On any given Sunday, nearly 90% of practicing Catholics encounter the faith not through a program or committee —but through the spoken word at Mass. The homily is often the most direct and personal moment of connection between presider and congregation. Recognizing its profound impact, the Diocese of San José has made revitalizing homiletics a priority within its Pastoral Plan, specifically under the Worship objective.
That commitment came vividly to life during a recent two‑day homiletics workshop that gathered priests and deacons from across the Diocese. With an extraordinary 85–90% participation rate, the workshop marked the first time in decades that many priests and deacons had engaged in formal, shared professional development focused solely on preaching.
“This is about equipping our clergy for today’s Church,” said Andrew Brown, Associate Director of Pastoral Planning & Implementation for the Diocese of San José, reflecting on the significance of the gathering. “How we say things, what we say, and knowing the cultural context all make a difference in how the Gospel is received. Preaching needs ongoing formation to remain relevant, effective, and life‑giving.”
Preaching That Meets People Where They Are
At the heart of the workshop was a clear understanding that today’s homily cannot simply be yesterday’s message repeated. Culture changes. Lived experiences change. And the way the Gospel is proclaimed must speak to those realities.
As Brown explained, the Chancery, particularly Office of Vicar for Clergy in partnership with the Office of Pastoral Planning and Implementation, intentionally took ownership of this initiative rather than leaving it to individual parishes. “Part of the Pastoral Plan under worship is homilies—that’s one of the areas of focus,” he said. “But it’s hard for a parishioner or even a pastor to drive that on their own. This is one area that really has to be led by the diocese and reinforced at the parish.”
To guide the process, the Chancery hosted the workshop and partnered with Divine Renovation, inviting priests who co-authored the book Preaching on Purpose to lead the sessions. The emphasis was on missional preaching—homilies that intentionally reinforce the Gospel’s call to discipleship, cultural engagement, and transformation.
Formation for Those Who Serve
For deacons, whose ministry is rooted in service to the Church and the wider community, homiletic formation holds particular importance. Deacon Dick Noack, Director of Deacon Formation for the Diocese of San José, sees preaching as inseparable from that calling.
“Preaching is critical to people,” Deacon Noack emphasized. When done well, he noted, it does far more than explain Scripture. “It helps people see themselves in the Gospel message and then ask themselves how they can live more like Jesus.”
Deacon Noack believes that investing in homiletics is ultimately about equipping clergy to serve faithfully and effectively. “By continuing to invest in the formation of priests and deacons, we are giving them the tools they need to more effectively touch hearts, engage parishioners, and uplift the lives of those in the pews,” he said.
A Long‑Term Commitment
Both diocesan leaders and workshop participants agree that the work of elevating homiletics is not a “one and done” effort. The workshop planted seeds—introducing new approaches, renewed awareness of cultural context, and a deeper intentionality—but its fruits will mature over time.
“I think you want to hear, ‘That homily changed me,’ or ‘I’ve noticed how your preaching has grown—how it’s more personal, more engaging.’ That’s how we want to measure success,” explained Brown.
This long‑term vision aligns closely with the mission of The Catholic Community Foundation. Through permanent endowments, including the Bishop McGrath Endowment for Ministry which specifically supports clergy leadership, the Foundation supports diocesan initiatives that are aligned with the Pastoral Plan and spiritual renewal. Endowments provide permanent, consistent support, ensuring that resources are available not just for a single workshop, but for sustained development that strengthens worship across the Diocese.
In a Church called to proclaim the Gospel with clarity and compassion, support for these endeavors matters deeply. Every well‑formed homily becomes part of a larger story—one in which the Word of God meets people in their lived reality, inviting them to recognize Christ at work in their own lives.
“When preaching is done well,” Deacon Noack reminds us, “it draws people into the Gospel in a way that is personal and transformative.”
Through continued formation, thoughtful investment, and a shared commitment, the Diocese of San José and the Foundation are ensuring that this transformation begins, week after week, from the pulpit.
Support preaching that transforms hearts.
Consider a gift directly to the Diocese of San Jose to support clergy and diaconate training or contribute to the Bishop McGrath Endowment for Ministry which supports this work over the long-term.