Reflecting on the St Joseph’s Preachers Parishioner Group
In June 2024, Father Leo enrolled in a multi-year program offered by The Institute for Homiletics to assist him in developing and delivering homilies.
As part of this learning experience, several St. Eliza-beth of the Trinity parishioners were asked to become members of what is called the “Saint Joseph’s Preachers,” a group that would support Father Leo in this endeavor.
Here is a personal reflection by one of the parishioner participants.
Being a member of the Saint Joseph’s Preachers group has been a very “transformative” experience and one that I am truly grateful for. The purpose of this ministry was to teach and educate us on how to prepare an effective and engaging homily that connects and impacts the daily lives of parishioners.
Our lay group met monthly to support and pray for Fr. Leo as he continued working offsite with vari-ous coaches, printed materials, and retreats to enhance his preaching ministry.
The Institute for Homiletics provided our lay group with the same printed materials Fr. Leo was studying, which helped us learn “the standards of preaching,” and how to give feedback based on the homi-lies we listened to. Through time and experience we all learned how to become “active listeners” who looked forward to discussing the Word of God and how the homily impacted us.
Congratulations and great job Fr. Leo on completing this ministry class! If you’re a parishioner read-ing this article, and you hear a homily that really engages you, share that with the priest. Feedback is helpful!
Kathy O’Sullivan
What might go unnoticed: While there are many aspects to a homily, word choice is among them. Since almost every Sunday, Father Leo preaches a homily in both English and in Spanish, he has the additional challenge of selecting the best words for his message in two languages. Thank you, Father Leo, for your good words and “connecting the pulpit with the pews.”