Having one clear point is freeing. I talk more about God’s action in our lives, and people respond. – Fr. Elmer Romero, Archdiocese of Chicago

I have experienced significant growth in content, delivery, organization, and resources for developing homilies. I pay much more attention to the structure and form, and this has allowed my preaching to become more practical. It focuses on one single theme. – Fr. Richard Bediako, Diocese of Victoria

I understand the importance of the liturgical homily a lot more now. It matters for the life of the Church and form ongoing clergy formation. It has helped me to approach my delivery with ease and confidence. My parishioners readily share the progress they see and they appreciate it. – Fr. Leo Sepulveda, Archdiocese of Chicago

This program has helped make preaching enjoyable and approachable, and to recognize 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., Our Lady of Dallas Abbey

This program gave me much more than I expected! I now have a lot of tools to continue to improve my preparation of homilies. The experience with my coaches was especially meaningful to my growth. I feel like I now have the resources and relationships to help me keep learning and growing in my preaching for years to come. – Fr. Miguel Martinez, Archdiocese of Chicago

My parish members have noticed my intentionality and willingness to try new things in my homilies, and they are staying engaged. I try to share stories that focus on the action of God and what it means in our own lives. Also, when I add more variation to how I use my voice and movement, people absorb the message in a more memorable way. – Fr. Jason Cargo, Diocese of Dallas

This program has helped me to build trust with my community members and has inspired me to always remember to preach what God has in mind, to be a megaphone for the Holy Spirit. Even more, I now know to begin with my own encounter with the Word so that I can recreate my experience and speak confidently from my heart. – Fr. Chepe Ortiz, Archdiocese of Los Angeles

I now find joy in working on homilies! This has been a life-changing experience that goes beyond by homilies to how I look at the scriptures, how I look at my audience and the world around me, and how I present myself in any setting. The discipline to have only one focus and resist the temptation to touch many topics is key. Now I often get specific comments about a phrase I shared or moved someone. I am grateful for the experience. – Fr. Robert Pajor, Archdiocese of Chicago

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

I was reluctant to sign up for this program because I thought I was “good enough.” More than I could have ever imagined, it has been a very personal and great blessing to me. I especially thank my homiletics coaches Cindy and Suzanne who were inspirational for me! – Dcn. Michael Seibold, Diocese of Dallas

I am more aware of what works, how to avoid what does not help, and how I can still improve. Our parish groups now appreciate my focus and ability to share – rather than read – my homily. I’m eager to keep improving. – Dcn. Norm Smith, Diocese of Dallas

I embraced spending more time in prayer as part of my homily preparation. I’ve become more relatable rather than academic, and I’m really thankful to my parishioners who have helped me to 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 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