Content

• Steps
• Tips
• Warnings
• Sources and Citation

Titles and appeals can be difficult when speaking with members of the clergy. Depending on where the clergy is located and where the priest resides, titles can range from minor changes to major shifts in formality. This article will help you determine how to identify and properly address members of the Catholic clergy.

Steps

1. 1 Determine the hierarchical status of the cleric or fasting. Below are a few identifying markers for various personalities that fall within the Catholic hierarchy. It is important to note that these are more guidelines than rules; The pastor may be Byzantine, but wear a Roman robe, for example.
   • Pope easy to distinguish by the fact that his daily robe (the garment worn by priests when they are not doing anything in a liturgical manner) is white. He is usually the only one who has a white robe (there is a small chance that members of the Eastern clergy may wear a white robe, since colors are not closely regulated in all Eastern churches, and some Latin priests are allowed to wear white robe in tropical countries).
   • At the Cardinal a red cassock (although it should be noted that at least one ordinary Eastern Bishop has one).
   • Metropolitan or Eastern Bishop can wear a loose cassock, a cassock (cloak-like clothing worn over a cassock with long, flowing sleeves), a high black hat, possibly with a veil; according to some Slavic traditions, the metropolitan's hat will be white, and Panagia, a medal with an icon of the Most Holy Theotokos on it.
   • Latin bishop can be recognized by the red cape, the patterns and buttons on his black cassock, the red belt around his waist, and the red yarmulke (Pileolus). He also wears a pectoral cross.
   • Monsignor famous for the red cape, patterns and buttons on his black cassock. But he does not wear a pectoral cross or a red yarmulke. This honorary title is usually no longer given in the East.
   • Archpriest possibly the Eastern Catholic equivalent to the title of Monsignor. If he decides to wear a hat, it can be purple or red. In a liturgical setting, he can also wear a cross like a bishop. In addition, he dresses like an Eastern Rite priest.
   • Priest of the Eastern Rite dresses like a bishop with some exceptions. Instead of Panagia, he wears a pectoral cross. Instead of a hood, he can wear a black kamilavka.In some churches this is a reward, while in others, this option is available to any priest.
   • Latin priest wears a tighter matching robe. He also wears a white collar.
   • Eastern deacon dresses in the same way as a priest of the Eastern rite, minus the breast cross.
2. 2 An appeal to the Deacon: At the time of official introduction, the Permanent Deacon must be introduced as "Deacon (First and Last Name)". Directly to him must be addressed as "Deacon (Surname)" or on paper as "Reverend (Name and surname)". If he is a seminarian who is a transitional Deacon, then he should be introduced as “Deacon (First and Last Name)”. Personally, he must be addressed as "Deacon (Surname)" or on paper as "Reverend (Name and surname)".
3. 3 Address to Brother: At the time of official introduction, the Brother must be introduced as "Brother (Name) (community name)". He should be directly addressed as “Brother (Name)” or on paper as “Reverend Brother (Name), (initials of his community)”.
4. 4 Address to the Sister: During the formal introduction, the sister must be introduced as "Sister (Name) (Community Name)". She should be addressed directly as “Sister (First and Last Name)” or “Sister”, and on paper as “Reverend Sister (First and Last Name), (the initials of her community).
5. 5 Addressing a religious priest: During the official introduction, the religious priest must be introduced as "Reverend Father (First and Last Name) (Community Name)". Personally, he should be addressed as "Father (Surname)" or simply "Father", and on paper as "Reverend Father (First Name, Patronymic, Surname), (the initials of his community).
6. 6 An appeal to the Mother Superior. At the time of the formal introduction, the Mother Superior is to be introduced as “Reverend Mother (First and Last Name) (Community Name). It should be addressed directly as "Reverend Mother (First and Last Name)", "Reverend Mother", or on paper as "Reverend Mother (First and Last Name) (community initials)".
7. 7 Address to the diocesan (or secular) priest: During the official introduction, the diocesan priest must be introduced as "Reverend Father (First and Last Name)". Personally, he should be addressed as "Father (Name and / or Surname)" or simply "Father", but on paper as "Reverend Father (Name and / or Surname)." Note that you must stand when he enters the room (until he allows you to sit down), and stand again when he leaves it.
