What Are the Requirements of A Homily?

[Dove1]

People love anecdotes and stories. These are those that illustrate the point which the priest is trying to make.

There is a priest in our church whose homilies we always look forward to. When he starts a sentence with “When I was a boy…” you can be sure the parishioners would straighten up and be all ears.

 

[Gorgias]

Thank you for this link on preaching. It articulates what I have been trying to get across to you folks who are sitting on your pedestals judging me. Gorgias posted the link but obviously hasn’t read it or if he/she has, he/she should seriously RE READ it. And now I shall take my leave from this site never to return.

Earlier in the thread, you castigated someone for misconstruing your thought. And yet, you feel qualified to judge me? Really? Sad…

I’m not judging you – although I did ask a question of you that you never answered. Perhaps you’ll be back some time when you’re interested in entering into dialogue here.

You’re clearly unhappy over this topic, HS. I hope you find God’s peace…

 

[Gorgias]

For many years the homily education of priests has been lacking in thier formation.

I would have to disagree with this.

Perhaps you meant to write, “for many years, it’s been difficult to find a good homilist.” That may or may not be true, but would be completely dependent on where you are and who is celebrating the Masses you attend (not to mention when and where he attended seminary!).

On the other hand, the assertion “for many years, homiletics isn’t being taught to seminarians in their formation” is patently false. In the Program of Priestly Formation, the USCCB asserts:

Homiletics should occupy a prominent place in the core curriculum and be integrated into the entire course of studies. In addition to the principles of biblical interpretation, catechesis, and communications theory, seminarians should also learn the practical skills needed to communicate the Gospel as proclaimed by the Church in an effective and appropriate manner. Seminarians should be taught that “through the course of the liturgical year, the homily sets forth the mysteries of faith and the standards of the Christian life on the basis of the sacred text.” Seminarians should also be afforded opportunities to preach outside of Eucharistic celebrations and receive proper assessment.

Hoosier Daddy:

I’m sure that his homily was helpful to many. It was not my cup of tea or style. Not is what I wished to be fed.

And this, I’d wager, is what most people mean when they say “my priest isn’t a good homilist” – that is, they really mean, “his style isn’t my cup of tea.” Priests preach to hundreds of people – who have dozens of personal styles and preferences – each weekend. It’d be kinda hard to please everyone, I’m guessing…