Preaching
The Frequency of Diaconal Preaching
Deacon Steve Kramer Comments Off on The Frequency of Diaconal Preaching
My diaconal formation began in 1989. After ordination in 1994, the faculties granted by the bishop allowed me to preach at any celebration that I presided at (wedding, baptism, wake service, etc.). However, in order to preach the Sunday homily at Mass, I had to return for an additional semester geared specifically toward preaching at Read More
The Necessity of Ongoing Formation in Preaching
Deacon Steve Kramer Comments Off on The Necessity of Ongoing Formation in Preaching
On Jan. 24, 2023, I sat down at my computer to begin writing this article concerning the necessity for ongoing formation in preaching. Within an hour, three people emailed me a copy of the Jan. 20, 2023, address of Pope Francis to participants in the course “Living Liturgical Action Fully.” Pope Francis emphasizes a very Read More
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