Father."
  • Question
    How do I address the Monsignor when he's in the black shirt and collar?
    Community Answer
    Just call him Father -- it's fine! Monsignor is a title, not a form of address.
  • Question
    How do I address a letter and an envelope to a bishop?
    Community Answer
    Envelope: The Most Reverend (Full name) Bishop of (place) (Address). Letter salutation: Dear Bishop (surname).
  • Question
    In the confessional, is the priest taking the place of God (i.e. in His place)?
    Christy
    Community Answer
    Yes. In the confessional, the priest is representing God. When the priest is hearing confessions, the Holy Ghost is directly inspiring him.
  • Question
    How do I address the auxiliary bishop?
    Community Answer
    You should address him the same way as you would the Bishop without kissing the ring, as he won't have one, and without bowing or kneeling.
  • Question
    What's the protocol for visiting a priest at his home?
    Community Answer
    Bring a fruit basket or something. There's nothing inherently special about a priest. They're just human beings. Treat him like you would anybody else.
  • Question
    How would I address/refer to a Mormon bishop?
    Community Answer
    "Bishop [last name]." Other members of the church are referred to as "Brother" or "Sister" when at church-related events.
  • Question
    If I convert to Catholicism, can I become a monk?
    Community Answer
    Becoming a monk is a serious decision and should be pondered for a long time. You can convert to Catholicism by recieving the Holy Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. Upon receiving these sacraments, you may address an abbey to be received as a monk.
  • Question
    How do I address an archbishop who is about to become a cardinal?
    Community Answer
    You would still address him as "Your Excellency." You'll call him "Your Eminence" after his ceremony.
  • Question
    How should I sign off on a letter to a priest?
    Community Answer
    You may sign with a digitized version of your signature or by signing by hand in pen on the printed letter. There is no special ending you need to include beyond that.
  • Question
    Why do we have such customs that place one person as subservient and the other as superior in the Church when Jesus spoke against such lording it over people? All people have an inherent equal dignity.
    CodeNameViper
    Community Answer
    Just like how the president has “more power” than the average citizen, he/she still has the same dignity as every other person. It is no different than having a boss at work - you and him/her have the same dignity, but your boss has more power.
  • Question
    I want to use a salutation on a holy card for five Franciscans living in a friary who are also priests and serve in all the Masses at our church.
    CodeNameViper
    Community Answer
    You should address them as Rev. Fr. in writing or just Father when in person.
  • Question
    How can I address a Catholic priest who is a doctor?
    Patrick Moore
    Community Answer
    Ask them if they would prefer to be called "father" or Dr. "last name". They may prefer one to the other.
  • Question
    If you want to write a letter to the cardinal and the pope, how do you address them?
    Community Answer
    The cardinal would be: His Eminence or Your Eminence. The pope would be: Your Holiness or Holy Father.
  • Question
    What is the official title of a priest who has a doctorate? Should he be called Rev Doctor Last Name? Or does the Catholic Church not recognize priest who have a doctorate?
    CodeNameViper
    Community Answer
    You should address the priest as Father. If he has a doctorate, the abbreviations would after his name when addressing him on paper. The term Reverend should only be used when addressing the priest on paper. In all other situations, err on the side of calling the priest Father.
  • Question
    What is a very reverend father?
    CodeNameViper
    Community Answer
    The Ecclesiastical title of Very Reverend is used if that priest has been appointed as a vicar or a dean by the Bishop.
  • Question
    I am taking care of a retired monsignor who needs a nurse. How should I address him?
    CodeNameViper
    Community Answer
    Always address him as “Father” or “Monsignor” unless he explicitly tells you otherwise. Assuming that this priest is in good standing with the Church, one should always address him as “Father” or “Monsignor.”
  • Question
    Is it considered rude to call a priest by his middle name?
    CodeNameViper
    Community Answer
    If the priest asks you to call him by his middle name, then no. But always make sure to use the title “Father” before any name (Example: Father John.) It is considered highly disrespectful to address a priest as Mr. or just by his name unless you know the priest personally and he has given you permission to call him by his name.
  • Question
    How does one address a monk in a monastery?
    CodeNameViper
    Community Answer
    One would address a monk in a monastery as Brother, unless that monk is a priest. In this case you would address him as Father. If it is unknown whether said monk is also a priest, one should generally err on the side of referring to him as Brother.
  • Question
    What is the difference between an archbishop and a cardinal?
    Community Answer
    A cardinal is a level above archbishop. An archbishop is the bishop of an archodiocese, and a cardinal is someone appointed by the pope who also advises the pope.
  • Question
    How to write the conclusion of a letter to a priest?
    Community Answer
    You could write it as "Sincerely, __", "God's Blessings, __", May God Bless you, __", etc.
  • Question
    My religious convictions prohibit me from referring to a Catholic Priest as "F_ther" based upon Matthew 23:9. What other way can I refer to a Catholic Priest that is acceptable and respectful?
    Community Answer
    If he is the pastor you can just call him pastor. If there is another priest in the church you can explain your situation and ask him yourself. Most priests are understanding and will give you another title to call him.
  • Question
    When you speak of a disrobed priest, are you meaning a defrocked priest? A defrocked priest should not be called Father. Is that not correct?
    CageyCat
    Top Answerer
    You are correct that the term most used is defrocked. You are also correct that a former priest now defrocked should not retain the title Father (nor Priest). That former priest does retain all of his education and any degrees earned.
  • Question
    How do I address a letter, envelope, and letter page to a cardinal?
    Community Answer
    When writing a letter to a cardinal address them as Your Eminence, Cardinal (Name and Surname).
  • Question
    What are the greetings and salutations for a prophet?
    Community Answer
    Prophesy is a gift from God not a position in the Church, so you would address them as you would any other person in their position (i.e. Mr., Mrs., Miss, Dr., Fr. etc.).
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