Five Years of Renewing Preachers and Transforming Lives

Milestone celebration honors the importance of Catholic preaching.

It was more than a fifth birthday celebration. It was a moving reminder of why Catholic preaching matters: powerful words can open hearts, deepen faith, and lead people to an encounter with God.

On October 2, 2026, the Institute for Homiletics gathered in Dallas to celebrate its fifth anniversary. The luncheon brought together a community of people united by this mission: Dallas Catholic leaders, Institute board members, clergy and diocesan leaders, alumni of the Preaching for Encounter and Saint Joseph’s Preachers programs, and the generous donors whose commitment makes this work possible.

Together, we reflected on the fruits of our first five years, the relationships that have strengthened our mission, and an exciting vision for the years ahead. Above all, the gathering affirmed the conviction at the heart of the Institute’s work: Homilies matter. Preaching can change lives.

One particularly meaningful highlight was the presentation by Executive Director Dr. Karla Bellinger, “Where Is the God of Love in the Suffering of Life?” Her reflection on the healing of the bent-over woman in Luke 13 explored this thought-provoking question of suffering that touches every human heart. It also modeled for us the profound opportunity of those called to preach the love of God.

Listen to Dr. Bellinger’s presentation here

As we begin our next five years, we do so with gratitude to everyone who has helped bring this mission to life. We believe that God is always at work and still has much to accomplish through the very human interaction of preaching.