Suggesting priest change (improve!) homily style?

[LilyM]

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.

Point is not that suggestions cannot be made - the point is to be wise and charitable about it.

This priest has already been told - by more.than one person it seems. Is there any reason to believe further comment is needed, or would be beneficial?

I am a lawyer, in a profession where spoken communication is vital, but I need judicious comment from persons I know and trust, not randoms repeating the same critiques over and over to me.

 

[Solomonson]

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?

I strongly believe that improvement cannot be made (in anything) if there is a dearth of constructive feedback. Constructive feedback (no matter how charitable) or even the thought of constructive feedback is too often stomped to death at many levels in the Church under the guise of “charity.” That’s very wrong.

We had a young seminarian who helped out in our parish for a couple of years. He did not have very good public speaking skills – he was very timid and spoke in a monotone. Then he went to seminary. He returned to our parish to celebrate of Mass of thanksgiving. He preached extremely well. Many of us were astounded.

I asked him about it. He said his public speaking shortcomings were identified in seminary and he was given extra coaching and opportunities to preach. He also said that the homily I had heard had taken him several hours to prepare and rehearse.

If his weak public speaking skills had been ignored, he would have returned after ordination with mediocre (at best) preaching skills. Thank goodness someone had the courage and skill to help him.

I agree that groupings of “fans” can grow around Catholic clergy that preach well. I think this phenomenon is a product of the great thirst in the Church for good preaching. To use its possibility as justification to discourage the strive for excellence (or even improvement) in preaching makes no sense at all.

 

[St_Francis]

Point is not that suggestions cannot be made - the point is to be wise and charitable about it.

This priest has already been told - by more.than one person it seems. Is there any reason to believe further comment is needed, or would be beneficial?

I am a lawyer, in a profession where spoken communication is vital, but I need judicious comment from persons I know and trust, not randoms repeating the same critiques over and over to me.

I know of one person who mentioned it to him; maybe I can find out what they said. I don’t know if anyone else has said anything to him.

One way this thread really helped was to p(name removed by moderator)oint some of the problem, so I am also going to pay attention so I can maybe zero in on just one or two things rather than making it into a big deal; that would certainly make it easier to drop into conversation.

Thank you!

 

[LilyM]

I strongly believe that improvement cannot be made (in anything) if there is a dearth of constructive feedback. Constructive feedback (no matter how charitable) or even the thought of constructive feedback is too often stomped to death at many levels in the Church under the guise of “charity.” That’s very wrong.

We had a young seminarian who helped out in our parish for a couple of years. He did not have very good public speaking skills – he was very timid and spoke in a monotone. Then he went to seminary. He returned to our parish to celebrate of Mass of thanksgiving. He preached extremely well. Many of us were astounded.

I asked him about it. He said his public speaking shortcomings were identified in seminary and he was given extra coaching and opportunities to preach. He also said that the homily I had heard had taken him several hours to prepare and rehearse.

If his weak public speaking skills had been ignored, he would have returned after ordination with mediocre (at best) preaching skills. Thank goodness someone had the courage and skill to help him.

I agree that groupings of “fans” can grow around Catholic clergy that preach well. I think this phenomenon is a product of the great thirst in the Church for good preaching. To use its possibility as justification to discourage the strive for excellence (or even improvement) in preaching makes no sense at all.

Point being the issues were being identified IN SEMINARY - ie in an appropriate venue, where priests-in-training go for the express purpose and point of developing those skills such as public speaking that they need, and where appropriate advice and assistance can easily be given by experienced professionals.

Again, I am a lawyer, well used to feedback. There is a world of difference between being in, say, a training seminar with experts and colleagues and receiving feedback there, and having randoms in a courtroom stop me and give “helpful” comments (which are usually anything but) about my speaking style.

 

[Horton]

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”.

I never said the homily is irrelevant. I said it is a part of the whole Mass, as opposed to a Protestant service which consists mainly of the sermon.

I also never said anything about a parish priest as a “dispenser of Eucharist & Sacraments”. You sure read a lot into my post that just wasn’t there. I respect all priests and their dedication to the Church. I don’t know about your parish but we have a priest who is our pastor. We don’t have a “preacher”.

 

[Graceful_Lamb]

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.

We don’t go to Mass to be entertained by the priest by giving a great homily with an exceptional delivery. We go to Mass to worship God and the Most Holy Sacrifice.

