Preaching
An Alliterative Guide to Helpful Homilies
Karl A. Schultz 1
For decades, it has been common knowledge at all levels of the Church that preaching and formation are lacking. Many congregants and ex-Catholics complain about not being fed, which is an article in itself. While we all are impoverished by substandard homilies and formation or hurt, and offended by uncharitable and insensitive actions (unfortunately, a Read More
Preaching Hard Truths
Deacon Matthew Newsome Comments Off on Preaching Hard Truths
In my homilies, I generally seek to avoid controversial topics. This has been my policy for a few reasons, the foremost of which is my own cowardice (I didn’t say they were all good reasons). I want to be liked by others, so I try to avoid conflict as much as I can. I have Read More
Dumbing Down and Deacons: A Catholic Alternative
Karl A. Schultz Comments Off on Dumbing Down and Deacons: A Catholic Alternative
One of the key concepts in society and the modern Church is accessibility. Given steadily declining attention spans and a societal compulsion for instant gratification, to be acceptable (and marketable) to the person on the street or in the pew a message must be immediately comprehensible with a minimum of time and effort expended. This Read More
Forgiveness and Remembering
Deacon Tim Healy Comments Off on Forgiveness and Remembering
“What’s he talking about?” “He doesn’t say.” Have you ever overheard this conversation between parishioners after your homily? There hasn’t been a deacon who hasn’t heard something like it, or perhaps similarly heartwarming sentiments expressed about the prevalence of poor homilies. Mindful of that, the authors of the new National Directory for the Formation, Ministry, Read More
The Fundamentals of Better Catholic Preaching
Deacon Peter Lovrick Comments Off on The Fundamentals of Better Catholic Preaching
The Homiletic Directory (2017) articulated a clear vision as to what the Church calls the preacher to do in his preaching and, just as important, what not to do. Preachers naturally look for concrete methods for preparing and delivering homilies as envisioned by the directory. That practical advice is valuable, but at the same time Read More
Preaching the Pro-Life Message
Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers Comments Off on Preaching the Pro-Life Message
Every Sunday, we profess our faith in God by reciting the creed that reminds us of who we are and what we believe. Sometimes, however, when life throws us a curve and we are faced with difficult personal challenges or pressure from society, we become afraid to pick up our cross and follow Jesus. While Read More
Always Leave an Opening for Hope
Stephen Fahrig Comments Off on Always Leave an Opening for Hope
“I never preach on abortion, because there might be women in the congregation who’ve had an abortion, and I don’t want them to feel bad.” A priest said this in my presence about 10 years ago, and his words have stuck with me for the last decade — not because I agree with them, but Read More
Preaching the Same Homily in Multiple Parishes
Deacon Steve Kramer Comments Off on Preaching the Same Homily in Multiple Parishes
Ask five deacons what their preaching schedules are like and the answers will fluctuate widely. After my ordination in 1994, I typically preached once a month at one Mass. Occasionally, I preached at two Masses on a specific Sunday. It was rare to be scheduled to deliver the homily on two different weekends in any Read More