Homily and Preaching

Preaching is an essential part of the life of the church. Preachers are called to proclaim the word of Godthe Good News of salvationin the church's name. Since the Second Vatican Council, the popes have emphasized a vision of good preaching that meets the needs of the church and the people of God. In this articulate and engaging guide for deacons, priests, and bishops, Deacon Peter Lovrick brings this mission into focus for the twenty-first century. He begins by outlining the church's expectations of homilists. He then presents various methods for clarifying and measuring the marks of preaching that fulfills the church's vision. Finally, he discusses practical steps preachers can take to accomplish those goals and nourish the faith of their people through homilies.

Priests, deacons, and others involved in the ministry of preaching: the people entrusted to your care want you to read this book!

Subtitle: A Practical Guide to Catholic Preaching for the New Evangelization
Author: Peter Lovrick; Foreword by Cardinal Thomas Collins

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9780814646052
Details: 96 pgs , 6 X 9 
Publication Date: 03/04/2016

We all agree that the community needs to be involved in the RCIA. So we make bulletin and Mass announcements explaining the rites and the RCIA process, hoping the parishioners will "get" their responsibility to initiate these seekers. Then, although catechumens, candidates, sponsors, and team members form a tight-knit community, parishioners still wonder who these people are with their rituals that make the Mass long, and most of the newly initiated still disappear from the parish after Easter.

Taking to heart what the United States bishops said in their document on adult faith formation"While the parish may have an adult faith formation program, it is no less true that the parish is an adult faith formation program"Diana Macalintal argues that we have to stop trying to get the parish involved in the RCIA and start getting the catechumens and candidates involved in the parish.

In this book, readers will discover:

Subtitle: RCIA in the Midst of the Community

Author: Diana Macalintal

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 978-0-8146-4465-2, 4465
Details: 142 pgs , 6 x 9 
Publication Date: 03/05/2018

The publication of The Roman Missal, Third Edition offers an opportunity for homilists to explore the relationship between the Sunday readings and the new Roman Missal. Between the Ambo and the Altar is the final book (Year C) in a three-volume series that presents scriptural, liturgical, and preaching commentary for Sundays, solemnities, and feasts throughout the year.

Each Sunday's resources are presented in three sections: exploring the Scripture, connecting the Lectionary with the liturgy, and a homiletic strategy. DeBona takes the preacher through a meditation on the language of the Missal, suggests parallels to the Sunday Lectionary, and gives practical homiletic strategies using core themes and images. It is hoped that the commentary advances a framework for homily preparation so that preachers might "savor the deep meaning of the word of God which unfolds each year in the liturgy" (Benedict XVI, Verbum Domini 52).

Subtitle: Biblical Preaching and The Roman Missal, Year C
Author: Guerric DeBona, OSB

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9780814635599
Details: 328 pgs , 6 x 9 
Publication Date: 09/16/2015

The publication of The Roman Missal, Third Edition offers an opportunity for homilists to explore the relationship between the Sunday readings and the new Roman Missal. Between the Ambo and the Altar is the second book (Year B) in a three-volume series that presents scriptural, liturgical, and preaching commentary for Sundays, solemnities, and feasts throughout the year.

Each Sunday's resources are presented in three sections: exploring the Scripture, connecting the Lectionary with the liturgy, and a homiletic strategy. DeBona takes the preacher through a meditation on the language of the Missal, suggests parallels to the Sunday Lectionary, and gives practical homiletic strategies using core themes and images. It is hoped that the commentary advances a framework for homily preparation so that preachers might "savor the deep meaning of the word of God which unfolds each year in the liturgy" (Benedict XVI, Verbum Domini 52).

Subtitle: Biblical Preaching and The Roman Missal, Year B
Author: Guerric DeBona, OSB

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9780814635247
Details: 350 pgs , 6 x 9 
Publication Date: 10/02/2014

The publication of The Roman Missal, Third Edition offers an opportunity for homilists to explore the relationship between the Sunday readings and the new Roman Missal. Between the Ambo and the Altar is the first book (Year A) in a three-volume series that presents scriptural, liturgical, and preaching commentary for Sundays, solemnities, and feasts throughout the year.

Each Sunday's resources are presented in three sections: exploring the Scripture, connecting the Lectionary with the liturgy, and a homiletic strategy. DeBona takes the preacher through a meditation on the language of the Missal, suggests parallels to the Sunday Lectionary, and gives practical homiletic strategies using core themes and images. It is hoped that the commentary advances a framework for homily preparation so that preachers might "savor the deep meaning of the word of God which unfolds each year in the liturgy" (Benedict XVI, Verbum Domini 52).

