When writing out Catholic church names, do you spell "Saint" or abbreviate it?

Question

I always thought you could spell out or abbreviate at will, but, I've just been told that one must always abvreviate the word Saint in writing when referring to a catholic church... I myself am catholic, and hitherto had not given the matter much thought.

Can't find the rule on this anywhere!

Answer 1

It should be written as St (no full-stop). Thats what I was taught was correct anyway.

Answer 2

I personally have all ways wrote out the word Saint. Mother Superior at the school taught to write out the word as though not to confuse people. So I don't think its a rule per say, but you can abbreviate it..I have seen it abv. Do what you feel is right. Good Luck

Answer 3

When used with the name of a person revered as holy, the word "Saint" is usually spelled out, but it may be abbreviated in informal contexts and in lists and tables where space is tight.

Answer 4

Take it from someone who has grown up in the most catholic of circumstances: If you are writing to a member of the catholic church, spell it out in all its glorious detail. Otherwise, abbreviate.

Answer 5

I didn't think it mattered whether you abbreviated or not.

Frankly, the idea that one MUST abbreviate the word "saint" sounds suspiciously like secular humanist garbage, in my opinion.

You can abbreviate 'saint' to 'St.' if you like. But I seriously doubt the merits of the idea one must abbreviate. If you prefer to use the whole word 'saint', by all means do so.

Just because 'saint' can be abbreviated to 'st.' doesn't mean you have to abbreviate.

Answer 6

Look in the phone book or in the newspaper to see how a church lists themselves. I would think it is optional. Call your church office with this question.

Answer 7

It's optional but very practical - St.

Answer 8

abbreviate it