Sarah Mitchell
A Catholic priest is typically referred to as Father, followed by their first or last name, for example, Father Fleming. Reverend is also used as a formal title for a priest, and Monsignor is an honorific for an outstanding priest. The term priest refers to presbyters and pastors (parish priests), and technically, bishops are a priestly order as well. However, in common English usage, the term priest is usually reserved for presbyters.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ordination | Ordained by bishops through the sacrament of holy orders |
| Title | Father, Reverend, Monsignor |
| Address | Your Excellency, Your Grace |
| Hierarchy | Below Bishop, Cardinal, Pope |
| Marital Status | Unmarried, committed to lifelong celibacy |
| Role | Minister of Divine worship, Leader of the church, Teacher |
| Duties | Leading mass, Taking confessions, Overseeing marriage prep |
| Rights | Asking for a benefice or ecclesiastical office, Collecting emoluments |
| Number of Priests Worldwide | 415,792 as of 31 December 2014 |
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What You'll Learn
Catholic priests are commonly addressed as 'Father'
Catholic priests are commonly addressed as "Father". This is an honorific, similar to how a person with a medical degree is addressed as "Doctor". For example, a Catholic priest may be addressed as "Father Fleming" or "Father Bill", depending on their preference.
The Latin words "sacerdos" and "sacerdotium" are used to refer to the ministerial priesthood shared by bishops and presbyters. The word presbyter is typically what one thinks of as a priest. The word comes from the Greek "presbyteroi", meaning "elders". In the Christian context, a priest is a minister of Divine worship, and especially of the highest act of worship, sacrifice.
Priests are ordained by bishops through the sacrament of holy orders. Bishops are themselves a priestly order, and Catholic bishops are ordained in an unbroken line of apostolic succession back to the Twelve Apostles depicted in the Catholic Bible. The ceremony of Eucharist, which can only be confected by priests, derives from the story of the Last Supper, when Jesus Christ distributed bread and wine in the presence of the Twelve Apostles.
In addition to "Father", priests may also be addressed as "Reverend", though this is more common in the United States and in writing. In the US, "Reverend" is used as an "honorific style" or "courtesy" for Catholic clerics. Catholic priests may also hold the position of "Brother" if they are a monk, or "Bishop" if they manage a diocese.
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Bishops are a priestly order
The Catholic Church has a clear hierarchy of ordained ministers, including deacons, priests, and bishops. Bishops are a priestly order, although the term "priest" in common English usage refers only to presbyters and pastors (parish priests). Bishops are distinct from priests and deacons in their roles and responsibilities within the Church.
Bishops are ordained ministers of the Catholic Church who hold a position of authority and oversight. They are successors to the apostles depicted in the Catholic Bible, who were instructed by Jesus Christ at the Last Supper to "do this in memory of me." Bishops are responsible for the appointment and ordination of priests and deacons, and they have the authority to confer the sacrament of holy orders. They are also responsible for the administration of church funds and programmes for the poor, and they have teaching and educational responsibilities. In the Latin Church, bishops must make regular ad limina visits to the Holy See every five years.
Bishops have a special concern for priests, and they are expected to listen to them, use them as counsellors, provide for their needs, and defend their rights as set forth in the Code of Canon Law. Bishops are also involved in granting permissions and faculties for priests to perform certain sacraments and liturgical functions. For example, a priest requires permission from the local bishop to publicly offer Mass or Divine Liturgy. Bishops also play a role in certifying theological books as free from doctrinal or moral error.
In terms of vestments, bishops typically wear specific garments such as the mitre, zucchetto, and stole when presiding over liturgical functions. When celebrating Mass, a bishop wears a chasuble, similar to a priest. The Caeremoniale Episcoporum provides recommendations for the vestments worn by bishops during solemn celebrations.
It is important to note that the term "bishop" refers to a specific role and rank within the Catholic Church. Bishops are ordained through the sacrament of holy orders and are responsible for the spiritual leadership and governance of a diocese or region. They are part of the priestly order but hold a distinct position and have unique responsibilities that set them apart from presbyters and pastors.
