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Institute for Homiletics

A Collaboration of The Catholic Foundation and the University of Dallas

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Helping Catholic Preaching to Flourish.

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When you see the video you will see how Preaching for Encounter can enrich your life as a preacher!

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NEW! The 2027 Permanent Deacon Cohort of
the Preaching for Encounter Program

Due to the demand for diaconal training in homiletics, we have opened a whole new cohort just for deacons. We seek for 6-8 dioceses to each provide a peer group of deacons for the cohort, which begins with the introductory retreat April 22-24, 2027.

  • If you are the leader of deacons in your diocese and you would like to be a part of this new opportunity, please get in touch with us.
  • If you are a deacon who would like to be part of this, please encourage your diaconal leaders to get in touch with us.
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See the testimonials and video on our website to see the impact that this program can have! Please let us know your interest by Aug. 31 so we can have all applications in November, 2026.

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Learn the art of feedback, to heighten the ability to notice and listen, and to find language that encourages growth.

Please join us for our workshop
Oct. 15-17, 2026
in person at the
University of Saint Mary of the Lake
Mundelein, Illinois
+ six online course sessions

This course is open to  anyone who wants to strengthen their coaching or mentoring outreach: seminary professors, deacon mentors, teachers of preaching, those who want to coach for our Institute, and more. Register here.

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Discover What’s New at the Institute for Homiletics

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

Feed My Sheep: Two Cistercian Monks Among 26 Priests Join New Cohort At Institute for Homiletics at the University of Dallas

For the third cohort in a row, Cistercian monks are among the priests who know the Word and hunger to give it away. By Anna...
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ANNOUNCEMENTS

Victoria Lighthouse article: Alongside Bishop Cahill, Diocese Priests Aim for Better Homilies

The Diocese of Victoria, Texas has had a number of priests complete the Institute for Homiletics’ Preaching for Encounter program, and for the 2026 cohort...
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ANNOUNCEMENTS

Preaching for Encounter Program News

The 2026 priest cohort for the Preaching for Encounter Program is underway! The priests are in the initial process of applications, interviews, and orientations. The...
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Open Lectionary

Our Latest Inspiration for Sunday Preaching

A Season of Generosity

Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Dr. Karla J. Bellinger

Made in the image of God, baptized into the Body of Christ, we are called upon to die to ourselves so that God’s generous love... Read More
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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.

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

Since I participated in the Preaching for Encounter program, I have received input that I have grown significantly in content, delivery, organization, and my use of resources for developing homilies. I pay much more attention to the structure and form, which has allowed my preaching to become more practical. It focuses on one single theme.

Fr. Richard Bediako

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

This program has helped make preaching enjoyable and approachable, and to recognize that it is a gift to share homilies with people. They are seeking more. For me, this is only the beginning, but this has placed me on a trajectory of growth that I hope and pray to keep up with and continue for a lifetime.

Fr. Christopher Kalan, O. Cist.

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Let’s work together to renew preaching for the renewal of the Catholic Church!

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