Ecclesiastical Forms of Address
in
The National Catholic Church of America (NCCA)

This guideline is provided for those communicating with members of the clergy and religious of our Church. The forms of address given here should always be used unless you have been asked by a particular member of the clergy or a religious to address him or her in some other manner.

The Order of Bishops

 The Primate (or Primate emeritus)
Envelope -The Most Reverend Richard G. Roy, OSJD
Primate of The National Catholic Church of America
(local address)

Salutation -(formal) Your Grace,
(informal) Dear Archbishop Roy,

Complimentary Close -(formal) Sincerely yours in Christ,
(informal) Sincerely yours,

In Conversation -(formal) Your Grace
(informal) Archbishop Roy

Other Bishops
Envelope -The Most Reverend John P. Smith, D.D. (or religious order initials)
Bishop (or Auxiliary Bishop) of the Diocese of ______________
(local address)

Salutation -(formal) Your Excellency,
(informal) Dear Bishop Smith,

Closing -(formal) Sincerely Yours in Christ,
(informal) Sincerely,

In Conversation -(formal) Your Excellency
(informal) Bishop Smith

The Order of Priests (Presbyters)

Envelope -Reverend Father William E. Morgenstern (religious order initials, as needed)
(Title, Church or ministry)
(local address)

Salutation -(formal) Dear Father Morgenstern,
(informal) Dear Father,

Complimentary Close -(formal) Sincerely yours in Christ,
(informal) Sincerely,

In Conversation -(formal) Father Morgenstern
(informal) Father

 Note: The styles "The Right Reverend" should be used for Abbots, "Reverend Msgr." for Monsignors and "Very Reverend" when a priest holds this privilege as a dean, rector, major superior, etc.)

The Order of Deacons

Envelope -Reverend Deacon John Smith (whether transitional or permanent)
(Title, Church or ministry)
(local address)

Salutation -(formal) Dear Deacon Smith,
(informal) Dear Deacon,

Complimentary Close -(formal) Sincerely in Christ,
(informal) Sincerely,

In Conversation -(formal) Deacon Smith,
(informal) Deacon

Religious (non-ordained only)

Envelope -Brother Stehpen K. Peterson, OSJD
(Title, Church or ministry)
(local address)

Salutation -(formal) Dear Brother Peterson,
(informal) Dear Brother, or Dear Brother Stephen,

Complimentary Close -(formal) Sincerely yours in Christ,
(informal) Sincerely yours,

In Conversation -(formal) Brother Peterson
(informal) Brother, Brother Stephen

Note: For the sake of brevity, only the male forms of address have been listed above. However, since women may hold all offices within the Church, the corresponding female usage applies to the appropriate titles; e.g., Her Grace (for The Primate), Her Excellency (for Bishops), The Right Reverend (for Abbesses), Reverend Msgr. (for Monsignors) Very Reverend Mother, or Reverend Mother, as appropriate (for Priests), Reverend Deacon (for Deacons) and Sister (for non-ordained Religious).
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Hit # since April 28, 2002.
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