Lay Eucharistic Preaching in a Synodal Catholic Church

Explore the theological case for qualified laity to preach the Word of God at the Eucharist.

Twenty-seven preachers and theologians from around the world met in St. Louis in March 2024 to ask if a synodal church in mission could make a theological case to commission a more extensive and diverse pool of qualified lay preachers and evangelists to preach the Word of God at the Eucharist. Lay Eucharistic Preaching in a Synodal Catholic Church exemplifies the recommendations proposed at the gathering to lend support and breathe life into the assembly’s experience of the homily at Mass.

In this collection, theologians and practitioners provide a synodal roadmap for eucharistic preaching that responds to the signs of the times. This symposium’s papers and conversations include the theological and ministerial possibilities for lay eucharistic preaching by amending canon 767 and extending installed ministries, such as lector, catechist, or a newly instituted ministry of lay preacher. Lay Eucharistic Preaching in a Synodal Catholic Church presents the St. Louis symposium’s talks and responses and includes papers by several participants to set the question in context.

Gregory Heille, OP, the convener of the lay eucharistic preaching symposium, directs the Doctor of Ministry in Preaching at Aquinas Institute of Theology, where he serves as professor of preaching and evangelization. Other books include The Preaching of Pope Francis: Missionary Discipleship and the Ministry of the Word (Liturgical Press) and Preaching Racial Justice (Orbis Books).