Suggesting priest change (improve!) homily style?

[St_Francis]

Thanks everybody

I have a good relationship with this priest and always try to be supportive of anything good a priest does for several reasons, one of which is that I know priests have a huge amount to do and sometimes hear only complaints. We are fortunate to have a younger priest now who is full of energy so I was surprised by his delivery, never thinking it might be stage fright or something because he’s so good with people otherwise.

I will remain grateful for all his good points and not worry about this

 

[Don_Ruggero]

We are fortunate to have a younger priest now who is full of energy so I was surprised by his delivery, never thinking it might be stage fright or something because he’s so good with people otherwise.

Knowing now that he is younger, I may be able to give you an insight.

Some younger priests prefer this sort of approach in a sort of apposition to a more dramatic delivery. If that is indeed the case, then the choice is a philosophical decision on his part…not a matter of stage fright or other inability.

 

[Solomonson]

It’s rather sad to read the tenor of this thread. The OP asked a good, honest question. The replies have largely been those of: he must already know, accept your priest the way he is (the OP never said they didn’t accept their priest), there’s not a tactful way to make such a suggestion, etc.

It’s precisely this sort of mindset that enables poor or mediocre preaching in the Church. Good preaching is difficult on many levels. Without constructive feedback, those doing the preaching will never know how they are performing as preachers and that’s too bad.

One thing that comes to mind is that the OP might possibly find a good resource(s) on preaching and gift their priest with a copy and some kind words in private? I don’t know if people like Bp. Robert Barron offer DVDs on preaching, but it certainly would be worth looking into. It might actually help their priest.

 

[Tomyris]

I would make it a matter of private prayer, some of it concerning God changing his preaching style, but more towards God changing me so I could hear what God was saying through him. Among other things, that I could look past his faults, or what I think are his faults…And if others are having the same problem, that they would also have the grace to do so…

Anyway, that is what I would do.

I don’t appreciate it when people come up to me with a list of my faults and start rattling them off (it has happened). I don’t think he would, either. He needs your support, not your criticism. I read a book years ago on how to be a dragon in your church, meaning someone in charge of fixing up the place, taking on the role of the Holy Spirit and correcting everyone and everything, written by a pastor who had taken on some dragons, often well-meaning souls who really don’t help but can cause a lot of damage.

Maybe he is well aware of his deficiencies in his preaching style. Maybe it is a deliberate style. Perhaps he wants to avoid sensationalism and entertainment. Maybe he deliberately is doing it because it is the best way for the parish to grow in love. In any case he does not answer to you in this. As I said, prayer.

 

[7_Sorrows]

Knowing now that he is younger, I may be able to give you an insight.

Some younger priests prefer this sort of approach in a sort of apposition to a more dramatic delivery. If that is indeed the case, then the choice is a philosophical decision on his part…not a matter of stage fright or other inability.

We have a new young priest at our church who has his homilies typed and reads from the typed copy. As he was ordained not even a year ago I know he is new and has yet to develop his style of delivering his homilies so I would not think of saying anything to
him to discourage him in any way, but be patient. You can tell he takes time working on his homilies and I appreciate that. With the shortage of priests we need to be thankful
for the new young priests and be patient and allow them to settle in to their new role of
priest.

 

[Don_Ruggero]

I would make it a matter of private prayer, some of it concerning God changing his preaching style, but more towards God changing me so I could hear what God was saying through him. Among other things, that I could look past his faults, or what I think are his faults…And if others are having the same problem, that they would also have the grace to do so…

Anyway, that is what I would do.

I don’t appreciate it when people come up to me with a list of my faults and start rattling them off (it has happened). I don’t think he would, either. He needs your support, not your criticism. I read a book years ago on how to be a dragon in your church, meaning someone in charge of fixing up the place, taking on the role of the Holy Spirit and correcting everyone and everything, written by a pastor who had taken on some dragons, often well-meaning souls who really don’t help but can cause a lot of damage.

Maybe he is well aware of his deficiencies in his preaching style. Maybe it is a deliberate style. Perhaps he wants to avoid sensationalism and entertainment. Maybe he deliberately is doing it because it is the best way for the parish to grow in love. In any case he does not answer to you in this. As I said, prayer.

Very beautifully said.

 

[Don_Ruggero]

We have a new young priest at our church who has his homilies typed and reads from the typed copy. As he was ordained not even a year ago I know he is new and has yet to develop his style of delivering his homilies so I would not think of saying anything to
him to discourage him in any way, but be patient. You can tell he takes time working on his homilies and I appreciate that. With the shortage of priests we need to be thankful
for the new young priests and be patient and allow them to settle in to their new role of
priest.

It is true that some do it because they are new and not yet comfortable or at ease with this aspect of their ministry. Some do it in emulation of the style of Pope Saint John Paul II and of Pope Benedict, whose homilies rarely strayed from the prepared text.

 

[DeniseNY]

We have a new young priest at our church who has his homilies typed and reads from the typed copy. As he was ordained not even a year ago I know he is new and has yet to develop his style of delivering his homilies so I would not think of saying anything to
him to discourage him in any way, but be patient. You can tell he takes time working on his homilies and I appreciate that. With the shortage of priests we need to be thankful
for the new young priests and be patient and allow them to settle in to their new role of
priest.