Subtitle: Biblical Preaching and The Roman Missal, Year A
Author: Guerric DeBona, OSB

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9780814634592
Details: 316 pgs , 6 x 9 
Publication Date: 11/14/2013

Though daily Mass is held most frequently, resources for daily homilies can be in short supply. In this book, Bishop Sklba offers a rich collection of ideas fire starters for preparing brief, spiritually nourishing homilies for daily Eucharist. Like building a campfire, where one ignites the logs with more easily flammable paper, these "fire starters" are intended to provide the spark for weekday homilies. God's Spirit provides the flame.

Each day, the biblical citations and summary phrases for the reading and the gospel plus the refrain from the psalm are provided. After each citation, Bishop Sklba offers a series of meaningful insights from his expertise as a Scripture scholar, prayerful study of Scripture, and many years of preaching and pastoral experience. These brief entries provide knowledge and inspiration that will stimulate personal prayer and spark homily possibilities for the preacher every day.

Fire Starters will support anyone privileged to be called to leadership at weekday celebrations of the Eucharist to prepare for the important ministry of preaching.

Subtitle: Igniting the Holy in the Weekday Homily
Author: Richard J. Sklba

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9780814634158
Details: 618 pgs , 7 x 10 
Publication Date: 06/01/2013

The church's cycle of scriptural readings for the liturgy offers believers an opportunity to immerse themselves in the word of God. It is a very real and tangible way of responding to the call of Jesus: "Remain in me, as I remain in you."

In Abiding Word, Barbara Reid, OP, takes the Sunday experience to every day with accessible weekly meditations on the Lectionary readings of the year. This collection of articles, which includes Scripture readings for Sundays and solemnities followed by reflections, allows readers to meditate on the connection between the sacred text and their daily lives. Living with the word day by day invites us into a closer relationship with Christ, the God who became flesh.

Author: Barbara E. Reid

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 978081463144
Details: 136 pgs , 6 x 9 
Publication Date: 08/01/2013

"Remain in me, as I remain in you." Jesus' disciples are given this command in John's gospel, and it is a command that extends to every one of his followers, including us. We deepen this mutual indwelling-we in Christ and Christ in us-each Sunday through the word and at the table.

In Abiding Word, Barbara Reid, OP, takes the Sunday experience to every day with accessible weekly meditations on the lectionary readings of year. This collection of articles, which includes Scripture readings for Sundays and solemnities followed by reflections, allows readers to meditate on the connection between the sacred text and their daily lives. Living with the word day by day invites us into a closer relationship with Christ, the God who became flesh.

Author: Barbara E. Reid

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9780814633120
Details: 144 pgs , 6 x 9 
Publication Date: 08/01/2011

Looking for homily suggestions that faithfully represent the Scripture readings and offer hearers of the text practical applications for Christian life? Homilies for Weekdays, the first of two volumes by Father Don Talafous, OSB, contains creative suggestions of what a homilist might say about the daily readings for the two-year Lectionary cycle.

This extensive compilation for each day is a result of Father Talafous many years of experience in preparing homilies. Written on both a popular and pastoral level, these homily ideas may also serve as daily reflections or meditations on the Scriptural texts for readers interested in nourishing their Christian lives with Scripture.

Author: Don Talafous, OSB, PhD

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9780814630327
Details: 232 pgs , 6 x 9 
Publication Date: 10/01/2005

Looking for homily suggestions that faithfully represent the Scripture readings and offer hearers of the text practical applications for Christian life? Homilies for Weekdays, the final of two volumes by Father Don Talafous, OSB, contains creative suggestions of what a homilist might say about the daily readings following the Lectionary cycle.

This extensive compilation for each day is a result of Father Talafous many years of experience in preparing homilies. Written on both a popular and pastoral level, these homily ideas may also serve as daily reflections or meditations on the Scriptural texts for readers interested in nourishing their Christian lives with Scripture.

Author: Don Talafous, OSB, PhD

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9780814630310
Details: 232 pgs , 6 x 9 
Publication Date: 10/01/2006

Storyteller and theologian John Shea provides a unique commentary that's ideal for preaching, teaching, or simply meditating on the Gospels. His writing is poignant and conversational making this book a valuable tool for professional ministers, as well as for Christians who reflect on the Gospels for personal spiritual growth.

