Resources for Preaching and Homiletics

Resources on the Web:

• Homiletic Directory, 2015 (https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/ccdds/documents/rc_con_ccdds_doc_20140629_direttorio-omiletico_en.html)
  • including two helpful Appendices on " The Homily and the Catechism of the Catholic Church" and a list of "Post-Conciliar Ecclesial Sources Relevant to Preaching"
     
• Homily Preparation Program (https://homilyprep.org)
  • weekly 30-minute video recordings, in both English and Spanish
     
• Lectionary for Mass (https://catholic-resources.org/Lectionary/)
• overview charts, thematic analyses, resource links, ecclesial documents, preaching resources, and much more
   
• Preach: The Catholic Homilies Podcast (https://www.americamagazine.org/preach-podcast-catholic-homilies)
  • a new weekly podcast from America Media
     
• Biblical Bibliography (https://catholic-resources.org/Bible/Bibliography.htm)
  • Bible Commentaries, Dictionaries, Atlases, Concordances, Introductions, Parallels, etc.
     
• Catholic Homilies (https://catholicsermons.com)
  • compiles a large variety of sources
     
• Liturgy Preparation (https://www.liturgy.com)
  • from Oregon Catholic Press (subscription)
     
• Liturgy Links (https://liturgy.slu.edu/links_longlist.html)
  • from the Center for Liturgy (St. Louis University)
     
• Preachers’ Exchange (https://www.preacherexchange.com)
  • by Fr. Jude Siciliano, O.P.
     
• Preaching with the Sciences (https://ctu.edu/initiatives/preaching-with-the-sciences)
  • homily outlines, from Catholic Theological Union, Chicago
     
• Sermon Illustrations (http://www.sermonillustrations.com)
  • ecumenical; part of Sermons.com (subscription)
     
• Sunday Bible Reflections (https://stpaulcenter.com/studies-tools/sunday-bible-reflections/)
  • by Dr. Scott Hahn, St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology
     
• The Sunday Website at Saint Louis University (https://liturgy.sluhostedsites.org)
  • from the Catholic Studies Centre at SLU; resources for readings, music, intercessions, etc.
     
• The Text This Week (http://www.textweek.com)
  • mostly on the Revised Common Lectionary, by Jenee Woodard
     
• Word-Sunday (http://www.word-sunday.com)
  • "A Lectionary Resource for Catholics," by Larry Broding
     
    
• Word on Fire: Homilies (https://www.wordonfire.org/resources/homily/)
  • by Bishop Robert Barron
     
• En Español: http://www.homilia.org y http://www.homilia.org/lecturas.htm (Latin American Spanish)

Theology of the Word:

• Homiletic Directory. Libreria Editrice Vaticana & USCCB, 2015. (124 pages) - also online
   
• Preaching the Mystery of Faith: The Sunday Homily. USCCB, 2012. (54 pages) - also online
  • Spanish: Predicando el misterio de la fe: La homilía dominical. USCCB, 2012. (54 pages) - also online
     
• Fulfilled in Your Hearing: The Homily in the Sunday Assembly. USCCB, 1982. (48 pages)
  • James A. Wallace, C.Ss.R. Preaching in the Sunday Assembly: A Pastoral Commentary on Fulfilled in Your Hearing. Liturgical Press, 2010. (136 pages)
     
     
• Karla J. Bellinger. Connecting Pulpit and Pew: Breaking Open the Conversation about Catholic Preaching. Liturgical Press, 2014. (192 pages)
   
• Peter John Cameron, OP. Why Preach? Encountering Christ in God's Word. Ignatius Press, 2009. (192 pages)
   
• Michael E. Connors, CSC. Preaching for Discipleship: Preparing Homilies for Christian Initiation. Liturgy Training Publications, 2019. (256 pages)
   
• Fred B. Craddock. Overhearing the Gospel. Second Revised & Expanded Edition. Abingdon, 2002. (160 pages)
   
• Guerric DeBona, OSB. Fulfilled in Our Hearing: History and Method of Christian Preaching. Paulist Press, 2005. (240 pages)
   
