Thematic Homilies: a Study of Preaching at Saint Benedict Parish, Halifax (Canada)

The aim of the study is to evaluate the thematic programming of the preaching handbook, “Preaching on Purpose: A Divine Renovation Handbook for Communicating the Gospel Today” (2022), co-written by priests from Saint Benedict Parish, Halifax (Canada). I assess the consonance of the homiletic concept employed in the handbook with the Church’s Magisterium on homiletics and how it could be of help to homily programming. The first part presents the Church’s post-conciliar reflections on thematic homilies in five points. Then, the theory of homily programming, as described in the handbook, and a sample preaching series are discussed. Finally, the series is discussed in relation to the Church’s vision of the homily. The conclusions reveal that while the Halifax thematic homilies interfere with liturgy due to the lack of mystagogy, excessive and elaborate slideshows, and moral calls without catechesis, homily programming suggestions remain useful for homilists because the preachers correctly deliver the kerygma and existential actualization, plan series methodically, and co-operate with the lay faithful.