Shea draws readers into the people and situations that Jesus encountered in ways that are evocative and inspirational. The resource is based on both the Catholic Lectionary for Mass and the Revised Common Lectionary, making it accessible across Christian denominations.

Subtitle: The Relentless Widow Year C
Author: John Shea, STD

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9780814629154
Details: 344 pgs , 6 x 9 
Publication Date: 11/01/2006

With a goal of transcendent awareness, John Shea presents this commentary on the Sunday Gospel readings for those who are drawn to the spiritual wisdom of the Gospels. Ideal for Christian preachers and teachers, and Christians who meditate on the Gospels, Shea's book takes a literary-spiritual approach. He analyzes the mindsets of characters and how Jesus complimented, critiqued, praised these mindsets, to inspire meditation, reflection, and spiritual development. Eating with the Bridegroom, Year B is the second book of a four-volume set, The Spiritual Wisdom of the Gospels for Christian Preachers and Teachers. This set is a Lectionary-based resource that references both Roman Catholic and Revised Common Lectionaries, making it useful and interesting to various Christian denominations. A Scripture index makes Shea's insightful reflections accessible for personal reflection on the Gospel texts as well as other uses outside of liturgical preparation. With wisdom relevant to our contemporary world, The Spiritual Wisdom of the Gospels for Christian Preachers and Teachers: Eating with the Bridegroom will find its way to the top of your resource list.

Subtitle: Eating with the Bridegroom Year B
Author: John Shea, STD

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9780814629147
Details: 360 pgs , 6 x 9 
Publication Date: 07/01/2005

With a goal of transcendent awareness, John Shea presents this commentary on the Sunday Gospel readings for those who are drawn to the spiritual wisdom of the Gospels. Ideal for Christian preachers and teachers, and Christians who meditate on the Gospels, Shea's book takes a literary-spiritual approach. He analyzes the mindsets of characters and how Jesus complimented, critiqued, praised these mindsets, to inspire meditation, reflection, and spiritual development. On Earth as It Is in Heaven, Year A is the first book of a four-volume set, The Spiritual Wisdom of the Gospels for Christian Preachers and Teachers. This set is a Lectionary-based resource that references both Roman Catholic and Revised Common Lectionaries, making it useful and interesting to various Christian denominations. A Scripture index makes Shea's insightful reflections accessible for personal reflection on the Gospel texts as well as other uses outside of liturgical preparation. With wisdom relevant to our contemporary world, The Spiritual Wisdom of the Gospels for Christian Preachers and Teachers: On Earth as It Is in Heaven will find its way to the top of your resource list.

Subtitle: On Earth as It Is in Heaven Year A
Author: John Shea, STD

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9780814629130
Details: 360 pgs , 6 x 9 
Publication Date: 09/01/2004

Catholic Press Association Award Winner!

The commentaries on the Lectionary readings in Hearing the Word of God are an attempt not only to hear the Word of God in Scripture but also to suggest ways that the Sunday readings might continue to nurture faith and life. Inevitably they reflect the time in which they were first written as a popular weekly column in America from November 2000 to Advent 2001.

Hearing the Word of God includes Scripture readings for the Sunday, followed by a reflection on the reading, and concludes with "Praying with Scripture," a series of questions and meditations to guide readers in making a personal application of the reflection.

Subtitle: Reflections on the Sunday Readings, Year C
Author: R. Donahue, SJ

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9780814627846
Details: 152 pgs , 6 x 9 
Publication Date: 09/01/2003

What author John J. Pilch did for our understanding of the Sunday readings in his best-selling Cultural World of Jesus Sunday by Sunday series, he now does for the readings of the Triduum and Easter Sunday. Preachers, liturgy planners, musicians, and lyricists will discover the cultural context and meaning of the three Scripture readings for each day. All who participate in the Triduum and Easter Sunday liturgies will gain a deeper understanding of the Scriptures and their application to modern life.

The introduction presents and explains a three-step method commonly used by specialists in cross-cultural communication. Pilch offers suggestions for homilists and reflection questions from historical, liturgical, and cultural perspectives to encourage the reader to explore and master this cross-cultural method for breaking open the Scriptures. This process helps to make the challenge of the Scriptures clearer than ever for the modern reader.

