Q&A for How to Address Catholic Clergy

You don't have to do anything. The main thing is the attitude of respect during the celebration.

Yes. He is human, too.

You would still address them as Father/Monsignor because they have the same authority robed or disrobed.

Address a retired priest the same as you would a serving priest, he is still ordained.

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.

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."

Just call him Father -- it's fine! Monsignor is a title, not a form of address.

Envelope: The Most Reverend (Full name) Bishop of (place) (Address). Letter salutation: Dear Bishop (surname).

Yes. In the confessional, the priest is representing God. When the priest is hearing confessions, the Holy Ghost is directly inspiring him.

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.

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.

"Bishop [last name]." Other members of the church are referred to as "Brother" or "Sister" when at church-related events.

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.

You would still address him as "Your Excellency." You'll call him "Your Eminence" after his ceremony.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

The Ecclesiastical title of Very Reverend is used if that priest has been appointed as a vicar or a dean by the Bishop.

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.

The cardinal would be: His Eminence or Your Eminence. The pope would be: Your Holiness or Holy Father.

Ask them if they would prefer to be called "father" or Dr. "last name". They may prefer one to the other.

You should address them as Rev. Fr. in writing or just Father when in person.

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.

Typically, when addressing a card to a married couple, you write "Rev. and Mrs. John Doe." If the wife is the deacon or priest, then use "Mr. and Rev. Jane Doe."

If you are referring to the acolytes on the altar, they generally don't have a formal title. Those in the diaconate, whether permanent or transitional, are referred to as Deacon [last name].

The Pope is the highest-ranking member of the Catholic clergy. He derives his authority from his office as Vicar of Jesus Christ, Successor of the Prince of the Apostles, and Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church.

Address a Catholic priest as Father. You may choose to say Father followed by their first or last name, depending on your relationship with them.

Address your letter with "Dear Rev/Sir/Ma'am" to cover all bases. If possible, try to find more information by asking around or checking if they have a website.

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.