8. 8 Address to the vicar, archbishop, canon, senior priest and pastor: At the time of official introduction, he must be presented as "Reverend Father / Vicar (Name and Surname)". Personally, he must be addressed as "Reverend (Surname)" or "Father (Surname)", and on paper as "Reverend Father (vicar, archbishop, canon, etc.) (Name and surname)". Note that just like with the Priest, you must stand when he enters the room (until he allows you to sit down), and stand again when he leaves.
9. 9 An appeal to the Monsignor. At the time of the official presentation, the Monsignor must be presented as "The Reverend Monsignor (First and Last Name)". Directly to him should be addressed as "Monsignor (Surname)" or simply "Monsignor", and on paper as "Reverend Monsignor (Name and Surname)". Note that just like with the Priest, you must stand when he enters the room (until he allows you to sit down), and stand again when he leaves.
10. 10 An appeal to the bishop. At the time of the official introduction, the bishop must be introduced as "His Reverend Excellency, (First and Last Name), Bishop (domicile)." Directly to him should be addressed as "Your Excellency", or on paper as "His Excellency, the Most Reverend (name and surname), Bishop (location)".Remember that you must stand when he enters the room (until he allows you to sit down), and stand again when he leaves it. Take off your hat when he is present and you need to kiss the sacred ring, both when greeting and when leaving. If this is your Bishop, you must kneel down while kissing the ring (however, a tilted waist is also acceptable); however, do not do so in the presence of the Pope.
11. 11 An appeal to the archbishop. At the time of the official presentation, the Archbishop must be represented in the same manner as above as the Bishop. However, in some parts of Canada, especially in the West, the Archbishop is commonly referred to as "His Eminence." In this case, at the time of the official presentation, the Archbishop can be represented as "His Eminence (Name and surname), Archbishop (Location)". Directly to him should be addressed as "Your Eminence" or "Archbishop (Surname)", or on paper as "His Eminence, the Most Reverend (Name and surname), Archbishop (location)". Note that just as with the Bishop, you must stand when he enters the room (until he allows you to sit down), and stand again when he leaves. Take off your hat when he is present and you need to kiss the sacred ring, both when greeting and when leaving. If this is your Archbishop, you must kneel down while kissing the ring (however, a tilted waist is also acceptable); however, do not do this in the presence of the Pope ..
12. 12 An appeal to the Patriarch. During the official introduction, the Patriarch shall be introduced as "His Beatitude, (First and Last Name) Patriarch (Location)". Personally, he should be addressed as "Your Beatitude" (except for Lisbon, where he is referred to as "His Eminence"), or on paper as "His Beatitude, Eminent (Name and Surname) Patriarch (Location)". Note that just like with the Archbishop, you must stand when he enters the room (until he allows you to sit down), and stand again when he leaves. Take off your hat when he is present and you need to kiss the sacred ring, both when greeting and when leaving. If this is your Patriarch, you must kneel down while kissing the ring (however, a tilted waist is also acceptable); however, do not do so in the presence of the Pope.
13. 13 An appeal to the Cardinal. During the official introduction, the Cardinal shall be introduced as "His Eminence, (Name) Cardinal (Surname), Patriarch (Location)". Personally, he should be addressed as "Your Eminence" or "Cardinal (Surname)", and on paper as "His Eminence, (Name) Cardinal (Surname), Archbishop (Location)". Please note that, just like under the Patriarch, you must stand when he enters the room (until he allows you to sit down), and stand up again when he leaves. Take off your hat when he is present and you need to kiss the sacred ring, both when greeting and when leaving. If this is your Bishop, you must kneel down while kissing the ring (however, a tilted waist is also acceptable); however, do not do so in the presence of the Pope.
14. 14 Address to the Pope. During the official introduction, the Pope is to be introduced as "His Holiness the Pope (Name)". Directly to him should be addressed as "Your Holiness" or "Holy Father", and on paper as "His Holiness, Pope (Name)" or "Supreme Pontiff, His Holiness (Name)". Remember that men should wear dark suits and ties and hats in his presence, while women should wear black dresses and cover their heads and arms.(White for women is a privilege for Catholic queens and select royals.) Stand when he walks into the room (until he allows you to sit down) and again when he walks out. When introducing, get down on your left knee and kiss his ring; repeat before it leaves.