 

[St_Francis]

Knowing now that he is younger, I may be able to give you an insight.

Some younger priests prefer this sort of approach in a sort of apposition to a more dramatic delivery. If that is indeed the case, then the choice is a philosophical decision on his part…not a matter of stage fright or other inability.

It’s funny you should say that, because I kinda had the impression he was doing something like that, but it seemed crazy to think that someone would deliberately cultivate that style I was actually happy when some people mentioned stage fright since I hadn’t thought about that.

And now that I think about it, he is from the South (which is where a *lot *of extremely dramatic non-Catholic preachers can be found), so that make sense.

Thanks Father!

 

[St_Francis]

It’s rather sad to read the tenor of this thread. The OP asked a good, honest question. The replies have largely been those of: he must already know, accept your priest the way he is (the OP never said they didn’t accept their priest), there’s not a tactful way to make such a suggestion, etc.

It’s precisely this sort of mindset that enables poor or mediocre preaching in the Church. Good preaching is difficult on many levels. Without constructive feedback, those doing the preaching will never know how they are performing as preachers and that’s too bad.

One thing that comes to mind is that the OP might possibly find a good resource(s) on preaching and gift their priest with a copy and some kind words in private? I don’t know if people like Bp. Robert Barron offer DVDs on preaching, but it certainly would be worth looking into. It might actually help their priest.

I had had the idea of writing to the bishop and suggesting he have occasional workshops on things like this!

OTOH, thinking over your reply and Fr Ruggero’s, maybe this is a way to reduce the possibility of a sort of personality cult developing? When I think about what has happened to some of the more captivating Catholic priests, maybe a flatter style of delivery is a good idea?

 

[St_Francis]

I would make it a matter of private prayer, some of it concerning God changing his preaching style, but more towards God changing me so I could hear what God was saying through him. Among other things, that I could look past his faults, or what I think are his faults…And if others are having the same problem, that they would also have the grace to do so…

Anyway, that is what I would do.

I don’t appreciate it when people come up to me with a list of my faults and start rattling them off (it has happened).

Oh, I did not want to do that! Just a suggestion about this one point. I have told him about things that I appreciate.

I don’t think he would, either. He needs your support, not your criticism. I read a book years ago on how to be a dragon in your church, meaning someone in charge of fixing up the place, taking on the role of the Holy Spirit and correcting everyone and everything, written by a pastor who had taken on some dragons, often well-meaning souls who really don’t help but can cause a lot of damage.

Maybe he is well aware of his deficiencies in his preaching style. **Maybe it is a deliberate style. Perhaps he wants to avoid sensationalism and entertainment. Maybe he deliberately is doing it because it is the best way for the parish to grow in love. **In any case he does not answer to you in this. As I said, prayer.

I was so entranced by the dragons that I missed the import of what you were saying here, or I would have quoted it along with Fr Ruggero’s posts on the same line.

 

[exnihilo]

I have a good relationship with this priest and always try to be supportive of anything good a priest does for several reasons, one of which is that I know priests have a huge amount to do and sometimes hear only complaints. We are fortunate to have a younger priest now who is full of energy so I was surprised by his delivery, never thinking it might be stage fright or something because he’s so good with people otherwise.

I think the best strategy, besides prayer, is to compliment whatever is good. As you point out much of what anyone in charge hears is complaints. If he happens to be more lively one day compliment him on his delivery.

And now that I think about it, he is from the South (which is where a *lot *of extremely dramatic non-Catholic preachers can be found), so that make sense.

It is pure speculation but he might indeed have a personal aversion to that style or might want to avoid appearing as the stereotypical southern Gospel preacher.

 

[Hoosier_Daddy]

I don’t think it can be done. Unless you are a close personal friend or relative. They have received feedback and instruction in thier formation.
I used to hunger for long, in depth, amazing homilies. I changed my mind about that. I found the Mass to be a different thing than the Protestant idea of a good fiery weekly sermon.
Few people in this world can give a good PowerPoint presentation so it would stand to reason that not every priest has the ability to satisfy everyone’s specific tastes.
Two types of homilies used to bother me. 1. The one where they take a parable and parablize it. A half hour of hearing the parable of the wheat was turned into the parable of the corn in the Midwest was unbearable. And the ever popular “internet story” that my grandma forwarded to me…

I’ve come to the conclusion that the homily should be short, and reflective on the readings. Much more damage can be done in a homily than good if you ask me…

 

[Kielbasi]

Our priest has good homilies, but delivers them in a monotone style. Is there a way to tactfully suggest a change? I know some people have spoken to him about it, and people have mentioned it to me (not for any particular reason) so this is not a problem I alone am having. This is not the way he usually talks.

Thanks!

There is no way to tactfully suggest this, not everyone is a great public speaker.

 

[zab]

“After Mass one day a woman came to me complaining about a priest’s homily. His preaching ability left something to be desired, but then it’s not the Word you listen to, not the way it’s presented. So this woman was complaining and I asked her, ‘How much did you put in the collection?’ She said, ‘A quarter.’ I said, ‘What do you want for a quarter, Bishop Sheen?’” - Mother Angelica

 

[Tomyris]

I looked at my tag line, about the persecuted church, and then thought of this thread.

