Preach the word of God always

An instructor at The St. Paul Seminary shared reflections on teaching homiletics to future priests this year. The instructor noted that while the Church provides guidelines for preaching during Mass, the qualities of a good homily can appear subjective because different listeners respond to various styles and formats.

The instructor identified several practical public speaking principles necessary for effective preaching, such as enunciating clearly, speaking loudly enough for the congregation to hear, and using microphones properly. The instructor also noted that preachers should show interest in their subject and consider the length of their message. While effective homilies vary widely, the instructor observed that the most impactful ones are those that connect listeners to Jesus and affect their lives.