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Priests are ordained by bishops
In the Catholic Church, the term "priest" typically refers to presbyters and pastors (also known as parish priests). Bishops are also a priestly order, and the church's doctrine sometimes refers to all baptised members as the "common priesthood". However, in common usage, the term "priest" is usually reserved for presbyters.
> "The Father anointed our Lord Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. May Jesus preserve you to sanctify the Christian people and to offer sacrifice to God."
The Eucharist is central to the priesthood, and the bishop highlights this during the ordination ceremony by handing the ordinand a chalice and paten. This ritual is accompanied by the following words:
> "Accept from the holy people of God the gifts to be offered to him."
The ordination of a priest is distinct from that of a bishop, which is performed by several bishops. The ordination of a new bishop is also referred to as a consecration.
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Diocesan priests are under the direction of their local bishop
Diocesan priests, also known as secular priests, are under the direction of their local bishop. They are ordained by bishops through the sacrament of holy orders. Bishops are themselves a priestly order, and in the unbroken line of apostolic succession, they can trace their lineage back to the Twelve Apostles depicted in the Catholic Bible. Diocesan priests are typically assigned to a specific church or parish within a diocese, but they may also take on other roles within or outside of their diocese. For example, they may be appointed to diocesan posts, ministries, or other forms of service.
The term "priest" generally refers to presbyters and pastors (also known as parish priests) in common English usage. However, according to Catholic doctrine, the term "priest" can also include bishops. This distinction is reflected in the Latin words "sacerdos" and "sacerdotium," which refer to the ministerial priesthood shared by bishops and presbyters.
Diocesan priests have certain rights and duties that are conditioned by their specific situation. For example, a priest has the right to ask his bishop for a benefice or ecclesiastical office, and the bishop is obligated to provide one. This office ensures the priest a respectable living, including the right to collect emoluments and offerings attached to his ministry.
Diocesan priests are typically referred to as "Father" followed by their last name or, less commonly, their first name. This title is a relational address and an indication of their position, similar to the use of "Doctor" as an honorific. In some cases, a priest may be given the honorific "Monsignor" as a special recognition.
While the focus of this discussion is on diocesan priests, it is worth mentioning that the Catholic Church also has religious priests. Religious priests are professed members of a religious order or institute and live according to the rules of their respective orders. They are under the jurisdiction of both their local bishop and the superiors of their order.
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'Reverend' is a title for a priest
The Catholic Church has a clear hierarchy, with distinct roles and titles for each position.
The title "priest" is given to an ordained individual who has completed seminary and taken vows to lead mass. They are the ministers of Divine worship and are responsible for leading the church and its congregation. They are addressed as "Father" as an honorific, similar to how a medical doctor is addressed as "Doctor".
"Reverend" is a title that can be used for a priest, indicating that the individual has achieved a certain level of education and ordination in religion. It is an honorific style, similar to how "Doctor" indicates a level of achievement in medicine. Reverend is the written style of the secular clergy and is considered a formal and polite form of address, especially in writing. It is more commonly used in the United States and for other Christian religious leaders, but it can still be used for Catholic priests, particularly in formal or written contexts.
In addition to the titles of "Father" and "Reverend", an outstanding parish priest may be given the honorific of "Monsignor". Bishops, who are a priestly order, oversee dioceses or what Catholics consider counties. Priests are usually in charge of a specific church within a diocese.
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Frequently asked questions
Catholic priests are commonly addressed as "Father", followed by their first or last name (e.g. Father John or Father Kelly).
Catholic priests may also be referred to as "Reverend", especially in writing or in the US, or "Monsignor" if bestowed that honour by the Pope.
Bishops are in charge of a diocese, which can be thought of as a county, and are referred to as "Your Excellency" or "Your Grace". Bishops are above priests in the Catholic hierarchy.
