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. - focused on RCIA/OCIA (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.

Preaching at Baptisms, Weddings, and/or Funerals:

• Guerric DeBona, OSB, David Scotchie, and Francis L. Agnoli. Rites of Passage: Preaching Baptisms, Weddings, and Funerals. Liturgical Press, 2018. (284 pages)
   
• John Shea. The Spiritual Wisdom of the Gospels for Christian Preachers and Teachers. 4 vols. Liturgical Press, 2004–2010.
  • Vol. 4: Feasts, Funerals, and Weddings: Following Love into Mystery. (312 pages)
     
• William J. Bausch. Funeral Homilies. Twenty-Third Publications, 2009. (208 pages)
   
• Joseph Pollard. Homilies for Weddings and Funerals. Columba, 2004. (123 pages)
   
• R. C. Sonefeld. Preaching the Funeral Homily: Proclaiming the Gospel of Heavenly Hope. Liturgy Training Publications, 2000. (143 pages)
   
  
• Paul Turner. Preparing the Wedding Homily: A Guide for Preachers and Couples. Liturgy Training Publications, 2015. (88 pages)
   
• Richard Viladesau. The Word in and Out of Season: Homilies for the Major Feasts, Christmas, Easter, Weddings and Funerals. Paulist Press, 2001.
   
• Sourcebook Series, from Liturgy Training Publications:
  • Baptism. 1993. (224 pages)
  • Marriage. 1994. (236 pages)
  • Death. 1989. (160 pages)

 
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, Notes on the Correct Way to Present the Jews and Judaism in Preaching and Catechesis in the Roman Catholic Church (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