The Purpose of Catholic Preaching:
Lead Our People into an Encounter with God
The cry goes up, “Better preaching!” But what is “better preaching”?
Effective homilies bring preachers and hearers closer to Jesus. At the Institute for Homiletics, we put preaching and evangelization together.
We help clergy to preach in a way that connects with their listeners so they say, “You helped me find God.” We offer online preaching resources. We specialize in in-person interactions through workshops, convocations, and our Preaching for Encounter program. We help hearers to listen and give feedback.
Connect with us today to learn how Catholic preaching can thrive. Together, we will glorify God for helping the Sunday homily to flourish.
Our Latest Inspiration for Sunday Preaching
Scripture Study for
Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
Br. John R. Barker, OFM
When David was first anointed king, after the deaths of Saul and his son Jonathan, he was king only over his ancestral tribe of Judah ... Read More
What Church Leaders Are Saying
About the Institute for Homiletics
The Institute for Homiletics has been very helpful to me personally. I am participating in the current cohort of the Preaching for Encounter program. It has helped me to re-focus on the purpose of preaching: to encounter Christ myself as I read the scriptures and prepare the homily.
I have especially enjoyed our small peer group meetings and the opportunity those give me to personally share with my priests about something as essential as preaching.
I have especially enjoyed our small peer group meetings and the opportunity those give me to personally share with my priests about something as essential as preaching.
Bishop Greg Kelly
The Institute for Homiletics is a bright light shining within the Church. Since signing up for the [Preaching for Encounter] program, I knew that Dr. Bellinger's goal was to renew preachers and thus renew preaching. Dr. Bellinger challenges us to renew our own encounter with God so that we can then help our congregations encounter our merciful and saving God themselves. My prayer is that the Institute for Homiletics will renew the Church, one preacher and congregation at a time.
Abbot Peter Verhalen, O.Cist.
Take full advantage of this program. You will come to see it, as I did, as an invigorating and exciting opportunity. You, and the people of God whom you serve, will greatly benefit from your active participation in this gift.
Bishop Brendan Cahill, Diocese of Victoria, Texas
Deacon Jim has always had charisma and liked people. He is now connected more deeply with our community. We can see it in people's faces on the recordings we do; they are really listening to Deacon, and he is reaching them. They are able to remember his message and take it home with them.
Hector & Mary Garcia, Archdiocese of San Antonio
We have thoroughly enjoyed our experience as members of the St. Joseph's Preachers for Fr. Gabriel Bentil. It has shed much light on homiletics, and we have all gained knowledge from the reading materials. Thank you for all you do to help us provide this support for our preachers!
Heather Kallus, Holy Family in the Diocese of Victoria, Texas
