PREACHING BETTER by Bishop Ken Untener ($11)*
$8.95
PP: 0-8091-3849-2
Most homilists can do better, and this book gives them the
hands-on help they need to make that happen. Preaching
Better is a compendium of practical advice by a bishop
who preaches and who teaches the art of preaching. Here one can
find wise, helpful and down-to-earth suggestions on the "how" of
homiletics. The book is experience driven, based on the insights of
people who preach well and those who know a good sermon when
they hear it. Both novices and long-time preachers can learn:
- What a homily is and isn't
- How to begin and end homilies
- Preparing homilies: writing, editing and staying in control
- How to use stories and connect with real life
- The problems of sidebars, jargon and props
- Keeping the homily personal but not self-centered
- Interaction with the assembly
"In years gone by," writes the author, "I pictured the
homilist as a cook who looks to see what's in the pantry and the
refrigerator (the readings), comes up with a menu (the 'main
thought'), puts the meal together.., and then serves it. What I've
become more conscious of is that the homilist comes into a kitchen
that is filled with the smell of something already cooking, and it is
the Lord who is doing it. The liturgy is the Lord's meal all the way
around: the menu, the cooking, the serving. We are helpers."
Ken Untener is the bishop of Saginaw, Michigan. He has
taught homiletics at Saint John's Seminary near Detroit and continues to participate in preaching labs with clergy in his diocese. He earned a doctorate in dogmatic theology from the Gregorian University in Rome and has been awarded several honorary degrees, as well as the DeSmet Medal from Gonzaga University. For relaxation, he plays hockey, golf and racquetball.
Here is one reviewer's opinion of the book:
"When I saw two words on the cover of this book, I had to buy it: preaching and Untener.
The book is Preaching Better; Practical Suggestions for Homilists and the author is Ken Untener, Bishop of Saginaw.
"The book is a winner! It contains many good suggestions that I had already figured out and others that I had been wondering about.
"Preaching Better resulted from two of Untener’s projects. The first was a compilation of responses he had written over time of what people liked and disliked about homilies. The other was what had been learned from the Saginaw Program. This program involves the bishop, four priests, and a deacon submitting their homilies from an upcoming Sunday on audiotapes. They are circulated, listened to, and then the entire group assembles and critiques the individual homilies. An outside editor is present at the critiques. This same group meets several more times before a new group of priests and a deacon begin with the bishop.
"Untener’s suggestions arose from these meetings. Suggestions that stood out for me are listed below.
- Homilies do not need beginnings--get to the point.
- Preaching on the Old Testament is too rare an occurrence.
- Use one core thought, not many.
- Heavy duty editing brings quality.
- Connect with real life (most common complaint).
- Don’t begin with a joke--you interrupt the flow of the liturgy of the word.
- No matter how well a homily is going, don’t think they’re enjoying it as much as you are.
- What is important is what they take home.
- The homily must come from the heart, not just the head.
- Preach on Sundays the way you do on weekdays.
- Adults get more out of homilies being preached to children.
- People want to hear uplifting homilies.
- Sin must be dealt with, but always in relation to grace.
- Don’t retell the scripture reading in your own words.
- Don’t rewarm old homilies in the microwave.
- Quotes usually mean more to the preacher than to the listener.
"I’ve just scratched the surface. The book will tie it together and tell you the “whys” of the suggestions.
Untener also gives a very good method of how to go about preparing a homily."
Lee P. Hunt, Deacon
9 NW 160th Street
Edmond, OK 73013-2041
E-mail: leehunt1@home.com
Links to Catholic Information: http://members.home.net/leehunt1/index.htm
(Purchase of this book helps you qualify for the free shipping option if it is being offered at the time of your order.)
