How to Address a Roman Catholic Deacon

How to Address a Roman Catholic Deacon?
         Having attended Catholic school for many years, I was sure that we had had some deacons/seminarians in high school who were called Reverend Mr. ___. With some Googling I have found this is the correct form of address used for a deacon who is preparing to be ordained a priest, who is called a “transitional deacon.”
        What do you think of this advice? 
        So my question today is how to address a deacon on the outside envelope. We are addressing some some beautiful Crane’s wedding invitations that have to be just perfect!
                   – Chris Wilder, Syosset, New York

Dear Ms. Wilder:
       People I've consulted with in the Roman Catholic hierarchy say there are two types of Roman Catholic deacons — Permanent Deacons who are not addressed as “The Reverend.” … and Transitional Deacons {seminary graduates on their way to becoming priests} who are addresses as "The Reverend".  So that would suggest you will need to find out which type of deacon you are inviting.
       TRANSITIONAL DEACON
              Outside envelope for an invitation:
                     The Reverend Mr. (Full Name)
                     (Address)
              Inside envelope for an invitation:
                     Deacon (Surname)
       PERMANENT DEACON
              Outside envelope for an invitation:
                     Deacon (Full Name)
                     (Address)
              Inside envelope for an invitation:
                    Deacon (Surname)
       In formal address, use The Reverend … not just Reverend. It is a courtesy title used just like The Honorable ... with a The and always preceding a full name.
       The use of  The Reverend + Mr.  is unusual in the United States. The American tradition is to use just one courtesy title or honorific before the name. E.g., a Navy Captain who is also a physician is not addressed as “Captain Dr. (name).” or a member of the House of Representatives who is an PhD would not be "The Honorable Dr. (name)."
       Double titles are typical in the UK, and when people tell me of such a form ("Reverend Mr.”), I always wonder if their source isn’t a British (Church of England) style guide?  While I’ve seen The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. here and there … it is not what they use that at The King Center in Atlanta. They use The Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  He was a The Reverend and he held a doctorate, but used one honorific or courtesy title at a time.
       Note to other readers: I am interested in hearing from you if you have an opinion.  (See two of the notes below from others.)
       — Robert Hickey

Dear Mr. Hickey,
       As a deacon, I can tell you that in the Diocese of Trenton (and other NJ dioceses I believe), there are two standards:
              Permanent Deacons are addressed: Deacon__________
              Transitional Deacons are addressed The Reverend Mr.________
       I believe this is fairly consistent throughout the US.
              – Deacon Kevin

Dear Mr. Hickey:
       Get real – why are we splitting hairs? In the Roman Catholic church we do have “transitional” and “permanent” deacons – but the ministry is the same. Therefore you address either deacon the same. Formal address is The Reverend Mr. _____. In conversation it is simply Deacon _____. The transitional deacon will go on to priestly ordination and formally become The Reverend _____ and in conversation be addressed as Father ____. Permanent deacons remain as they were. Same ministry – same title – no difference – only the length of time in that ministry.
              – Deacon Dale

Not Finding Your Question Answered?
Below are other topics covered in my blog and at right is a list of officials, Between the two I probably have what you are looking for.
     After hunting around a bit, if you don't see your question answered send me an e-mail. I am pretty fast at sending a reply: usually the next day (unless I am traveling.)
      If I think your question is of interest to others, I will post the question & answer – with your name and any personal specifics changed.
      -- Robert Hickey

USE OF NAMES & HONORIFICS   
Mr., Miss, Jr., III, & Names        
Married Women       
Deceased Persons         
People with Two Titles
Post-Nominal Abbreviations and Initials           
Joint Forms of Address    (How to address a couple?)   

USE OF SPECIFIC OFFICIAL TITLES        
Former Officials            
Professionals and Academics        

United States Federal Officials, Currently In Office             
United States State Officials, Currently In Office              
United States Municipal Officials, Currently In Office             
       All About The Honorable with U.S. Officials         
       Former United States Officials of all types             
United States Armed Services, Active Duty             
       Addressing Retired Personnel      
       Use of Rank by Retired Personnel      
       Use of Rank by Veterans      

Tribal Officials             
Clergy and Religious Officials           
Canadian Officials         
Australian Officials          
British Officials, Royalty, and Nobility        
Diplomats and International Representatives            
Foreign National Officials and Nobility        

SPECIFIC SITUATIONS
Business Cards       
Etiquette             
Flags and Anthem Protocol             
Introductions            
Invitations: Writing & Addressing         
Invitations: Just Armed Service Personnel        
Name Tags            
Names on Programs, Signs, & Lists            
Naming a Building or Road            
Place Cards            
Plaques, Awards, Diplomas, Certificates    
Precedence: Ordering Officials           
Thank You Notes             

Back to directory of titles  /  See who is using Honor & Respect

For forms of address for invitations, place cards, name badges, introductions, conversation, and all other formal uses, see Honor & Respect: the Official Guide to Names, Titles, and Forms of Address.

Copyright © 2013 Robert Hickey.     All Rights Reserved.
Photo: Marc Goodman.