Touchstones for Preaching
Welcome to Touchstones for Preaching, a service ofSTM Online: Crossroadsin partnership withThe Church in the 21st Century Center. We have prepared this resource to support priests, deacons and lay preachers in developing their preaching skills.Read More...
The Letter to the Hebrews proclaims that "the Word God of God is living and active, sharper than any two edge sword" (Heb 4:12). This means that scripture is not simply useful information about the relationship between God and the human family. Rather, scripture is sacramental. When scripture is proclaimed, God is made present and actively touches our lives. The following presentation develops the meaning of the sacramentality of the scriptures and explains how the sacramentality is unfolded in the Liturgy of the Word.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the sacramental view of the Liturgy of the Word strike you?
- Can you describe an event in your own life in which you experienced the Word of God sacramentally?
- Does viewing the Word of God as sacramental, suggest any changes you need to make in the way you prepare your homilies and how you preach your homilies?
A mediator is one who stands between two parties to facilitate a level of accord between them. In their 1982 document, "Fulfilled in Your Hearing," the United States Catholic Bishops describe the preacher as a mediator. The bishops state:
"The person who preaches in the context of the liturgical assembly is ...a mediatorrepresenting both the community and the Lord ...The preacher represents the community by voicing its concerns, by naming its demons, and thus enabling it to gain some understanding and control of the evil which afflicts it... [the preacher] represents the Lord by offering the community another word, a word of healing andpardon, of acceptance and love...the preacher acts as a mediator making connections between the real lives of people who believe in Jesus Christ but are not always sure what difference faith can make in their lives and the God who calls us into ever deeper communion with himself and with one another."
This two-segment presentation offers practical suggestions to develop the preacher's proficiency as mediator. The first segment is entitled "Steps to Good Preaching." The second is entitled "Wisdom from Bishop Hedley."
Questions for Reflection
- What insights from Father Kelly and Bishop Hedley standout for you?
- In what ways do these insights challenge you to change elements of your preaching ministry in order to be a more effective mediator of the Word of God?
A homiletics professor observed that while preaching is one of the most public of ministerial functions, homily preparation remains one of the most isolated of functions. How can a preacher break from the cycle of isolation? How can a preacher incorporate the spiritual wisdom of others into one's homily preparation process? In their 1982 document, "Fulfilled in Your Hearing," the United States Catholic Bishops suggest a collaborative process of homily preparation. The following presentation is step by step outline of the process. Please note that a weekly preparation process is included in touchstone six.
Questions for Reflection
- What advantages do you feel the collaborative homily preparation process can contribute to your preaching?
- Would you envision establishing a homily preparation group to support your preaching?
Once the preacher has decided on the content of the homily, the next task is to organize the content into a sequence of ideas that will communicate the content clearly and engage listeners. Two forms for organizing or structuring the homily are the deductive method and the inductive method. This presentation outlines the two forms and identifies their respective strengths and limitations. The presentation also explains the difference between a homily and a sermon.
Questions for Reflection
- Can you identify which homiletic form you customarily utilize: inductive, deductive or another?
- Are you willing to experiment with the inductive form if it has not been your customary homily form?
Preaching is a form of oral communication. A homily is given primarily by means of the preacher's voice. A homily is received primarily by means ofthe listener's ears. Therefore, the preacher needs to script the homily in a manner that appeals to the listener's sense of sound. The following presentation provides helpful tips for scripting the homily for the ear and not for the eye.
Questions for Reflection
- Listen to some of your homilies. Do they sound conversational or do they sound like you are delivering a written essay?
- What concrete suggestions can you take from this presentation to apply to your own preaching?
One homiletics teacher suggests that the preacher's life consists of three interrelated activities: time preparing for the pulpit, time in the pulpit and time witnessing to what was said in the pulpit. In other words, the preacher's entire life is immersed in an on-going relationship with the Word of God. This three-part presentation develops some of the dynamics of that relationship. "The Weekly Process"(03:19)structures a homily preparation process within the framework of a full week. "Tips from the Trenches"(06:36)provides insights for integrating daily life and preaching."Receiving Feedback from Listeners"(17:50)suggests how a preacher can develop one's preaching skills by consulting the congregation.
Questions for Reflection
- What insights stand out for you in "Tips from the Trenches?"