Subtitle: Breaking Open the Scriptures
Author: John J. Pilch

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9780814627273
Details: 56 pgs , 5 3/8 x 8 1/4 
Publication Date: 07/01/2000

These meditations present the mystery of Pentecost, from Luke in Acts, John in his Gospel, and Paul in his Letters. By placing these diverse but complementary points of view together, Cantalamessa provides priests, students, and interested lay people with a "three-dimensional" image of the coming of the Spirit, particularly suited to promote catechesis and devotion. Fr. Cantalamessa originally presented these meditations in his capacity as preacher to the papal household.

Chapters are "And They Began to Speak in Different Tongues: The Lukan Pentecost and the Spirit of Unity," "You Will Receive Power When the Holy Spirit Comes Upon You: The Lukan Pentecost and the Spirit of Prophecy," "He Breathed on Them and Said, 'Receive the Holy Spirit': The Johannine Pentecost and the Spirit of Truth," "But One and the Same Spirit Produces All of These: The Pauline Pentecost and the 'Person' of the Holy Spirit."

Author: Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM Cap.; Glen S. Davis, Translator

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9780814627242
Details: 72 pgs , 5 3/8 x 8 1/4 
Publication Date: 02/01/200

In this book of meditations Father Raniero Cantalamessa reflects on Christ passion, death, and resurrection. First presented as a Lenten retreat in Rome, together with the Good Friday homily in St. Peter Basilica, the result is a rich and multifaceted exploration of this central mystery of the Christian faith. Christ journey to Easter is such an immensely rich source that homilists, liturgists and believers who wants to plumb its depths know the challenge is not about lack of content, but rather where to begin. Like an experienced guide who knows the territory and its many paths, Father Cantalamessa helps readers reach the spiritual center. His varying points of departure become stirring reflections on Easter. They culminate in a powerful meditation on the Servant Song in the light of the Passion narrativesand the message of the victorious Christ.

Subtitle: Meditations on the Resurrection
Author: Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM Cap; Demetrio S. Yocum, Translator

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9780814627068
Details: 64 pgs , 5 3/8 x 8 1/4 
Publication Date: 09/01/2006

Seasons in the Word: Liturgical Homilies Year C is the second of a three-volume collection of homilies covering the Lectionary, including feast days. The book results from decades of prayerful preaching on the Sunday Scriptures by Fr. John Sandell to congregations in the Diocese of Fargo. Useful for priests in their own homiletic preparation, Seasons in the Word is also for lay people who wish to prepare for the upcoming Sunday readings and for individual reflection.

Subtitle: Liturgical Homilies Year C
Author: John Sandell

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 978-0-8146-2585-9, 2585
Details: 120 pgs , 6 x 9 
Publication Date: 08/01/2003

The parables of Jesus are puzzling sayings and stories with world-transforming potential. Parables for Preachers offers an understanding of how parables work and a fresh variety of possible meanings not only for Jesus original audience and for the early Christians for whom Matthew, Mark, and Luke wrote but also for contemporary Christians as well. The Gospel parables are analyzed in the order in which they appear in the Lectionary, making this book an indispensable resource for preachers, teachers, catechists, liturgy planners, and Bible study groups.

Subtitle: Year C, The Gospel of Luke
Author: Barbara E. Reid, OP

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9780814625521
Details: 368 pgs , 5 3/8 x 8 1/4 
Publication Date: 08/01/2000

The parables of Jesus are puzzling sayings and stories with world-transforming potential. Parables for Preachers offers an understanding of how parables work and a fresh variety of possible meanings not only for Jesus original audience and for the early Christians for whom Matthew, Mark, and Luke wrote but also for contemporary Christians as well. The Gospel parables are analyzed in the order in which they appear in the Lectionary, making this book an indispensable resource for preachers, teachers, catechists, liturgy planners, and Bible study groups.

Subtitle: Year B, The Gospel of Mark
Author: Barbara E. Reid, OP

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9780814625514
Details: 144 pgs , 5 3/8 x 8 1/4 
Publication Date: 10/01/1999

The parables of Jesus are puzzling sayings and stories with world-transforming potential. Parables for Preachers offers an understanding of how parables work and a fresh variety of possible meanings not only for Jesus original audience and for the early Christians for whom Matthew, Mark, and Luke wrote but also for contemporary Christians as well. The Gospel parables are analyzed in the order in which they appear in the Lectionary, making this book an indispensable resource for preachers, teachers, catechists, liturgy planners, and Bible study groups.