• Edward Foley. Preaching as Paying Attention: Theological Reflection in the Pulpit. Liturgy Training Publications, 2021. (160 pages) - NEW
   
• Daniel J. Harrington, SJ. The Synoptic Gospels Set Free: Preaching without Anti-Judaism. Paulist Press, 2009. (256 pages) - see also Smiga, below
   
• Gregory Heille, OP. The Preaching of Pope Francis: Missionary Discipleship and the Ministry of the Word. Liturgical Press, 2015. (96 pages)
   
• Mary Catherine Hilkert. Naming Grace: Preaching and the Sacramental Imagination. Continuum, 1997. (252 pages)
   
• Timothy Keller. Preaching: Communicating Faith in an Age of Skepticism. Penguin, 2016. (320 pages)
   
• Eugene L. Lowry. The Sermon: Dancing the Edge of Mystery. Nashville: Abingdon, 1997. (128 pages)
   
• Joseph Mele. The Sacred Conversation: The Art of Catholic Preaching and the New Evangelization. Emmaus Road, 2013. (126 pages)
   
• Timothy Radcliffe, O.P. “The Sacramentality of the Word.” Pages 133-148 in Liturgy in a Postmodern World (ed. Keith Pecklers, S.J.; Continuum, 2003).
   
• George M. Smiga. The Gospel of John Set Free: Preaching without Anti-Judaism. Paulist Press, 2008. (208 pages) - see also Harrington, above
   
• Barbara Brown Taylor. When God Is Silent. Cowley, 1998. (144 pages)
   
• Joshua J. Whitfield. The Crisis of Bad Preaching: Redeeming the Heart and Way of the Catholic Preacher. Ave Maria Press, 2019. (192 pages)

Craft of Preaching:

• Karla J. Bellinger and Michael E. Connors, CSC. Remembering Why We Preach: A Retreat to Renew Your Spirit and Skill. Ave Maria Press, 2022. (144 pages) - NEW
   
• Walter J. Burghardt, S.J. Preaching: The Art and the Craft. Paulist, 1987. (256 pages)
   
• David Buttrick. Homiletic Moves and Structures. Fortress, 1987. (512 pages)
   
• Daniel Cardo. The Art of Preaching: A Theological and Practical Primer. Catholic University of America Press, 2021. (224 pages) - NEW
   
• Fred B. Craddock. Preaching: 25th Anniversary Edition. Abingdon, 2010 (orig. 1985). (224 pages)
   
• Stephen Vincent DeLeers. Written Text Becomes Living Word: The Vision and Practice of Sunday Preaching. Liturgical Press, 2004. (216 pages)
   
• O. C. Edwards, Jr. Elements of Homiletic: A Method for Preparing to Preach. Liturgical Press, 1990. (150 pages)
   
• Edward Foley. Preaching Basics: A Model and a Method. Liturgy Training Publications, 1998. (64 pages)
   
• Ann M. Garrido. Preaching with Children. LTP, 2022. (96 pages)
   
• Richard Carl Hoefler. Creative Preaching and Oral Writing. CSS Publishing, 1978. (186 pages)
   
• Alfred McBride, O.Praem. How to Make Homilies Better, Briefer, and Bolder: Tips from a Master Homilist. Our Sunday Visitor, 2007. (160 pages)
   
• Darius Salter. Preaching as Art: Biblical Storytelling for a Media Generation. Beacon Hill, 2008. (192 pages)
   
• Eduardo A. Samaniego, SJ. If You Preach It, They Will Come. Resource Publications, 2006. (112 pages)
  • Revised: If You Preach It, They Will Come: Preaching the Word for Year C as Listeners Like It. Stonewall Press, 2018. (160 pages)
     
• Thomas J. Scirghi, SJ. Longing to See Your Face: Preaching in a Secular Age. Liturgical Press, 2017. (130 pages)
   
• Kenneth Untener. Preaching Better: Practical Suggestions for Homilists. Paulist Press, 1999. (130 pages)
   
• James A. Wallace, C.Ss.R. Preaching to the Hungers of the Heart: The Homily on the Feasts and within the Rites. Liturgical Press, 2002. (208 pages)
   