You get good homilies. A lot of people want that.

Your priest is not locked up by the government. And your church is not padlocked. A lot of people face that. And I gather you don’t meet in secret because you might get arrested or assaulted or killed, but you meet anyway, because there is a priest.

I don’t think your priest is on a circuit and you only see him every month or more, because there aren’t that many priests where you live. A lot of people would like it if they saw a priest every week.

He may be considering elderly people, too, with hearing aids, who need someone speaking at the same volume, distinctly, to get the message. A preacher who is soft, then loud, then soft, etc., means they may be continually fiddling with the volume on their hearing aids.

 

[Horton]

It’s rather sad to read the tenor of this thread. The OP asked a good, honest question. The replies have largely been those of: he must already know, accept your priest the way he is (the OP never said they didn’t accept their priest), there’s not a tactful way to make such a suggestion, etc.

It’s precisely this sort of mindset that enables poor or mediocre preaching in the Church. Good preaching is difficult on many levels. Without constructive feedback, those doing the preaching will never know how they are performing as preachers and that’s too bad.

One thing that comes to mind is that the OP might possibly find a good resource(s) on preaching and gift their priest with a copy and some kind words in private? I don’t know if people like Bp. Robert Barron offer DVDs on preaching, but it certainly would be worth looking into. It might actually help their priest.

I feel the OP has received good answers to his question. Our priests are chosen by God and serve God. They are chosen for various ministries within the Church, parish priest, monastic life, or other ministries.

I’m offended by the bolded part. I’ve heard many homilies from various priests over the years, some very engaging and some not. I don’t go to Mass to be entertained by the priest, I go to spend time with Jesus Christ, to receive the Eucharist. This is a big difference between Catholic Mass and Protestant services. We don’t have “preachers” in the Catholic Church we have priests. A homily is approximately 7-10 minutes of a Mass, just a part of the whole liturgy.

 

[St_Francis]

I looked at my tag line, about the persecuted church, and then thought of this thread.

You get good homilies. A lot of people want that.

Your priest is not locked up by the government. And your church is not padlocked. A lot of people face that. And I gather you don’t meet in secret because you might get arrested or assaulted or killed, but you meet anyway, because there is a priest.

I don’t think your priest is on a circuit and you only see him every month or more, because there aren’t that many priests where you live. A lot of people would like it if they saw a priest every week.

He may be considering elderly people, too, with hearing aids, who need someone speaking at the same volume, distinctly, to get the message. A preacher who is soft, then loud, then soft, etc., means they may be continually fiddling with the volume on their hearing aids.

Your post made me think. I am grateful for our priest and the fact we are not persecuted in the US to any great extent.

But I wanted to do this the way a friend might look at my outfit and suggest a scarf or pin, and that really makes the outfit shine (I happen to be terrible at that but lucky enough to know people who really have an eye for it!).

To me, the way our priest delivers his homilies is like a long, long paragraph in smallish type with no capital letters. You can read it, but it’s much harder, right? Well, I just wanted to suggest that he metaphorically
• break it into paragraphs,
• maybe use bullet points from time to time, and
• consider a serif font instead of Geneva.

Nothing major like becoming Archbishop Sheen!

 

[ToeInTheWater]

I’ve heard many homilies from various priests over the years, some very engaging and some not. I don’t go to Mass to be entertained by the priest, I go to spend time with Jesus Christ, to receive the Eucharist. This is a big difference between Catholic Mass and Protestant services. We don’t have “preachers” in the Catholic Church we have priests. A homily is approximately 7-10 minutes of a Mass, just a part of the whole liturgy.

I don’t think the purpose of a homily is to entertain, and I realize there is more to a priest’s duties than preaching, but if it does not do anything other than fill 7 to 10 minutes of time and the quality is irrelevant, then what is the point of even having it?

Indeed, the idea of a priest as mostly a “dispenser of Eucharist and Sacraments” and not a “preacher” of the fatih, might be one reason some Catholics seem to respect priests less than some Catholics respect their “preachers”.

 

[St_Francis]

I don’t think the purpose of a homily is to entertain, and I realize there is more to a priest’s duties than preaching, but if it does not do anything other than fill 7 to 10 minutes of time and the quality is irrelevant, then what is the point of even having it?

Indeed, the idea of a priest as mostly a “dispenser of Eucharist and Sacraments” and not a “preacher” of the fatih, might be one reason some Catholics seem to respect priests less than some Catholics respect their “preachers”.

Exactly! I see homilies as a way that the Church communicates with Her people, like when our bishop sent a letter to be read about the government’s decision to prosecute (iirc) the Little Sisters of the Poor.

And the priest knows what the people in the parish need to learn. So, *after *all my children had received their First Holy Communions, I found out there is an indulgence attached. But this priest tells us things like that, which many of us do not know. But when his delivery makes it harder to catch what he’s saying, then it defeats the purpose, which is why I wanted to say something.

I don’t want him to become a great orator, just take our frailty into consideration.