 

[Tomyris]

I know of one person who mentioned it to him; maybe I can find out what they said. I don’t know if anyone else has said anything to him.

One way this thread really helped was to p(name removed by moderator)oint some of the problem, so I am also going to pay attention so I can maybe zero in on just one or two things rather than making it into a big deal; that would certainly make it easier to drop into conversation.

Thank you!

No.

 

[St_Francis]

No.

You’re right: it would be bad for me to focus on the negative like that.

Thanks! And I’m sure he would thank you too, if he knew!

 

[Solomonson]

This thread absolutely blows me away! The apathy is bone-chilling! The OP asked a legitimate question: “Our priest has good homilies, but delivers them in a monotone style. Is there a way to tactfully suggest a change?” Some of the responses have been utterly irresponsible. They boil down to nothing but excuses including:

• No.
• We don’t attend Mass to be entertained.
• He must already know and would have improved if he was able to.
• Careful, careful. If he preaches too well a cult might form around him.
• You are wrong to focus on his monotone delivery.

Lord have mercy! Preaching within the context of the Mass is so very important! The Church loses a number of active members each year because the preaching they are exposed to is so terribly deficient.

There are ways to tactfully and lovingly suggest (or possibly even facilitate) improvement. Stomping-out possible improvement for the reasons given is just plain wrong.

 

[Solomonson]

… 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…

Who said anything about rattling off a list? Only you.

 

[Solomonson]

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.

That’s simply not true. God’s will is often ignored or even subverted in the world in which we live.

 

[Solomonson]

…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…

Are you honestly implying that a homilist can preach either in a monotone or “as the stereotypical southern Gospel preacher…”?

 

[Roseeurekacross]

This thread absolutely blows me away! The apathy is bone-chilling! The OP asked a legitimate question: “Our priest has good homilies, but delivers them in a monotone style. Is there a way to tactfully suggest a change?” Some of the responses have been utterly irresponsible. They boil down to nothing but excuses including:

• No.
• We don’t attend Mass to be entertained.
• He must already know and would have improved if he was able to.
• Careful, careful. If he preaches too well a cult might form around him.
• You are wrong to focus on his monotone delivery.

Lord have mercy! Preaching within the context of the Mass is so very important! The Church loses a number of active members each year because the preaching they are exposed to is so terribly deficient.

There are ways to tactfully and lovingly suggest (or possibly even facilitate) improvement. Stomping-out possible improvement for the reasons given is just plain wrong.

You are in error. You have been told repeatedly that Catholic Priests do not Preach. You want a preacher? Turn on the TV.

Our only job is to listen to what our Priests, those chosen and called by God, His men on Earth, teach us in Homilies.

This is not Holly or Bolly wood. Its the Catholic Church. We don’t require shiny baubles to attend Church. The Priest is not a magpie , required to screech his words to Parishoners who are not paying attention.

Whomever brought up the point of hearing aides makes a sound point.

I am still praying for you.

My Bishop is perhaps the most humble person I know. His entire manner reflects this.

 

[Tomyris]

This thread absolutely blows me away! The apathy is bone-chilling! The OP asked a legitimate question: “Our priest has good homilies, but delivers them in a monotone style. Is there a way to tactfully suggest a change?” Some of the responses have been utterly irresponsible. They boil down to nothing but excuses including:

• No.
• We don’t attend Mass to be entertained.
• He must already know and would have improved if he was able to.
• Careful, careful. If he preaches too well a cult might form around him.
• You are wrong to focus on his monotone delivery.

Lord have mercy! Preaching within the context of the Mass is so very important! The Church loses a number of active members each year because the preaching they are exposed to is so terribly deficient.

There are ways to tactfully and lovingly suggest (or possibly even facilitate) improvement. Stomping-out possible improvement for the reasons given is just plain wrong.

It’s not apathy. It’s a sense of place, the voice of experience, the voice of charity and I think the voice of the Holy Spirit.

I mentioned dragons above. I have what it takes to be a dragon, to criticize everyone and everything, because I care, because I want it right, because I want people to be fed. I know because I have been there and caused a lot of people a lot of pain. A dragon will go after the pastor, the choir, the readers, the decorations, the deacon, until everyone is convinced there is a problem, and the problem is the dragon. Criticism and wrongly delivered ‘helpful hints’ are very seldom appreciated. Probably the priest heard about this in seminary, and, really, it is out of place for people to comment on it. Really.
There is a time and a place for criticism. This simply is not it. No one wants to be viewed as a self-appointed God’s Holy Corrector.

