Proclaiming the Word of God (DL2423Y)

Undergraduate, 18.0 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: DL2423Y

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 2

Unit discipline: Liturgy

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

Articulate issues concerning the interpretation of biblical texts
5.

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

Pedagogy

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

Indicative Bibliography

  • Cardó, Daniel. The Art of Preaching: A Theological and Practical Primer. Washington, DC: The Catholic University of America, 2021.
  • DeBona, Guerric. Preaching Effectively, Revitalizing your Church: The Seven-Step Ladder Toward Successful Homilies. New York: Paulist Press, 2009.
  • DeLeers, Stephen V. Written Text Becomes Living Word: The Vision and Practice of Sunday Preaching. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2004.
  • Foley, Edward. A Handbook for Catholic Preaching. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2016.
  • Francis. Evangelii gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel). Apostolic Exhortation, 2013.
  • Giver-Johnston, Donna. Writing For the Ear, Preaching From the Heart. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2021.
  • Hilkert, Mary C. Naming Grace: Preaching and the Sacramental Imagination. New York: Continuum, 1997.
  • 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.
  • 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.

 2500 60.0
Essay 2000 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 09:16:49 +1000