Subtitle: Year A, The Gospel of Matthew
Author: Barbara E. Reid, OP

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9780814625507
Details: 296 pgs , 5 3/8 x 8 1/
Publication Date: 09/01/2001

Making Good Preaching Better explores not the preaching of ethics but the ethics of preaching. Using sound theology and practical insights, this book shows that by putting themselves in the place of the people in the pews, preachers can improve their sermons and make good preaching better more consistently. Written with the practicing homilist in mind, Making Good Preaching Better helps motivate and sharpen the skills of those in preaching ministry. Laid out as a teaching tool for classroom use, it also makes the work of the homiletic professor easier.

Reverend Rueter explains how the same qualities - visual, oral, cohesive - that make it possible for preachers to remember their sermons also make it possible for parishioners to remember these sermons. He also explores concepts not covered in other homiletics books, such as the legitimate appeal to self-interest as observed in Jesus, Paul, and Moses, how to deal with "hard," controversial topics, and tips for remembering homilies. Reverend Rueter bases his approach on the time-proven step-by-step pedagogy used in the first-century schools of rhetoric. He believes that requiring novices to prepare whole homilies for criticism presents too many possibilities for failure and thus discouragement. With its step-by-step homiletical exercises, Making Good Preaching Better gives students greater possibilities of the joy of success in putting together entire homilies one step at a time.

Making Good Preaching Better offers three-minute oral exercises to be performed before a video camera. Each exercise uses the theological/homiletical principles explained in that chapter and includes suggestions on how to conduct the video lab sessions without provoking dread but rather, by promoting affirmation. Fourteen homilies (by the author and others) are supplied for both professionals and novices to critique. To supplement the instruction, recommendations for additional readings are provided at the end of each chapter. Roman Catholic and Protestant clergy, seminarians, and those in Roman Catholic diaconate formation programs will benefit from this practical textbook.

Subitle: A Step-by-Step Guide to Scripture-Based, People-Centered Preaching
Author: Alvin C. Rueter

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9780814622155
Details: 288 pgs , 6 x 9 
Publication Date: 02/01/1997

Homilies for Weekdays: Solemnities, Feasts, and Memorials is a requested and welcome addition to the first two volumes of weekday homilies by Father Don Talafous, OSB. Here, he offers creative homily suggestions for solemnities, feasts, and obligatory memorials that fall on weekdays. Readers will deeply appreciate the faithful representation of the Scripture readings and their practical applications for Christian living.

Subtitle: Solemnities, Feasts, and Memorials
Author: Don Talafous, OSB, PhD

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9780814618714
Details: 96 pgs , 6 x 9 
Publication Date: 10/01/2009

In this volume of weekly reflections on the Sunday Lectionary for Year C, Verna Holyhead moves deftly between the Old and New Testament readings, providing theological context and tying the texts to contemporary concerns. Rich in references to poetry and history, these reflections are infused with the spirit of the Rule of St. Benedict, which invites Christians to take the two Testaments as the truest guides for human life. The supplementary series of conversations between the Liturgy of the Word and the Rule extend the weekly reflection. As a sourcebook for pastoral ministry or a reference for personal or communal reflection, this volume will assist believers who desire to engage more deeply with the Word.

Subtitle: With Burning Hearts
Author: Verna Holyhead, SGS

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9780814618349
Details: 224 pgs , 6 x 9 
Publication Date: 08/01/2006

Balaam's Donkey is a series of daily reflections based on the homilies preached by Cistercian monk Michael Casey over his fifty years of priesthood. What remained of the original homilies was a large box full of index cards with a few talking points on each. From there, Casey has re-created the homilies and recast them into short reflections, arranged randomly for every day of the year. The range of topics discussed is broad and the approach taken differs with each reflection, most of them colored with a touch of Casey's whimsy and good humor.

Paperback 488 pgs , 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 

Publication Date: 02/28/2019

Reflections on Lectionary Readings for Cycle C by Dr. Dianne Bergant, CSA

A well-known biblical scholar presents thought-provoking reflections on the lectionary readings for each Sunday and feast for the Year of Luke.

Paperback 200 pages

Cycle C of this three-volume work of reflections on the liturgical readings for Sundays and Holy Days rounds out Father Krempa's series with meditations based largely on the Gospel of Luke which plays such a prominent role in the Cycle.   As such, emphasis has been placed on the Lord's kindness, compassion, predilection for the poor, the outcast, the sick and the sinner.   Intended for the "average" Sunday congregation, these brief thoughts exemplify how to apply the best scripture scholarship to practical, everyday problems.  

199 pages