Tips

• The custom of kissing the hands of a priest who has just celebrated his first Liturgy or who has been celebrated with a special Liturgy close to the time of his ordination remains widespread.
• If it relates to communication, list academic credentials such as Ph.D. at the end of the greeting.
• You should not kneel before a bishop who is not your diocesan bishop. A problem will arise if more than one bishop is present. Bow, kneel, then bow, etc. uncomfortable anyway.
• When kissing the ring of your diocesan bishop, traditionally bow your left knee, although, like kissing, this may no longer be accepted in your area. Today, kneeling before a bishop is usually not part of ordinary protocol. It is best to consider the custom that makes the bishop himself most comfortable; watch others greet him.
• Clerics may not address anyone in an unofficial manner at any time, except in private conversation, and only if the persons involved are in an informal relationship. The priest should always address people with their proper names: Mr., Ms., Dr., Reverend, Father, Monsignor, Bishop, etc. Clerics can address young people by their name. In a formal setting, such as a wedding, baptism, or funeral, the priest should address people in a formal manner.
• In many places, kissing a bishop's or cardinal's ring is a long-standing tradition that is still accepted today; while elsewhere, it is rare. If you are unsure of its application in your area, observe how others approach the Bishop with a question; if no one kisses his ring, or if you have reason to believe that he would rather that this respect for his office was not shown, just politely shake the bishop's hand if he reaches out to you.
• The general rule is to always be formal. Familiarity is not permissible with any priest, only if you are not a relative, and if so, then only in person. Being informal is not allowed in public or with anyone, except if you are a relative or close friend, and are under personal circumstances. If you are with a close friend who is a Bishop and you are in public, you should refer to him as “Bishop”. The same model is used for individuals with other professional positions such as Doctor and for honorary titles such as Monsignor. Addressing a close friend who is a Bishop as "John" or "Marty" is indecent in public circumstances and will confuse you.
• In some countries, kissing the priest's hand is traditionally practiced, which remains common. Again, observe if this is practiced in a given situation.
• It should also be noted that Catholic colors are often confused with Orthodox colors. Although there are similarities in rituals and worship, names and titles, the Orthodox are not Catholics.
• If the priest has the honorary title of Monsignor, refer to him as “Monsignor (Surname)” instead of “Father”, follow the same rules for oral and written forms of addressing priests.
• The use of the word "Father" as a verbal name originated in Europe and was only used with priests who were members of a monastic order. This distinguished the hieromonk ("Father") from the lay monk ("Brother") who was not a priest. In Italy, for example, the parish priest was called "Don (Name)".Don means sir or polite lord, and is not a religious name. Don is a somewhat informal name, but respectful. It can be used with any man you know personally.
• Never add designations for advanced degrees that are lower than doctoral degrees (for example, Bachelor's, Master's, Bachelor of Sacred Theology, Licentiate of Sacred Theology). There are exceptions. The author of a book or doctrine wishes to indicate the Master's or Licentiate's degree appended to his name as part of his identification as an author. And in some Catholic religious orders there are honorary titles that are outside of doctoral studies. For example, in the Dominican Order, the title of Master of Sacred Theology is given only to those who have published several internationally recognized books and taught at the doctoral faculty for 10 years. This is obviously far beyond the scope of the "doctor." The best principle in this is to check if a clergyman with a doctorate degree is using a different academic title instead in his new style.
• Catholic bishops and Catholic priests in the audience with the Holy Father must follow the protocol prescribed in front of the audience. Bishops and priests must act evenly with the Papal audience. This means that if the first Bishop or Priest meets the Holy Father and kneels down to kiss the Papal ring, the others must do the same. Don't initiate your own protocol. Follow the instructions given in front of the audience with the Holy Father.
• In North America and Europe, Catholic Priests may be verbally referred to as “Rev. (Surname)” or “Rev. Doctor (Surname)” (if he has a doctorate). In the United States, it is perfectly acceptable to call any Christian clergyman "Reverend." With any clergyman, you must include a doctorate or any honorary title, such as Rev. Dr. John Smith, Ph.D., or Rev. Monsignor John Smith. Do not abbreviate "Reverend" unless you are writing an informal memo, and always insert definite articles before "Reverend."

Warnings

• Never reach out to someone you don't know, and never to someone of the highest rank (keep in mind that we are all Children of God and there is really no “rank” within the church). In America's parishes, many priests greet parishioners after the Liturgy with or without physical contact. If in doubt, leave it alone.
• Some clerics feel uncomfortable, for theological and personal reasons, insisting on a title. Others prefer the title to be used. When in doubt, simply address using the most formal name available and let it prompt a less formal style of address.

Sources and Citation

• Tradition in Action on how to address Catholic clergy