Atlanta archbishop tells synod church needs inspiring preachers

I read this article quoting Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory of Atlanta and it resonated with me. This is important not only as an active and committed Catholic, but also as a leader. Every time we walk up to a stage or a microphone we have a unique "leadership moment." We have a precious opportunity to clarify a vision, get alignment on policy or doctrine, educate, inspire, or challenge. We need to connect both intellectually as well as emotionally. Unfortunately, this doesn't always happen.

During the Synod of Bishops on the Eucharist in Rome, Archbishop Gregory said, "The church needs vibrant, inspiring preachers and new ways to communicate faith traditions in its response to current challenges." How often are you challenged and inspired after a homily? There have been many times that I have, but there are also many more that I haven't. I have not heard a priest passionately challenged us with actions to end abortion, with words to inspire us to oppose war, with specific actions to end poverty, or to really inspire us to truly live the gospels in our lives. For me, about 50% of the homilies I hear are way too soft emotionally or theologically. These are lost precious opportunities.

This also applies to our roles as leaders, wether at work or in clubs or other organizations. If we ever have an opportunity to speak in public we need to treat it with reverence. The people we lead are not only looking to hear our words, they are also looking to know our hearts. They want to see what we really believe in, what we really think is important not only by the words we say, but by the sincerity with which we say it. When I speak in public I make an effort to synthesize my points to two or three key messages that I completely and passionately believe in. Then I build my presentation or speech around them. Again, we need to remember that people are looking for information, but also for a heart to heart connection.

So, I finish by praying first in thanksgiving for all the people that have decided to live a life of service as priests, deacons, and religious and I also pray that the Holy Spirit can inspire them and help them communicate and connect with the people. Archbishop Gregory said, " what we can do is communicate the faith of the church in such a way so that it is heard by people in a variety of backgrounds."

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Comments

[Lorna]

This is an important point for Christians of all traditions.

The message should be something that you are challenged by (in a good way) that leads you deeper into the heart of Christ, and propels you into transformation of your own life style.

Some sermons or homilies (in all denominations)could simply be taken out of the service and it would not matter because it failed to do any of these three things - Each of those is a wasted opportunity to bring the people and God's ways closer together.

The RC church -like other churches - also needs inspiring preaching as an integral part of the mass /s. I know that during the week the homily is skipped and that on Sundays it's often, as you yourself write, irrelevent or boring which is a real pity.

I think part of it may be that priests simply have too much to do and preaching the sermon is not considered their most important task. Maybe that needs to be reviewed? My experience in the methodist church is that not much training is given in homelectics - and almost all of it is at the seminary stage.

Are RC priests offered training in this area when they are already a priest, and when they have been one for many years? Or is it just assumed they can do it? That's the rub really.

interesting post thanks :)

[Steve Bogner]

I know that Catholic seminarians take classes in homiletics, but maybe some of them don't see it as a very critical part of their vocation. There was a bishop recently - in Detroit, maybe? - who started a program to improve his priests' homilies, and I remember hearing that it was well received. I don't know about ongoing training though. I do know that if I don't continuously hone my professional skills that I'll lose ground quickly.

At my parish we have four Jesuits who rotate in & out of the Sunday line-up, and while they have different styles they all consistently have good homilies.

[Hector]

Steve and Lorna, thanks for your comments. I don't know why this happens. I'd say that in the business world not all leaders are good at speaking. When I was in the Air Force I did find more officers who would be good speakers. Maybe because leadership was emphasized more.