- What benefits do you see for your preaching in "The Weekly Process?"
- How does the practice of soliciting feedback on your homilies from parishioners strike you? Is it a practice you would consider?
Fr. Paul Turner begins his presentation on wedding homilies by sharing some points on the theology of marriage(00:09)This is followed by a discussion of the preparation for the homily(07:12)itself. In this section, he identifies the questions he uses as conversation starters with each individual and with the couple together.(See summary slides at 09:50 and 11:19.)He continues with a discussion of the choices of Scripture readings(14:32)on which the homily can be based. He ends this segment with a consideration of other potential homiletic materials(34:11).In the segment on “associated questions,”he addresses the decision to marry in today’s society(35:15),the societal expectation of giving the bride away(40:38),couples who don’t communicate with their minister,(48:28)living together before marriage(50:41),and weddings without a Mass(53:21).
Questions for Reflection
- What questions are helpful to you in thinking about engaging the couple in a conversation before the wedding?
- What interactions with the couple can help you plan the homily?
- What theological theme about marriage is most challenging in today’s world? Why?
In this presentation on funeral homilies, Fr. Thomas Scirghi, S.J. explores challenges to preaching at a funeral(00:11)and the theology of the funeral rite(48:08).Among the challenges he discusses are the mystery of death(00:14)the experience of humility and powerlessness in the face of death(04:00),that preaching is revelatory(06:44),and the difference between being sacramental or sentimental(13:14).He addresses considerations such as peer pressure(16:43),the relationship between the preacher and the congregation(21:23), trusting the liturgy(37:49),and preaching when the congregation has members with diverse religious backgrounds(41:26). In addressing the theology of the funeral rite, Fr. Scirghi discusses the anthropology of rites of passage(48:25).the connections between baptism and the funeral rite(49:52), and the Paschal mystery(55:55). Throughout he offers sage observations about the process of preparing to preach such as showing compassion and beginning with listening.
Questions for Reflection
- What interactions with family and friends can help you plan the homily?
- What are the two most significant insights you have gained about the challenges of preaching a funeral homily?
- What theological point about the funeral rite stands out for you?
Richard J. Clifford, SJ begins his approach to the theme of preaching justice by exploring a number of Biblical perspectives. First, he begins with a consideration of the popular phrase “option for the poor”(00:11). This segment is followed by an overview of justice in the Bible(09:59).He goes into more detail about the Biblical origins of justice(21:47)and the profound dimension of justice in the books by the prophets(38:13).He concludes with implications for preaching(63:55).
Questions for Reflection
- What is most compelling to you in this presentation about having a justice dimension to your preaching?
- What is most challenging to you in this presentation? How will you work on this challenge?
Prof. Ann Garrido addresses homilies for children. After a brief introduction to the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd(05:23),she identifies seven characteristics of children(10:39)and three great mysteries of life(29:11)to which children relate. At the end of this presentation Dr. Garrido offers five tips for preaching to children(35:18).
Questions for Reflection
- What characteristic of children most challenges you when you think about preaching to children? Why?
- What recommendation for preaching to children was most important for you? Why?
References
The following are references cited by the presenters.
Basic Touchstones
The Sacramentality Of The Word (Rev. Msgr. James A. Mongelluzzo)
- “Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy.” In Austin Flannery, O.P., Gen. Ed.,Vatican Council II: The Conciliar and Post Conciliar Documents,Vol. I, paragraph 56, p. 19. Northport, NY: Costello Publishing Company, 1998.
- “General Instruction of the Roman Missal.” In United States Conference of Catholic Bishops,Liturgy Document Series 2,paragraph 55, p. 31. Washington, DC: USCCB Publishing, 2003.(NOTE: In the third edition of the Roman Missal, the quotation from paragraph 55 of the “General Instruction of the Roman Missal” is translated as follows:“For in the readings, as explained by the Homily, God speaks to his people, opening up to them the mystery of redemption and salvation, and offering spiritual nourishment; and Christ himself is present through his word in the midst of the faithful.”)
The Preacher As Mediator(Rev. William T. Kelly)
- Guilbeau, Jeremy.Hidden in the Quiver of God: Bishop John Cuthbert Hedley on Priestly Formation for Preaching,MA Thesis. St. John's Seminary, Brighton, MA, 2002.
