Preaching the Mystery of Faith

Practical guidance on composing a Sunday homily that inspires the lay faithful and instructs them in the truth and beauty of the Catholic Faith

The Catholic Church’s mission is to proclaim the message of the Gospel to the world. One of the most significant ways the Church fulfills this mission is through the preaching of her ordained ministers, particularly during Sunday Mass.

Building upon the 1982 document Fulfilled in Your Hearing: The Homily in the Sunday Assembly, Preaching the Mystery of Faith: The Sunday Homily responds to the call of Pope Benedict XVI for the renewal of the preaching ministry by addressing the challenges of preaching in the increasingly diverse parishes of the United States. It helps priests, deacons, and those responsible for their formation better utilize the Sunday homily as a way to stir the hearts of Catholics, deepen their knowledge of the Faith, and renew their participation in the Church and her sacraments.

Preaching the Mystery of Faith:

• Considers the theological and biblical foundations of the Sunday homily and draws important lessons for homiletic preaching from the Gospel of Luke to illustrate the full scope of the preaching ministry

• Describes the intrinsic connection between the Scriptures, the homily and its liturgical context, and the Church’s teaching and catechesis

• Reflects on the necessary spiritual qualities of an effective preacher and the high call of delivering the gospel message to God’s people through the Sunday homily

This practical document directs ordained ministers to be encouraged by the grace of their ordination and by the great tradition of preaching within the Church as they compose Sunday homilies with lively faith, firm conviction, and joyful witness.