Homily
Believe, Teach and Practice
Father Richard DeLillio Comments Off on Believe, Teach and Practice
“Believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you preach.” These few words used by the bishop at ordination offer the future preachers kneeling before him inspired guidelines and a method to prepare homilies. If observed, this sound advice will add the individual flavor needed “to make incarnate” the Word, Jesus, for Read More
The Grace and Burden of Preaching
Msgr. Michael Heintz Comments Off on The Grace and Burden of Preaching
One of the greatest joys — and at times one of the greatest stressors — in our lives as priests is the task of preaching regularly. I recall the excitement with which I approached my diaconate ordination and the opportunity to preach at Mass. I remember, too, my first priestly assignment and the enthusiasm with Read More
Tips for Your Easter Homily
Father Joshua J. Whitfield Comments Off on Tips for Your Easter Homily
Easter preaching isn’t easy; it never has been. Ask Mary Magdalene. When, with the other women, she told the disciples Jesus was alive, that they had seen him, Luke writes, “their story seemed like nonsense” (Lk 24:11). Even the Twelve were at first incredulous. Also, ask Paul. In Athens, preaching in the Areopagus, he did Read More
Feeding a Finicky Flock
Father Leo E. Patalinghug Comments Off on Feeding a Finicky Flock
Besides the regular busyness of preparing for the Christmas season, priests have one of the most important responsibilities facing them. It’s the task of feeding the flock, including the blank faces of people who identify as “nones,” all in a 7-10 minute homily. On Christmas, these nones come in droves, pushing the regulars out of Read More
‘Sir, We Would Like to See Jesus’
Father John G. McDonald Comments Off on ‘Sir, We Would Like to See Jesus’
My first parish assignment as a seminarian was in Anniston, Alabama, a small and sleepy Southern city between Birmingham and Atlanta. Anniston is home to an old and well-established Catholic minority, and they have grown and built a beautiful new church retaining the name of the original parish, Sacred Heart. That summer, I often lectored Read More
Feedback from the Flock
Paul Senz Comments Off on Feedback from the Flock
Every congregation is different. And certainly, every congregation’s response to a given priest’s homily is going to be different. In order to have the most effective communication with the congregation, priests benefit in knowing how their homilies are being received. In this way, it is important for priests to be able to receive feedback on Read More
5 Tips for Preaching to Children
Father Joshua J. Whitfield Comments Off on 5 Tips for Preaching to Children
Preaching to children belongs to the work of the priest. In Ars, France, every day in the school called La Providence, St. John Vianney talked to children for about an hour. For decades it’s how he taught the Faith, simply and plainly. Soon not only children but adults came to hear him speak. Really, he Read More
The Homilist’s Craft: Communication is Connection
Father Richard R. De Lillio Comments Off on The Homilist’s Craft: Communication is Connection
After creating Eve and Adam, God placed them in the Garden of Eden, where God enjoyed spending time with them. In fact, God’s favorite time of day was walking together with them in the cool of the evening. During these conversations, Adam, Eve and God built their friendship. This description from Genesis of their relationship Read More