Longing to See Your Face

Thomas J. Scirghi, SJ, is associate professor of theology at Fordham University, New York. He teaches courses and workshops on preaching for priests, deacons, and lay ecclesial ministers around the world.

• Contents  Introduction “Lord, This Is the People That Longs to See Your Face”  PART I Is Anyone Listening?Chapter 1 Why Do We Preach? The Purpose of PreachingChapter 2 Words Matter: The Power of the WordChapter 3 Naming the Unknown God: Preaching within a Secular SocietyChapter 4 Jesus Christ, the Story of God  PART II “Sit Down Before You Preach!” A Method of PreparationChapter 5 Reflect: First We ListenChapter 6 Research: Mining the TextChapter 7 Write: Mapping the HomilyChapter 8 Rehearse: The Whole Body Preaches  PART III Preaching for Funerals and WeddingsChapter 9 The FuneralChapter 10 The Wedding  Conclusion Where Does the Preacher Stand?Notes

At a time of declining church attendance, it is no secret that congregations remain full in parishes where the Word is preached with clarity, conviction, and truth to life. In this small book, Tom Scirghi draws richly upon the theological tradition, classic literature and contemporary culture, to achieve that end. Clearly the fruit of wide pastoral experience and pedagogical skill, a good half of the work offers practical wisdom and advice down to the smallest detail, including what not to say and do. Here is an essential resource for the soon-to-be-ordained, the long-ordained, and all who aspire to effective proclamation.Brendan Byrne, SJ, FAHA, Professor Emeritus of New Testament, University of Divinity, Melbourne, Australia