Institute for Homiletics

09/04/2026

At the Institute for Homiletics, we believe that homilies matter. ❤️‍🔥 Our mission is to strengthen the bond between preachers and their communities, rooted in the power of the Word and guided by the Holy Spirit. 🕊️

This mission comes to life through three core initiatives:
🔥 Preaching for Encounter
🔥 St. Joseph’s Preachers Program
🔥 Research & Content

Together, these initiatives support preachers, equip lay leaders, and help renew parish communities through stronger Catholic preaching.

08/26/2026

Enjoy this reflection of Saint Monica, known for her deep prayer life and trust in the Lord.

https://instituteforhomiletics.org/2026/08/25/a-reflection-for-the-feast-of-st-monica-grace-comes-into-the-gap/

08/08/2026

Happy Feast Day of St. Dominic!

Today the Church remembers the founding of the Dominican Order, established by St. Dominic in the 13th century. Its official name, Ordo Praedicatorum (OP), means the Order of Preachers, a fitting reminder that preaching has always been central to the life of the Church.

That legacy lives on through the Institute for Homiletics at University of Dallas.

"'Preaching matters' is the message of St. Dominic," says Dr. Karla Bellinger, executive director of the Institute for Homiletics. "That's the mission we're advancing for the Church."

The Institute's mission is the same one the Dominicans have carried for 800 years: helping preachers draw people closer to God through the power of the Word.

Learn more: https://hubs.ly/Q04rZfKp0

Catholic preaching resources and coaching to help your homilies flourish.

08/07/2026

Reflection for Sunday’s Reading: "Come."

In this Sunday's Gospel, Peter hears one word from Jesus across a stormy sea, and steps out of the boat. In the first reading, Elijah hears God not in the earthquake or the wind, but in a still, small whisper.

In her latest lectionary reflection, Dr. Karla Bellinger, executive director of the Institute for Homiletics at the University of Dallas, asks: amid the chaos of daily life, what do we need to "turn down" in order to hear that quiet call? And when God says "Come," would you stay in the boat, or step out onto the water?

Read the full reflection, with discussion questions to help you prepare for Sunday's Mass: https://hubs.ly/Q04rW0610

We are surrounded by the mighty power of God, who also beckons to us, summoning us with a vibrant invitation. In times of trial and storm, we need to listen carefully for that voice.

08/06/2026

Happy Feast of the Transfiguration!

On the mountain, Peter, James and John see Jesus revealed in glory, dazzling, radiant, unmistakably divine. It's a moment when the veil is pulled back and God's closeness becomes impossible to ignore.

That same sense of encounter is at the heart of good preaching. As Dr. Karla Bellinger, executive director of the Institute for Homiletics at the University of Dallas, says: "The God of the universe who is infinite also wants to be the God who is intimate and close. God wants to dazzle us."

Hear more from Dr. Bellinger on America Magazine - The Jesuit Review's "PREACH: The Catholic Homilies Podcast," hosted by Ricardo da Silva, S.J., where she reflects on what it takes for a homily to help people encounter that same dazzling closeness of God.

Listen to the episode: https://hubs.ly/Q04rQbVp0

07/27/2026

New study: Better homilies, stronger parishes.

A national survey by the Institute for Homiletics at the University of Dallas finds a clear pattern among Catholic young adults: when the homily connects, everything else about parish life comes together.

Weekly Mass attendees who found homilies impactful were far more engaged in parish activities and gave significantly more of their income, many as much as 20% or more annually.

Read the full study, with graphs and data: https://hubs.ly/Q04qSXz10

By Dr. William E. Baker and Dr. Karla J. Bellinger A friend jokes that she is a “Roamin’ Catholic” – she and her husband and their young family travel around to Catholic parishes in her large city, searching for inspiring preaching. She knows that the focus of Mass isn’t just the preaching...

06/30/2026

We can finally share our June newsletter as we begin Preaching for Encounter with our 2026 cohort for this Summer. You may be surprised at all we have been up to at the Institute for Homiletics.
https://instituteforhomiletics.org/?mailpoet_router&endpoint=view_in_browser&action=view&data=WzQwLCJiM2YzZGQ5MDRiNmYiLDAsMCwyMywxXQ

06/22/2026

Please pray for the start of Cohort 2026. ❤️‍🔥

Soon, participants will gather in Mundelein, Chicago to begin their Preaching for Encounter journey. 🙏🏼
May this time of formation, prayer, and community strengthen them as they grow in preaching that reaches hearts and builds faith.

06/17/2026

Fr. Thomas Esposito, OCist, and Fr. Joseph Van House, OCist, two Cistercian Abbey of Our Lady of Dallas' monks who teach at the University of Dallas, are joining 26 priests in the Institute for Homiletics' newest cohort this June to elevate their preaching to bring people closer to God.

Full story: https://hubs.ly/Q04lPDwj0

06/15/2026

Bishop Brendan Cahill shares how Preaching for Encounter offers preachers an opportunity to be renewed, strengthened, and supported in the gift of preaching.

We are grateful for his witness and encouragement. 🙌🏼