How to Address Catholic Clergy

Many years ago catholic clergy were easy to spot because nuns wore habits and others wore cassocks, the long black robe. Today priests may still wear their collar but some do not, and nuns are not always easy to spot without the telltale headdress. Although their garments have changed, catholic clergy still deserve respect so you need to know how to address them properly.

Instructions

1. Use the clergy's last name rather than their first. Address Father Joseph Smith as "Father Smith" not "Father Joseph" unless asked by the Father himself. If the priest asks that you call him by his first name, do not shorten it to "Father Joe."

2. Address other clergy using their title and their last name unless directed otherwise, like "Deacon Smith" and "Brother Smith."

3. Follow a different protocol when you address nuns because they do not use last names. Call an unknown nun or religious woman "Sister." A formal greeting would be to use their full name like "Sister Mary Katherine."

4. Speak to catholic bishops with the phrase "Your Excellency," archbishops with "Your Grace," patriarchs with "Your Beatitude" and cardinals with "Your Eminence." With all of these clergy, always stand when they enter or exit a room. A formal greeting would be to bow and kiss their ring.

5. Realize that the pope is the highest of all catholic clergy so give him the utmost respect. Address the pope with "Your Holiness" or "Holy Father" and stand when he enters or exits a room. Regardless of other clergy present, when the pope is in the room kneel on the left knee and kiss only his ring.