Homilies – the ideal and the real: a study of attitudes toward preaching in the Catholic Diocese of Dallas

ABSTRACT

While a number of studies have been published on homiletics within a Protestant context, fewer studies are available within the Catholic Church. Despite this lack of data, several recent magisterial documents have bemoaned the quality of preaching at Eucharistic liturgies. This article brings recent Catholic magisterial statements into conversation with two studies conducted within the Catholic Diocese of Dallas regarding attitudes toward preaching. Following the presentation of the official Catholic theology of preaching and research findings, the conclusion provides the authors’ thoughts and recommendations for adjustments in the field.

KEYWORDS:

• Theology of preaching
• homiletics
• priestly formation
• Roman Catholicism

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 While much of the focus in the post-conciliar documents focuses on the preaching ministry of the priest, liturgical preaching is also central to the ministry of bishops and deacons. Further, the laity in various pastoral settings can be engaged in extra-liturgical preaching. In Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis goes so far as to assert that it is the responsibility of the entire Church in each of its members to preach the Gospel (127-129). Thus, while the focus of this article is primarily on liturgical preaching, the preaching ministry of the Church is inclusive of all its members. For this reason, inclusive language will be used throughout to refer to preachers.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Theodore James Whapham

Theodore James Whapham is Associate Professor and Dean of the Ann and Joe O. Neuhoff School of Ministry at the University of Dallas. Previously he was on the faculty at St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens, FL. He holds a doctorate in Historical and Systematic from Catholic University and is the author of various publications in the areas of practical theology, Trinitarian theology, and fundamental theology. His is co-editor of Transforming Ministry Formation from Paulist Press with Marti R. Jewell and Edward P. Hahnenberg

Carla Pezzia

Carla Pezzia is an Associate Professor of Human and Social Sciences and the Director of Latin American Studies at the University of Dallas. She is an anthropologist with expertise in mental health care and illness experiences. Her current research interests include examining the intersections between mental health and religious experiences