• Robert P. Waznak, S.S. An Introduction to the Homily. Liturgical Press, 1988. (159 pages)
   
• Joseph M. Webb. Preaching Without Notes. Abingdon Press, 2001. (136 pages)

Collected Essays about Preaching:

• Michael E. Connors, CSC, ed. To All the World: Preaching and the New Evangelization. Liturgical Press, 2016. (178 pages)
   
• Michael E. Connors, CSC, ed. Effective Preaching: Bringing People into an Encounter with God. LTP, 2019. (224 pages)
   
• Michael E. Connors, CSC, ed. Preaching as Spiritual Leadership: Guiding the Faithful as Mystic and Mystagogue. LTP, 2021 (272 pages)
   
• Michael E. Connors, CSC, ed. Preaching in the Light of the World: Enlivening the Scriptural Imagination. LTP, 2024. (224 pages)
   
• Kenneth G. Davis and Jorge L. Presmanes, eds. Preaching and Culture in Latino Congregations. LTP, 2007. (145 pages)
   
• Edward Foley, ed. A Handbook for Catholic Preaching. Liturgical Press, 2016. (344 pages)
   
• David G. Hunter, ed. Preaching in the Patristic Age: Studies in Honor of Walter J. Burghardt, SJ. Paulist, 1989. (217 pages)
   
• Michael Monshau, ed. Preaching at the Double Feast: Homiletics for Eucharistic Worship. Liturgical Press, 2006. (240 pages)
   

Collections of Homilies or Sermons:

• Pope Francis. Easter Vigil Homilies. Liturgical Press, 2019. (68 pages)
   
• Walter J. Burghardt, S.J. Let Justice Roll Down Like Waters: Biblical Justice Homilies Throughout the Year. Paulist Press, 1998. (288 pages) - and MANY other books by Fr. Walter Burghardt, SJ
   
• Daniel Cardo. The Art of Preaching: A Theological and Practical Primer. Catholic University of America Press, 2021. (224 pages; second half includes 14 homilies from patristic, medieval, and modern preachers)
   
• Gabe Huck. Preaching about the Mass. Liturgy Training Publications, 1992. (104 pages)
   
•  Richard Leonard, SJ. Preaching to the Converted: On Sundays & Feast Days throughout the Year. Paulist Press, 2006. (416 pages)
   
• Andre Papineau, SDS. Homilies to Transform Hearts and Minds. LTP, 2010. (112 pages)
   
• Michael Warner, ed. American Sermons: The Pilgrims to Martin Luther King, Jr. The Library of America, 1999. (939 pages)
   
• Robert P. Waznak, S.S. Like Fresh Bread: Sunday Homilies in the Parish. Paulist Press, 1993. (269 pages)
   
• See https://catholic-resources.org/Lectionary/Bibliography.htm for many other collections of homilies for Sundays and Weekdays, based on the liturgical year.

Collections of Stories, Illustrations, and More:

• Robert Barron. Seeds of the Word: Finding God in the Culture. 2nd ed. Word on Fire, 2016.
   
• William J. Bausch. A World of Stories for Preachers and Teachers: And All Who Love Stories That Move and Challenge. Mystic, CT: Twenty-Third Publications, 1998. - and MANY other books by William J. Bausch
   
• Jack Canfield, et al. Chicken Soup for the Christian Soul. - and MANY other volumes in the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" series
   
• Edward Hays. A Pilgrim's Almanac: Reflections for Each Day of the Year. Forest of Peace Books, 1989. - and MANY other books by Edward Hays
  

Preaching Conferences and Workshops:

• Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology, Annual Preaching Conferences (https://www.shsst.edu):
  • Jan. 3-5, 2023 - “AΩ: The Beginning and the End: Constructing Effective Introductions and Conclusions to Homilies”
  • Jan. 2-4, 2024 - “Ideas to Engage the Assembly: Integrating Illustrations, Images, and Icons”
     
