What are the initials after a Catholic priest name?

Answer 1

There are two different kinds of priests: Secular priests or diocesan priests. These are priests who belong to a Bishop and a particular diocese, they do not normally have initials after their name, although they might have a degree listed.

The second kind of priest is a religious priest. This is a priest who belongs to a religious order and the initials after his name refer to his order:

Fr. Ignatius, S.J. (Society of Jesus)

Fr. Benedict, O.S.B. (Order of Saint Benedict)

OMI Oblates of Mary Immaculate, etc.

FMS Fratres Maristae a Scholis (Marist Brothers)

JCL (Juris Canonici Licentia) (A doctorate in Canon Law)

EdD (secular decree as a Doctor of Education)

Answer 2

Different initials stand for different kinds of priests, religious degrees they have obtained or religious orders/groups they are a member of. Some example include:

• Fr. - Father [In front of a name; the normal spoken title for Catholic clergy and can also be used as a letter address i.e. Dear Father so-and-so]
• Rev. - Reverend [In front of a name; The written address to Catholic Priests i.e. The Rev. So-and-so]
• S.T.D. - Doctorate of Sacred Theology {After a Priests name; A Degree]
• O.P. - Order of Preachers (The Dominicans) [After a Priest's name; Religious Order]
• F.S.S.P. - Fraternal Society of Saint Peter. [After a Priest's name; A Society of Apostolic Life]

If this doesn't help, just ask a priest. They won't get offended, they'll be pleased to help you learn about their religion.

Answer 3

The initials are the abbreviation of the order a priest belongs to. S.J., for example, stands for "Society of Jesus."