Our Mission and Vision
Three Core Initiatives
We believe that the liturgical homily matters to the faith of the Church. Within the context of the Eucharistic celebration, we come together, encounter the Living God and then go out from the Mass to make a difference in the world in which we live. The liturgical homily is called to be a component of that encounter. The opportunity is great. The execution sometimes falls short. We have seen that incremental improvement in the homily can result in exponential growth, for a preacher, for a parish and for the renewal of the Church. Preaching matters.
The Institute for Homiletics is a collaboration between the University of Dallas and The Catholic Foundation of Dallas. Our focus is to help good preachers become great ones. Great preaching contains good delivery and structure and focus and we do teach that “science of homiletics.” But to be truly effective, the spiritual life of the homilist also comes together in the pastoral discernment of “Lord, how would you have me speak to these people at this time through these scriptures on this particular day in history?”
We offer ongoing formation to both preachers and lay people. We desire that the moment of the homily would resonate in the hearts of the homilist and the hearers, and lead the faith community to the Table with open hands, hearts and minds. Our mission comes to life through these three core initiatives:
1. The Preaching for Encounter Program --This program for Catholic clergy addresses all four pillars of ongoing formation
through the lens of homiletics: human formation,
pastoral formation, intellectual formation and spiritual formation. It gives preachers the time, tools and spiritual space to grow, so that their words
from the ambo reach the
hearts of their people and build faith within their communities.
2. The St. Joseph’s Preachers Program – This program for lay people equips them to listen more deeply and pray more intentionally.
They also learn how to be homiletically-
trained conversation partners so that they can support their preacher. We have seen
this lay program renew both preaching ministry and parish life.
3. Resource for Research & Content - We are in the process of building a hub for homiletics resources. We have the only
Catholic preaching resource search engine
that can help preachers in homily preparation, using carefully curated Catholic websites.
We have a lectionary resource for the Sunday readings featuring Sr. Dianne
Bergant, Dr. Karla Bellinger, Fr. James Wallace and Br. John Barker. Other homiletic resources are in the development stage and soon to come.
Recent Events & News
Celebrating Five Years of Renewing Preachers and Transforming Lives
Recently, the Institute for Homiletics gathered in Dallas to celebrate its fifth anniversary. The luncheon brought together a community of people united by this mission: Dallas Catholic leaders, Institute board members, clergy and diocesan leaders, alumni of the Preaching for Encounter and Saint Joseph’s Preachers programs, and the generous donors whose commitment makes this work possible.
Together, we reflected on the fruits of our first five years, the relationships that have strengthened our mission, and an exciting vision for the years ahead. Above all, the gathering affirmed the conviction at the heart of the Institute’s work: Homilies matter. Preaching can change lives.
One particularly meaningful highlight was the presentation by Executive Director Dr. Karla Bellinger, “Where Is the God of Love in the Suffering of Life?” Her reflection on the healing of the bent-over woman in Luke 13 explored this thought-provoking question of suffering that touches every human heart. It also modeled for us the profound opportunity of those called to preach the love of God.
Listen to Dr. Bellinger’s presentation here
As we begin our next five years, we do so with gratitude to everyone who has helped bring this mission to life. We believe that God is always at work and still has much to accomplish through the very human interaction of preaching.
Upcoming Events
Advent and Christmas Preaching Workshop this November in Dallas!
Advent and Christmas Preaching Workshop, Nov. 18 or Nov. 19, 2026:
"Like Sheep Without a Shepherd: Preaching for People Under Stress during the Seasons of Advent and Christmas"
Ordained clergy and those in formation are welcome!
Choose from the workshop with lunch on Wednesday, Nov. 18 or the workshop with dinner on Thursday, November 19.
Location: Saint Paul the Apostle Parish Center, Richardson TX 75080.
Please register here.
For more information, contact: Deacon James Baird at jgbaird@udallas.edu or 972.721.4091.
Office Phone: (972) 721-4134
The 2027 Permanent Deacon Cohort of the Preaching for Encounter Program
Due to the demand for diaconal training in homiletics, we have opened a whole new cohort just for deacons. We seek for 6-8 dioceses to each provide a peer group of deacons for the cohort, which begins with the introductory retreat on April 22-24, 2027.
If you are the leader of deacons in your diocese and you would like to be a part of
this new opportunity, please get in touch with us.
If you are a deacon who would like to be part of this, please encourage your diaconal
leaders to get in touch with us.
See the testimonials and video.
Please let us know your interest soon so that we can work through all the details
and provide you this opportunity to learn and grow.
Application form will be available soon.
Pictured left to right: Chizoaba Onuoha (IT Consultant), Anna Liza Denny, Jane Koenecke,
Elda Campos (Student Worker), Dr. Karla Bellinger, Deacon James Baird and Emily Lugo.
