We are excited to announce, due to the demand for diaconal training in homiletics, that 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.

The Preaching for Encounter Program offers several months of multidimensional learning and growing. This training equips deacons with new skills and gives them time focus and grow, so they may discover new ways for God to speak through them to inspire their people. Several components give participants the opportunity for lasting relationships and transformation.

• Peer-learning groups meet with you each month to discuss preaching materials, to evaluate each other’s homilies, to pray together, and enjoy food and fellowship.
• Personal homiletics coach will help you set goals, evaluate homilies, and offer specific ways to make preaching more effective.
• Two winter retreats (St. Augustine Retreat Center in St. Louis) and two summer retreats  (Mundelein, IL)  give you time and space to focus on learning alongside other Catholic deacons.
• Lay support group who pray for you and provide you with encouraging input about how they are encountering God in ordinary life within their parish community. This unique approach has proven to be one of the most meaningful, uplifting parts of the program.

To learn more, click here.

At the University of Saint Mary of the Lake Retreat Center in Mundelein, Illinois plus six additional online sessions. Featuring Presenters Dr. Karla Bellinger, Dr. Suzanne Nawrocki and Deacon Bill Eckert and more.

The Institute of Homiletics envisions a gathering of like-minded educators dedicated to the art of
feedback: to heighten the ability to notice and listen, and to find language that encourages
growth. Artful feedback to preachers will heighten self-reflection and, in turn, strengthen their
preaching.
This intense workshop is a rare opportunity specifically geared for homiletics formators. Join us
to learn how to coach spiritual and practical ways that Catholic preachers can connect their
listeners more deeply with God. Highly credentialed coaches will present their variety of
expertise in person at Mundelein, IL and on four follow-up online sessions through October and
November 2026. Participants will complete the training with an ability to develop personalized
coaching for their community’s specific preaching formation needs.

Receive several months of coaching training for $1,750.00
Scholarships are available

Register here by September 30, 2026

We have coached more than 100 Catholic preachers and understand that homilists cannot do it alone. It is imperative that listeners must engage in communication to be effective. We need each other. We can help you to build a vibrant relationship between those who preach and those who listen.

Our St. Joseph’s Preachers program forms lay people into a priest or deacon’s partner in preparing homilies. With this new 2026 cohort, this unique program has impacted more than 1,000 listeners so far. They pray for their preacher and learn how to provide homilists with affirmation and constructive feedback to support how they can become more connected with the community.