Introduction

As a former active member of the Catholic Church, I have witnessed firsthand the changing landscape of clergy titles and their role within the religious hierarchy. The use of titles such as 'Mr. McKenna' or 'Your Excellency' has evolved over time and is no longer as common as it once was. This article delves into my personal experiences and observations about the significance and future of clergy titles in Roman Catholicism.

Evolution of Title Usage in the Catholic Church

The Catholic Church, like many other religions, has a hierarchical structure with various positions carrying different titles. These titles have traditionally been seen as a sign of respect and honor. However, in today's world, they are becoming less relevant as society shifts away from formal and hierarchical structures. For instance, the title 'Mr. McKenna' or any formal address such as 'Your Excellency' is rarely used in everyday interactions. The title 'Your Excellency' for a bishop is particularly outdated and is rarely used in contemporary contexts.

Historically, titles such as 'Your Excellency' had a certain charm and formality, especially during the 1960s when I was younger. Even then, I rarely heard it outside of formal settings. In my current context, I only occasionally hear this title, and its usage is usually a throwback to a bygone era.

Modernizing the Hierarchy

One of the key challenges for the Catholic Church is to modernize its hierarchy while maintaining its traditional values. As the world becomes more egalitarian and less hierarchical, it becomes crucial for the Church to adapt. This involves not only changes in how clergy are addressed but also in the way the Church interacts with society at large. For example, the shift from formal titles like 'Your Excellency' to more casual and familiar addresses like 'Rick' is a step towards modernization.

In my experience, the hierarchy within the Church is becoming more relaxed. Even authoritative figures like the Archbishop are often addressed by their first names in informal settings. This change in behavior and address reflects a broader societal shift towards equality and casualness. The Archbishop I worked with was always referred to as 'Archbishop' in formal settings, but in public or casual interactions, he preferred to be called by his first name. This demonstrates a willingness to adapt to the changing times.

Examples from My Experience

One particular instance was when I met the Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem. Traditionally, he would be addressed as 'Your Beatitude,' but the Patriarch preferred to be called 'Your Grace.' This preference reflected a cultural sensitivity and a desire to maintain a personal connection, rather than relying solely on titles. The Patriarch was indeed impressive, and I was honored to call him 'Your Grace.'

Another example is the use of titles like 'Monsignor' or 'My Lord,' which often mimic the titles of nobility. While these titles are meant to convey respect and honor, they can sometimes feel out of place or even humorous. For instance, I have never felt the need to call the Armenian Patriarch 'Chet' or 'Vlad,' which would be informal and might not be appropriate. The outfit of the Armenian Patriarch, however, remains stunning, a fitting combination of regality and spirituality.

Conclusion

While the use of titles is an important aspect of the Catholic hierarchy, it is becoming increasingly irrelevant in modern times. The Catholic Church must adapt to the changing norms of society to remain relevant. This means moving away from overly formal titles and towards a more casual and egalitarian approach.

In conclusion, while I respect the tradition of using titles in the Catholic Church, I believe that modernization and adaptation are necessary. The Church should continue to prioritize human connection and genuine kindness over the perceived grandeur that some titles may imply.