Preach: The Catholic Homilies Podcast

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What young adults most need to hear in a homily

This week on “Preach,” the Rev. Peter Wojcik, the pastor of St. Clement Church in Chicago, Ill., preaches for the Sixth Sunday of Easter, Year B. In his homily, Peter reflects on the depth of Jesus’ committed love for us and our Christian duty—and challenge—to share that transfo ... Show more

. 32min 43sec

A preacher should offer the congregation a challenge—not cheap grace

Gemma Simmonds, C.J., a theologian and sister at the Cambridge Theological Federation in Cambridge, England, preaches for the Fifth Sunday in Easter, Year B: In her homily, she reflects on her experience of poverty in Brazil, giving significance to Christ’s words: “Make your home ... Show more

. 36min 13sec

Bishop Stowe preaches on the climate crisis for Good Shepherd Sunday

“I think there's a major concern for living more in harmony with creation, which is a result of conversion,” says Bishop John Stowe, OFM Conv., “But I think Pope Francis is also, as our good shepherd, calling us to greater urgency to act because time is slipping away and we haven ... Show more

. 27min 8sec

To be a good preacher, pray more and read widely

Good preaching requires mastery of rhetoric, in particular the tools of repetition and organization. “Otherwise, they’re not gonna remember,” says John Baldovin, S.J. “This is a no-brainer, but beginning, middle and end, and not trying to make too many points” are key to a compel ... Show more

. 24min 51sec

Striking a chord: The debate on singing in the homily

“Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!” This is how Kim Harris starts her homily for the Second Sunday of Easter—in joyous song. “When Thomas first the tidings heard / How they had seen the risen Lord / He doubted the disciples’ word. Alleluia!...” Such daring from the ambo has long stru ... Show more

. 34min 15sec