Proclaiming the Word of God (DL9423Y)

Postgraduate, 24.0 points

Content

The unit will explore issues and approaches to preaching while concentrating on the application of this knowledge to the proclamation of the Word of God in liturgical and cultural contexts.

Unit code: DL9423Y

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Liturgy

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: Yarra Theological Union

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Learning outcomes

1.

prepare and deliver a homily
2.

critically and appreciatively evaluate the content and delivery of a homily
3.

identify and analyse the different “texts” involved in preaching as a communicative process
4.

examine issues concerning the interpretation of biblical texts
5.

discuss the place of preaching in the life of the faith community
6.

describe the difference between at least two cultural contexts and their impact on preaching

Unit sequence

General prerequisites: At least two foundational units, preferably in Biblical Studies, Systematic Theology, Liturgy, or equivalent.

Pedagogy

Lecture, discussion, presentation, videos of homilies, peer review

Indicative Bibliography

  • DeBona, Guerric. Preaching Effectively, Revitalizing your Church: The Seven-Step Ladder Toward Successful Homilies. New York: Paulist Press, 2009.
  • DeBona, Guerric, Francia Agnoli, and David Scotchie. Rites of Passage: Preaching Baptisms, Weddings, and Funerals. Minneapolis, MN: Liturgical Press, 2018.
  • DeLeers, Stephen V. Written Text Becomes Living Word: The Vision and Practice of Sunday Preaching. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2004.
  • Foley, Edward. Preaching as Paying Attention: Theological Reflection in the Pulpit. Chicago, IL: Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications, 2021.
  • Foley, Edward, ed. A Handbook for Catholic Preaching. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2016.
  • Francis. Evangelii gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel). Apostolic Exhortation, 2013.
  • Keller, Timothy. Preaching: Communicating Faith in an Age of Skepticism. New York: Penguin Books, 2016.
  • Lischer, Richard, ed. The Company of Preachers: Wisdom on Preaching, Augustine to the Present. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans, 2002.
  • O’Mahony, Kieran J. Speaking from Within: Biblical Approaches for Effective Preaching. Dublin: Veritas, 2016.
  • Thompson, Lisa L. Preaching the Headlines: Possibilities and Pitfalls. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2021.
  • Whitfield, Joshua J. The Crisis of Bad Preaching: Redeeming the Heart and Way of the Catholic Preacher. Notre Dame, IN: Ave Maria Press, 2019.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Homily/Sermon

Preparation, delivery and evaluation of a homily (7 minutes), plus personal, peer and lecturer review (oral and written) of this homily and oral review of two shorter homilies. All homilies are videotaped and replayed for review as part of the process.

 3500 60.0
Essay 3500 40.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 28 Jul, 2025

Unit record last updated: 2025-07-28 09:17:15 +1000