Preparing The Homily(Rev. Msgr. James A. Mongelluzzo) AndPreaching As Vocation(Rev. William T. Kelly)
- United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.Fulfilled in Your Hearing: The Homily in the Sunday Assembly.Washington, DC: USCCB Publishing, 1982.
Special Touchstones
Preaching At Weddings(Rev. Paul Turner)
- National Conference of Catholic Bishops.Rite of Marriage. New York: Catholic Book Publishing Company, 1970.
- “The Sacrament of Matrimony.”InCatechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 1601-1666, pp. 400-415. Ligouri, MO: Ligouri Publications, 1994.
- Turner, Paul.Preparing the Wedding Homily: A Guide for Preachers and Couples. San Jose, CA:Resource Publications, 2002.
- Turner, Paul.The Catholic Wedding Answer Book, (ML Answers: The 101 Most Asked Questions Series. San Jose, CA:Resource Publications, 2001.
Preaching At Funerals(Rev. Thomas J. Scirghi, S.J.)
- National Conference of Catholic Bishops.Order of Christian Funerals. Collegeville, MN: The Liturgical Press, 1989.
- Albom, Mitch.Tuesdays with Morrie.NY: Random House, 1997.
- Augustine of Hippo,De Doctrina Christiana.Trans,. NY: Oxford University Press, USA, 1996.
- Bernardin, Joseph.The Gift of Peace. Chicago: Loyola Press, 1997.
- García-Rivera ,and Scirghi, Thomas.Living Beauty: The Art of Liturgy. Lanham, MD: Rowman and Littlefield Publishers, 2007.
- Hilkert, Mary Catherine.Naming Grace: Preaching and the Sacramental Imagination. NY: Continuum, 1997.
- Johnson, Elizabeth.SheWho Is: The Mystery of God in Feminist Theological Discourse.NY: Crossroad Publishing Company, 1992.
- Martos, Joseph.Doors to the Sacred: A Historical Introduction to Sacraments in the Catholic Church. Chicago: Triumph Books; Rev Upd edition, 2001.
- Stevenson, Kenneth.To Join Together: The Rite of Marriage. NY: Pueblo Publishing Company, 1987.
Preaching Justice(Rev. Richard J. Clifford, S.J.)
- Lohfink, Norbert.Option for the Poor: The Basic Principles of Liberation Theology in Light of the Bible.Berkeley, CA: BIBAL, 1987.
- Congar,Yves.True and False Reform.Collegeville: Liturgical Press, 2011.
- Wright,N.T. “How Jesus Saw Himself.”Bible Review(June 1996), pp. 22-29.
Preaching To Children (Professor Ann Garrido)
- Congregation for Divine Worship. “Directory for Masses with Children.”In National Conference of Catholic Bishops,The Sacramentary.New York: Catholic Book Publishing Company, 1974.
Garrido, Ann.Mustard Seed Preaching.Washington, DC: Liturgy Training Publications, 2004.
About Touchstones
Welcome to Touchstones for Preaching, a service of the ֱ College School of Theology and Ministry STM Online: Crossroads in partnership with The Church in the 21st Century Center. We have prepared this resource to support priests, deacons and lay preachers in developing their preaching skills.
The six touchstones provided here were originally presented at weekend retreats for preachers at ֱ College. The retreats provided preachers an opportunity to gather in a relaxed and prayerful atmosphere in order to step back and look more closely at one of the most important components of their ministry, namely the art and craft of preaching the Word of God. As you access the touchstones, you will note that some of the presentations are actual on-site recordings from the retreats while others are prepared specifically for this resource.
The presentations are grounded in the 1982 document on preaching entitled "Fulfilled in Your Hearing" published by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The document establishes the standards for preaching in the United States. You can view the six touchstones in the order presented or select those of immediate interest to you and view the others at another time.
About the Speakers
Rev. Richard Clifford, S.J., Ph.D.
Rev. Richard Clifford, S.J., Ph.D.is professor of Old Testament at ֱ College School of Theology and Ministry. He holds a doctorate in biblical studies from Harvard University. He taught at Weston Jesuit School of Theology in Cambridge from 1970 to 2008. He served as founding dean of the ֱ College School of Theology and Ministry. In 2010, he stepped down from the position of dean to return to full time teaching and research in biblical studies. He was general editor of the Catholic Biblical Quarterly and is a former president of the Catholic Biblical Association. Among his recent publications isThe Cosmic Mountain in Canaan and the Old Testament(Wipf & Stock Publishers, 2010). He also is active in adult education in various New England dioceses.