It IS important. It is not at all trivializing it to make it a matter of prayer. Often we see something wrong not to correct it but to bring it to the Lord in prayer. Sometimes for months, sometimes for years. In the parts I hang around in we are found of saying that the Church moves forward on her knees.

There is a skill in properly delivering criticism. Most of it is in preparation in prayer, and often at the end of that preparation there is no need to deliver the criticism, because the problem has been taken care of. If you want perfection, spend a lot of time on your knees. Going around as God’s Holy Corrector - which from many of your posts you seem to endorse - is counterproductive.

Preaching IS important. The homily IS important. You may not understand that that is why the best way to address this is not verbally but via prayer. Prayer changes things. It changes the one praying. It, later, may change the situation. If you care, you pray.

 

[zab]

:yawn::newidea:

 

[po18guy]

There is a method of delivery and there is a method of listening. Punchy homilies can entertain, but may not sink in. One suggestion is to take a notepad to the mass and jot down the points made as Father makes them. Homilies traditionally address three points, all of which are well worth considering. Taking the time and making the effort in committing them to writing often allows the message to be better perceived. After mass, devote some time to pondering those points and doing a little research if necessary. Even asking Father about those points would be fine, as you demonstrate to him that you are listening.

Remember here that you have not yet been bored to death, as happened to poor Eutychus (Acts 20) as the preaching went on into the evening! And that was Saint Paul preaching!

 

[Solomonson]

…It is not at all trivializing it to make it a matter of prayer…

I never suggested or implied that praying for the priest would be trivial. Your false dichotomy of either praying for the priest OR taking some other form of action is just another excuse.

Do BOTH! This thread still stuns me. The apathy and excuses are just astounding. It does give insight into why so many things never get fixed (or at least improved) in the Church.

 

[zab]

I never suggested or implied that praying for the priest would be trivial. Your false dichotomy of either praying for the priest OR taking some other form of action is just another excuse.

Do BOTH! This thread still stuns me. The apathy and excuses are just astounding. It does give insight into why so many things never get fixed (or at least improved) in the Church.

You have to learn not to take things so personally. If people misinterpret our posts, so what? The more you try to defend your comment the worse it gets and it seems like your resentment grows. While I can empathize with you and the OP having to listen to a homilist whose delivery can put you to sleep or at least cause your mind to drift, I cannot keep defending your reaction to comments on this thread. All of us from time to time are misinterpreted. I’m guessing that many did not get my post either when I replied to the question, “How do I tell them that I want to play the organ?” I replied, “Just do it.” I wondered how many thought that I was saying, “just go ahead and play the organ.” But in my mind, I was saying, “Just tell them.”

Let it go.

 

[Graceful_Lamb]

This thread absolutely blows me away! The apathy is bone-chilling! The OP asked a legitimate question: “Our priest has good homilies, but delivers them in a monotone style. Is there a way to tactfully suggest a change?” Some of the responses have been utterly irresponsible. They boil down to nothing but excuses including:

• No.
• We don’t attend Mass to be entertained.
• He must already know and would have improved if he was able to.
• Careful, careful. If he preaches too well a cult might form around him.
• You are wrong to focus on his monotone delivery.

Lord have mercy! Preaching within the context of the Mass is so very important! The Church loses a number of active members each year because the preaching they are exposed to is so terribly deficient.

There are ways to tactfully and lovingly suggest (or possibly even facilitate) improvement. Stomping-out possible improvement for the reasons given is just plain wrong.

These aren’t excuses. I believe having an educational homily is important. What is not as important is the delivery and/or telling the priest that his delivery of his homilies is not as good as it should be. It isn’t very charitable to tell someone, especially a priest, that their homilies aren’t as good as the priest may think they are.

I agree with Tomyris that praying about it is the best way to handle it.

 

[Horton]

That’s simply not true. God’s will is often ignored or even subverted in the world in which we live.

Your opinion of this matter is just that, an opinion. When a man makes the choice to become a priest he isn’t doing as one may choose a car or furniture, he is answers the call of God. He is accepting the will of God in his submission and he is doing what God made him to be. They go through years of formation and generally are placed with an more experienced priest as their first assignment.

You have claimed we are apathetic regarding the OP question. There is no apathy here, only helpful suggestions to the OP.

I find your comments rude and as well as displaying your ignorance of the Catholic Church.