Preaching
Dear Father …
Dr. Donald P. Richmond Comments Off on Dear Father …
Dear Father in Christ: I am a weary pilgrim, and it has taken me many years to move from Canterbury (where I served as a priest for many years) to Rome. It has been an arduous journey, punctuated by intense and sustained “wrestling” with God over many Roman Catholic priorities, principles and practices. But now Read More
The Privilege, Joy and Burden of Preaching
Msgr. Michael Heintz Comments Off on The Privilege, Joy and Burden of Preaching
Preaching is a task and responsibility that confronts each priest, literally, on a daily basis. It is one of the more important charges given him at his ordination when he is instructed by his bishop to preach the Word “worthily and wisely.” While preaching is a great privilege and often a source of considerable joy Read More
7 Suggestions for a Better Homily
Father Andrew Costello Comments Off on 7 Suggestions for a Better Homily
If you take the time to read this article, you’ll get seven suggestions for a better homily. First: Pause Before You Preach You’re in the pulpit. You have just read the Gospel. First suggestion: pause before you preach. Next time you preach — try pausing — sometimes during the homily, but especially in the beginning. Read More
Successful Preachers Strive to See as God Sees
Father Edward Linton Comments Off on Successful Preachers Strive to See as God Sees
Everyone agrees that our society is polarized. Most say it is more polarized today than ever before. Perhaps. Certainly, polarization that grips society affects preachers. Indeed, as the director of the Institute of Continuing Theological Education (ICTE), a sabbatical program for priests in Rome, I meet priests from all over the United States and beyond. Read More
Removing the Scales
Bishop David J. Bonnar Comments Off on Removing the Scales
When I was a parish priest, I was pretty “religious” about my day off. For example, when my parents were alive, I would do an overnight each week. I always came back to the parish refreshed, renewed and reinvigorated. Mom and Dad have been deceased for 20 years. Thanks to my sisters, I still have Read More
Preaching Your Resurrection
Father Scott Kopp Comments Off on Preaching Your Resurrection
In his book “Living Buddha, Living Christ” (Riverhead, $22), Thich Nhat Hanh remarks to a visiting Christian: “You say you are people of the Resurrection. Show me your resurrection.” My first reaction upon reading this was that this is not a one-and-only event in my life. He would have to follow me and see all Read More
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