The Deacon's Ministry of the Word

Jay Cormier

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ISBN: 9780814648223, 4822

Details: 126 pgs, 6 x 9 x 1/4
Publication Date: 12/08/2016

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The Deacon's Ministry of the Word offers both scriptural and theological resources, as well as strategies and approaches, for effectively communicating the word of God. The book focuses primarily on the homily—but the ideas and skills can be readily applied by deacons in any presentation in which the word of God is central including RCIA meetings and retreat conferences.

Jay Cormier, DMin, is editor of Connections, a monthly newsletter of ideas and resources for homilists and preachers. He is also an adjunct professor of humanities and communications at St. Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire, and leads workshops for clergy and laity in preaching skills and liturgy. Cormier has contributed to many religious journals including America, Worship, and U.S. Catholic and is the author of several books, including previous editions of Waiting in Joyful Hope: Daily Reflections for Advent and Christmas and Not by Bread Alone: Daily Reflections for Lent, published by Liturgical Press.

Also available in this series:

The Deacon’s Ministry of Charity and Justice

The Deacon’s Ministry of the Liturgy

ISBN: 9780814648223, 4822

Details: 126 pgs, 6 x 9 x 1/4
Publication Date: 12/08/2016

Reviews

There is no such thing as "diaconal" preaching, as distinct from presbyteral or lay preaching. But, as Cormier notes, there is a way in which the distinct experiences of the deacon-as a man of service among the marginalized-should shape his preaching. Using an abundance of clear and simple examples, mostly drawn from his own preaching, Cormier illuminates that way. Cormier shows how the deacon can "pass his life through the fire of thought" in order to speak a relevant word for ordinary folk struggling to make sense of the Gospel in daily life.

Ann M. Garrido, Associate Professor of Homiletics, Aquinas Institute of Theology

Deacon Cormier has done a commendable job of providing deacons and other preachers with a fine introduction to the ministry of the Word. He avoids simplistic remedies and instead employs solid rhetorical and communication theory in a meaningful and thoroughly accessible fashion, wisely using both sacred and secular sources and examples. Any preacher, novice or veteran, would benefit from attention to Cormier's analyses, suggestions, and exercises. I know I have.

Dr. Richard Stern, Professor of Homiletics, Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology

What is abundantly clear in The Deacon's Ministry of the Word is that its author, Jay Cormier, not only understands the art of communication but is a gifted communicator. With clarity and conciseness, with bundles of examples and engaging images, he lays out a vision of preaching that is spot on target. What a gift to the preaching community.

Robert F. Morneau, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of Green Bay, Pastor of Resurrection Parish

This is an ideal book, even a handbook, for deacons to use as a resource in improving their preaching of the Word. We can all use this book to take the Gospel message and apply it to our own lives and not be as reluctant to bring others to a better understanding of our faith.

Catholic Library World

Highly recommended not only for deacons but also for anyone who preaches God's Word.

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