Which priests or bishops get what titles?

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When I was a cub reporter, I quickly learned the first rule of journalism: Make sure to spell people's names correctly. When I came to the Catholic press, I was taught its corollary: Be careful to get clergy titles right, too.

What journalists are paid to do sometimes confounds everyday Catholics. What's the difference between a "Reverend" and a "Very Reverend"? What do you call a monsignor? How does one address a letter to a bishop (no doubt, to tell him how much you love U.S. CATHOLIC magazine)?

Since many of these titles harken back to medieval times when clergy and bishops were seen as royalty, literally "princes" of the church, some of them resemble tries for the monarchy. And since the church is hierarchical, let's start at the top:

The pope has the title "His Holiness" or "Your Holiness." He is also referred to as the "Holy Father" or "Most Holy Father."

Cardinals are addressed as "His Eminence" or "Your Eminence." Formal style puts "Cardinal" between his first and last names, although many Western media outlets now transpose that and start with the title "Cardinal."

Archbishops and bishops are addressed in writing as "The Most Reverend," and as "Your Excellency" face-to-face.

Priests are called "Father," but often given the title "The Rev." in writing. In some Catholic publications, however, "the Rev." is retained for Protestant clergy.

Some priests have been given the honorific title of "monsignor" and are thus addressed in writing as "Reverend Monsignor," often abbreviated in the media as "Msgr." Some say monsignors should be addressed as "The Very Right Reverend," although distinctions between "Right Reverend" and "Very Reverend" types of monsignors were eliminated after the Second Vatican Council, except for some members of the papal household or those who serve in some curial offices in the Vatican.

Some priests with certain diocesan duties, including vicar general, dean, rector, and others, are referred to as "The Very Reverend" even if they are not monsignors.

The title "The Right Reverend" is still used for abbots of religious orders. For them, and other religious, remember to include the initials of their order after their names.

In a democratic society such as the United States, and in an increasingly informal world, such formalities may seem odd or even offensive to some. They are, however, part of our tradition and help encourage respect for the church's offices.

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By HEIDI SCHLUMPF, managing editor at U.S. CATHOLIC.