Preaching For Encounter - Deacon Cohort
Deacon 2027 Cohort
Is the Holy Spirit tugging on your heart to become a more compelling preacher?
Are you tired of “good enough” homilies and want to learn how to continue to grow even better?
Would you like to preach to set your listeners “on fire” as missionary disciples?
We have seen Catholic Deacons grow and Catholic parishes grow
As Catholics, the Word and the Eucharist are at the heart of every Mass. Yet it is often the homily that people remember, share, and carry into their week. The homily matters.
Jesus preached to touch people’s lives. The Preaching for Encounter program allows space for the Holy Spirit to work through the preacher and influence how their preaching is received.
The program aligns with the rhythm of parish life and the liturgical calendar. We intentionally create space for participants to pray more deeply, reflect, and experiment with new approaches. The 20-month Preaching for Encounter experience also gives deacons and their communities time to build meaningful relationships and support one another’s growth.
At the Institute for Homiletics at the University of Dallas, we developed Preaching for Encounter to help both preachers and listeners to flourish. As a preacher of the Word, you want your people to draw close to the Lord and open their hearts to receive Him in the Eucharist. Preaching is a two-way communication. Preaching can draw in listeners. The liturgical homily is a sacred opportunity to connect people to the Lord.
People long for preaching that connects the Word to their daily lives and helps them encounter God’s presence.
Preaching for Encounter
Giving preachers the time, tools, and spiritual space to grow—so their words reach hearts and build faith within their communities.
St. Joseph’s Preachers Program
Equipping laypeople to listen deeply, pray intentionally, and support their preacher—strengthening preaching and renewing their parish life.
Top Resource for Research & Content
We help preachers connect their community to the truth, beauty, and relevance of Catholicism. Thanks to the Lilly Endowment funding, we feature learnings about young adults’ views.
The Four Pillars in the 20-Month Preaching for Encounter Program
What preachers say about this experience
“I embraced spending more time in prayer as part of my homily preparation. I’ve become more relatable rather than academic, and I’m thankful to my parishioners for helping me speak from my heart. This program is important. It has helped immensely and shown me I can go much further as long as I keep the Holy Spirit with me.“
– Dcn. Jack Hayes, Diocese of Joliet
“The community went from fidgeting to feeling fed because of what I’ve learned. It has blessed me to understand how to make more room for the Holy Spirit and prepare appropriately so I can deliver the message confidently.”
– Dcn. Omar Garcia, Archdiocese of San Antonio
“I have grown a lot to bring more meaning to what I preach. Preaching and more deeply touching listeners does matter; each soul belongs to God. Thank you, Lord.”
– Deacon Hugo Salinas, Diocese of Dallas
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What members of our listener groups, our St. Joseph Preachers, say about the experience.
“I have grown in my own prayer and listening. I have loved gaining the deeper understanding of the role of the preacher and the value of homilies.”
– Lindsay Hay, Diocese of Dallas
“Our group has really enjoyed being together with each other and learning about what makes a good homily. Everyone in the group is sharing and being very open. I enjoy listening to everyone’s input and being able to see things from a different perspective.”
– Paul Gittinger, Archdiocese of San Antonio
“Our meetings are robust with great conversations and insights. We are all learning what it means to preach for encounter.”
– John Potterton, Diocese of Joliet
“Prior to participating in the homiletics program, we typically did the “fly by” acknowledgement to our preachers following Mass. Since joining the program, we have made an effort to mention something specific to the homilist, especially our Preacher Deacon Paul. Following his last three homilies, there have been quite a few parishioners in line to talk with him,
causing a bit of a backup. So, we stood back to watch. We noticed the majority of his time was taken up by young people (18-24) who requested a copy of his homily. This was real-time, real-life proof of the power of his homilies, and better information than any survey could ever supply. One of our group members shared that her husband also used it for their family bible study. This program is making an impact in real life, beyond the pulpit and pew.”
– Tim Allen, Diocese of Dallas
About Us
The Institute for Homiletics was founded in 2021 to rejuvenate preachers so they can provide more ways for people to fully connect with our living God.
A collaboration between the University of Dallas and The Catholic Foundation, the Institute for Homiletics is increasing awareness that homilies matter. While other organizations focus on homily delivery, our Preaching for Encounter program goes deeper. We offer formation that strengthens the bond between preacher and people, rooted in the power of the Word and guided by the Holy Spirit. We have seen preachers transform their ability to make connections with and for their listeners.
When we pair homiletics and evangelization, communities grow. Better preaching will renew and build up our Catholic Church.
“I now have tools and a process of editing and filtering that have made me a better preacher. I have confidence my homilies are becoming more focused and sharper, and it is thanks to the coaches and all the input from the Preaching for Encounter program. Thank you again for all you do for us to help us make our words and Word of God come alive!”
– Dcn. Andy Pena, Diocese of Dallas
Contact Us
Deacon James Baird
Coordinator for Clergy Programming
www.instituteforhomiletics.org