Prof. Ann Garrido, D.Min.
Prof. Ann Garrido, D.Min.,is associate professor of homiletics at the Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, MO, where she also directs the Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. A lay Catholic woman, wife and mother, she holds a Master of Divinity degree and Doctor of Ministry in Preaching degree from the Aquinas Institute. She has published books and journal articles on preaching, catechesis and ministry formation. Among her recent publications isA Concise Guide to Supervising a Ministry Student(Ave Maria Press, 2008). On Sunday mornings, Ann does catechesis with six to twelve year olds.
Rev. William T. Kelly, S.T.D.
Rev. William T. Kelly, S.T.D. is pastor of St. Mary of the Assumption Parish in Dedham, MA. He holds a doctorate in theology from the Gregorian University in Rome. He taught homiletics while serving as a ֱmember and spiritual director at St. John’s Seminary, Brighton, MA. He served on the Summer ֱat the Institute for Priests at Creighton University and was president of the Federation of Seminary Spiritual Directors. He also directed the ֱ Archdiocesan Office for Clergy Support and Ongoing Formation. He is the host ofSpotlight, a weekly program on Catholic TV, during which he offers movie reviews from a Catholic perspective.
Rev. Msgr. James A. Mongelluzzo, S.T.D.
Rev. Msgr. James A. Mongelluzzo, S.T.D.,a priest of the Diocese of Worcester, MA, teaches homiletics and sacramental theology at Blessed John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, MA. He also offers liturgy workshops and courses in the Continuing Education Program at the ֱ College School of Theology and Ministry. He holds a doctorate in liturgical theology from the Weston Jesuit School of Theology. On weekends, he assists at Our Lady of the Lake Parish in Leominister, MA. His article, “Encountering the Gospel-Renewing the Preacher: The Preaching Program at ֱ College” (Seminary Journal,vol. 16, no. 2, Fall 2010, pp. 11-16) gives an account of the program which provided the contents for the STM Online: Crossroads “Touchstones for Preaching.”
Rev. Thomas J. Scirghi, S.J., Th.D.
Rev. Thomas J. Scirghi, S.J., Th.D.is associate professor of systematic theology at Fordham University. He holds a doctorate in theology from ֱ University. He served as professor of liturgical theology at the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley where he taught homiletics and liturgical theology to candidates for ordination and for lay ecclesial ministry. He offers workshops on liturgical preaching throughout the United States. His current area of research is in practical theology in addition to his ongoing interest in liturgical theology, ritual studies, liturgical aesthetics and Trinitarian theology. His most recent publication isEverything is Sacred: An Introduction to the Sacrament of Baptism(Paraclete Press, 2012).
Rev. Paul Turner, S.T.D.
Rev. Paul Turner, S.T.D. is a priest of the diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, where he is pastor of St. Munchin Parish in Cameron, MO, and its mission, St. Aloysius in Maysville. He holds a doctorate in liturgical theology from Sant' Anselmo in Rome. He is a former president of the North American Academy of Liturgy and a workshop presenter for the North American Forum on the Catechumenate. He serves as a facilitator for the International Commission on English in the Liturgy. He has presented lectures and workshops on the newRoman Missalthroughout the United States. Among his recent publications isPastoral Companion to the Roman Missal(World Library Publications, 2010).
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Credits
Content Development Team
- Rev. Msgr. James A. Mongelluzzo, S.T.D.
Preaching Consultant - Barbara A. Radtke, Ph.D.
Instructional Designer, School of Theology and Ministry, ֱ College
Project Manager
- Tim Lindgren
Instructional Designer, Instructional Design and eTeaching Services
Graphic Designer
- Gabriel Larusso
Instructional Web Producer, Instructional Design and eTeaching Services
Video Editor
- Rick Sheiber
Media Technology Services
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- John Sage
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Voiceovers
- Melinda Donovan
School of Theology and Ministry, ֱ College
Stained Glass Photo
- Jean Chisser
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