Why catholic priests mostly are not good preachers?

[ineeda]

This is actually really funny that you post this, because my brother and I were just talking about this the other day. Our priest in one of his homilies said that the Mass is not for us, it is for God. I think this is a great quote.

The homily, in our opinion, is probably the least important part of the mass. You are not there to “get something out of mass”. You are there to GIVE something to God. The Eucharist, the Gospel, the readings, the songs, and the other prayers are much more important than the opinion of a man.

I love this! My daughter was just telling me that she does not like when a certain priest has the mass, as she gets nothing out of it. I tried to tell her that it is what you are giving to God, and not what you want given to you.

 

[ccmcmg]

Welcome home Jafar!

I’d say that 95% of the homilies I hear are very good, and some are excellent.

The main focus is on the Eucharist, the Real Presence of Our Lord.

Whether they pray in tongues or not has nothing to do with it.

Peace,

Dorothy

+10 (That means I love it!)

I have heard many times on this forum that Catholics are not being taught correctly, or perhaps completely, thus leading to ignorance in praxis and belief on the part of the average church member. If that is to be improved, how would one go about it if not during the homily at Mass?

I don’t think you can have it both ways. You can’t say that preaching is not important and then say that catechesis is sorely lacking.

Catechesis generally is separate from Mass. While some ‘teaching’ or informing can be done in the context of the Homily (which is different than a sermon, to my understanding), it has generally come during CCD or adult classes. I do agree that we need to do more to teach this catechesis to adults, but we are also responsible for our own learning. I wish we had Sunday School like many Protestant churches; some parishes do something like this, but not most.

Again, the Mass is not about the priest or the homily. It’s about our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We celebrate His Love and Sacrifice at every Mass. THAT is always the theme.

 

[littlestsouls2]

I have heard some incredible preachers and some not-so-incredible preachers - some Protestant, some Catholic. All in all, the best sermons I have heard are from Catholic priests. I once heard a sermon on liturgical prayer, for example, that changed the way I view prayer.

I was watching a sermon from Ven. Fulton Sheen last night and I was blown away; he is possibly the best preacher I have ever come across. In fact, I am going to watch another one tonight.

Like all good preachers, Ven. Fulton Sheen was holy, passionate (and quite the orator) and learned. To me, these are the three essential ingredients for a powerful preacher.

 

[Mummsie]

God Bless our Priests!!! The ones who speak well, the ones who are compassionate, the ones with a sense of humor, the ones who mourn with us, and the ones who rejoice with us. I’m grateful for all of these men who have committed their lives to Christ. Without them where would we be?

God Bless You.

 

[Jafar]

I brought this question but I have one answer for this

One of the reasons is that for a Presbyterian pastor if his sermon is not interesting he will loose church members in no time. Presbyterians do not enjoy communion the same way we do. We go to mass to be fed with body and blood of Christ and that is enough to satisfy our soul however Presbyterians go there to feel good about themselves get some holy spirit , have a smile on their face … learn some thing

A Presbyterian pastor without a good sermon without a good sermon will loose members and eventually has direct effect on his household income

 

[exnihilo]

I have heard some incredible preachers and some not-so-incredible preachers - some Protestant, some Catholic. All in all, the best sermons I have heard are from Catholic priests. I once heard a sermon on liturgical prayer, for example, that changed the way I view prayer.

I’ve heard a broader range of topics in Catholic homilies. I’ve also heard behavior called out that never would be in some Protestant churches.

I was watching a sermon from Ven. Fulton Sheen last night and I was blown away; he is possibly the best preacher I have ever come across. In fact, I am going to watch another one tonight.

Like all good preachers, Ven. Fulton Sheen was holy, passionate (and quite the orator) and learned. To me, these are the three essential ingredients for a powerful preacher.

He was very passionate. Back then speakers were taught how to really use their voice to help convey their message. I think the use of microphones has damaged oratory. In the old days speakers had to know how to project their voice. And without amplification you could be more passionate. If you are too passionate on a mic the sound can be awful. I think it increases the frequency of milquetoast homilies.

Two other strong qualities of Ven. Fulton Sheen were he was confident and manly. That helps tremendously to get your message across.

 

[littlestsouls2]

I’ve heard a broader range of topics in Catholic homilies. I’ve also heard behavior called out that never would be in some Protestant churches.

He was very passionate. Back then speakers were taught how to really use their voice to help convey their message. I think the use of microphones has damaged oratory. In the old days speakers had to know how to project their voice. And without amplification you could be more passionate. If you are too passionate on a mic the sound can be awful. I think it increases the frequency of milquetoast homilies.

Two other strong qualities of Ven. Fulton Sheen were he was confident and manly. That helps tremendously to get your message across.

Same.

Good observation. I always love a good sermon without a microphone; it feels more natural.

Yes, Ven. Fulton Sheen was very confident and manly. His words demand attention. He also has a penetrating gaze.