• Notre Dame Preaching Conferences:
  • June 2023 - "Visions of the Reign of God: Preaching and Catholic Social Teaching"
• https://theology.nd.edu/graduate-programs/initiatives/marten-program/conferences-lectures/2023-conference/ 
• June 2022 - "Living in the Light of the Word: Enlivening the Scriptural Imagination for Preaching"
  • Sponsored by the John S. Marten program in Homiletics and Liturgics at the University of Notre Dame.
  • Videos now available online of the four keynote speakers (Tom Long, Gary Anderson, Fr. Donald Senior, CP, and Rita Ferrone), eleven workshop sessions, and the closing panel discussion.
  • https://theology.nd.edu/graduate-programs/initiatives/marten-program/conferences-lectures/2022-preaching-conference/
• Past Years (2012-2019):
  • See https://theology.nd.edu/graduate-programs/initiatives/marten-program/conferences-lectures/
     
• 2013 USCCB Conference: "Preaching the Mystery of Faith"
  • Some text, audio, and video materials available at https://www.usccb.org/committees/clergy-consecrated-life-vocations/preaching-resources/preaching-mystery-faith-conference
     

Related Webpages:

• Basic Steps for Biblical Preaching

• Preaching Evaluation Form (PDF)

• Principles of Good Liturgy (esp. for Presiders - PDF)

• Bibliography for Lectionary-Based Preaching and Meditation

Homiletic Directory, Appendix II: "Post-Conciliar Ecclesial Sources Relevant to Preaching"

(adapted from the Homiletic Directory, 2015 - https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/ccdds/documents/rc_con_ccdds_doc_20140629_direttorio-omiletico_en.html)

The Second Vatican Council

• Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium (4 Dec 1963): 7, 24, 35, 52, 56
• Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, Lumen gentium (21 Nov 1964): 25
• Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation, Dei Verbum (18 Nov 1965): 7-13, 21, 25
• Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World, Gaudium et spes (7 Dec 1965): 58
• Decree on the Missionary Activity of the Church, Ad gentes (7 Dec 1965): 6
• Decree on the Ministry and Life of Priests, Presbyterorum ordinis (7 Dec 1965): 4, 18

Papal Magisterium

• Paul VI
  • Encyclical Mysterium fidei (3 Sept 1965): 36
  • Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii nuntiandi (8 Dec 1975): 43, 75-76, 78-79
• John Paul II
  • Apostolic Exhortation Catechesi tradendae (16 Oct 1979): 48
  • Apostolic Exhortation Pastores dabo vobis (25 Mar 1992): 26
  • Apostolic Exhortation Pastores gregis (16 Oct 2003): 15
  • Apostolic Letter Dies Domini (5 July 1998): 39-41
  • Apostolic Letter Novo millennio ineunte (6 Jan 2001): 39-40156
• Benedict XVI
  • Apostolic Exhortation Sacramentum caritatis (22 Feb 2007): 45-46
  • Apostolic Exhortation Verbum Domini (30 Sept 2010): 52-71
• Francis
  • Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii gaudium (24 Nov 2013): 135-159
  • Apostolic Letter Scripturae Sacrae affectus (on St. Jerome; 30 Sept 2020): especially the section, "Love for Sacred Scripture"

Liturgical Books

• General Instruction of the Roman Missal: 29, 57, 65-66
• Introduction of the Lectionary for Mass: 4-31, 38-48, 58-110
• Introduction of the Order of Funerals: 15
• Introduction of the Rite of Marriage: 22

Code of Canon Law

• Canons 762, 767-769

Documents of Congregations of the Roman Curia

• Sacred Congregation of Rites, Instruction Inter oecumenici (26 Nov 1964): 53-55
• Sacred Congregation of Rites, Instruction Eucharisticum mysterium (25 May 1967): 10
• Congregation for Divine Worship, Instruction Liturgicae instaurationes (5 Sept 1970): 2
• Congregation for the Clergy, General Catechetical Directory (11 Apr 1971): 13
  • Also General Directory for Catechesis (15 August 1997): 51-52, 57, 70, 207
  • Also Secretariat for Christian Unity, Commission for religious relations with Judaism, Jews and Judaism in Catholic preaching and catechesis (24 June 1985).
• Congregation for the Clergy, Directory for the Ministry and Life of Priests (31 Jan 1994): 45-46
• Congregation for Bishops, Apostolorum successores (22 Feb 2004): 119-122