How to Write a Homily: Complete Guide for Catholic Priests

Introduction: The Purpose of a Homily

A homily is more than just a speech or lesson—it's a sacred opportunity to break open the Word of God and make it accessible and relevant to your congregation. The primary purpose of a Catholic homily is to explain the Scripture readings of the day and help the faithful apply these teachings to their daily lives.

Unlike other forms of preaching, a homily specifically:

Connects directly to the Scripture readings of the particular liturgy
Bridges the ancient texts with contemporary life
Prepares the congregation for the Eucharistic celebration
Offers practical guidance for living the Gospel

Pope Francis emphasizes that homilies should be "brief and avoid taking on the semblance of a speech or a lecture," focusing instead on communicating God's love and connecting Scripture to the lives of the listeners.

What Makes a Good Homily?

"A good homily, a good sermon, has to contain three things: one, a doctrine, something that enlightens; two, something moral, something that can move you; and three, something mystical, something that will lift your heart up to God." - Pope Francis

With these principles in mind, let's explore how to effectively prepare, write, and deliver homilies that inspire and transform your congregation.

Preparation: Scripture Study and Prayer

Effective homily preparation begins well before you start writing. The foundation of a powerful homily is thorough Scripture study coupled with prayer and reflection.

1 Prayerful Scripture Reading

Begin by carefully reading the assigned Scripture passages multiple times, allowing the texts to speak to you personally before you attempt to speak about them to others. Consider using the ancient practice of Lectio Divina:

Read (Lectio): Read the text slowly and attentively
Meditate (Meditatio): Reflect on the meaning and implications
Pray (Oratio): Respond to God about what you've read
Contemplate (Contemplatio): Rest in God's presence with the text

2 Study the Context

To fully understand the Scripture readings, explore:

Historical context: When and why was this written?
Literary context: What comes before and after this passage?
Cultural context: What would the original audience have understood?
Liturgical context: Why does the Church assign this reading today?

3 Find the Central Theme

Identify the main message or thread that connects the readings. Look for:

Common themes across the readings
Key words or phrases that repeat
Theological concepts that emerge
Connections to the liturgical season or feast

Preparation Tip

Begin your homily preparation at least 3-4 days before you're scheduled to preach. This allows time for the readings to percolate in your mind and heart, and for insights to emerge through prayer and daily experience.

Remember that authentic preparation isn't just academic study—it's allowing God's Word to first transform you before you attempt to share it with others. As St. Augustine noted, the preacher must be "a hearer of the word before he becomes its herald."

Creating an Effective Homily Structure

A well-structured homily provides clarity and helps your congregation follow and remember your message. While there's no single "correct" format, effective homilies typically contain these key elements:

1 Introduction (1-2 minutes)

Begin with something that captures attention and introduces your theme:

A thought-provoking question
A brief story or contemporary reference
A connection to the liturgical season
A surprising statement or statistic

End your introduction by clearly stating your central message in one sentence.

2 Scripture Exposition (2-3 minutes)

Explain the key insights from the day's readings:

Highlight the most relevant verses
Provide necessary background or context
Connect the readings to each other
Explain difficult concepts in accessible language

3 Application (2-3 minutes)

Bridge Scripture to contemporary life:

Relate the message to everyday experiences
Offer concrete examples of living the message
Address challenges to implementing the message
Use stories or analogies that illuminate the teaching

4 Conclusion (1 minute)

Wrap up with impact:

Restate your main point clearly
Offer a specific challenge or invitation
Connect back to the Eucharist
End with hope and encouragement

Sample Homily Outline

Theme: God's mercy and forgiveness (Prodigal Son)

Introduction: Brief story about someone experiencing forgiveness

Scripture: Key insights from Luke's parable of the Prodigal Son

Application: Three ways we struggle with and can practice forgiveness

Conclusion: God's persistent, unconditional love awaits our return

Structure Tip

Follow the "Tell them" principle: (1) Tell them what you're going to tell them, (2) Tell them, (3) Tell them what you told them. This reinforces your message and aids retention.

Writing Your Homily: Tips and Techniques

With your preparation complete and structure outlined, it's time to draft your homily. The writing process is where your message takes shape and finds its voice.

Use Clear, Conversational Language

A homily is not an academic paper or theological treatise. Write as if you're speaking to a friend:

Use "you" and "we" rather than "one" or "people"
Choose everyday vocabulary over technical theological terms
Aim for an 8th-9th grade reading level for maximum accessibility
Write short, direct sentences (15-20 words on average)

Show Rather Than Tell

Concrete examples and imagery are more powerful than abstract concepts:

Use vivid sensory details in stories and examples
Draw from everyday experiences your congregation will recognize
Create metaphors that illuminate complex theological concepts
Paint pictures with words that engage the imagination

Instead of...

"God's grace is abundant and freely given to all who ask."

Try:

"God's grace is like a mountain spring after winter thaw—unstoppable, refreshing, and available to anyone who stoops to drink, regardless of whether they feel worthy of its cool refreshment."

Focus on One Clear Message

Resist the temptation to cover too much ground:

Identify your single most important point
Support this point with 2-3 sub-points maximum
Ruthlessly eliminate tangents that don't serve your main message
Ask yourself: "What one thing do I want them to remember?"

Use the Power of Three

The human mind naturally connects with patterns of three:

Structure around three main points when possible
Use triads in key phrases: "faith, hope, and love"
Consider a three-part story: situation, complication, resolution

5 Refine and Practice

Once you've drafted your homily:

Read it aloud and time yourself (aim for 7-10 minutes)
Edit for clarity, removing unnecessary words and phrases
Circle transition words and phrases to ensure smooth flow
Practice delivering it several times before Sunday

Writing Tip

For maximum impact, craft your first and last sentences with special care. Your opening should grab attention, and your closing should resonate in hearts and minds as your congregation departs.

Free Homily Writing Template

Download our structured template to help organize your thoughts and craft more effective homilies.

Download Template

Delivery: Bringing Your Homily to Life

Even the most beautifully written homily can fall flat without effective delivery. How you communicate is as important as what you communicate.

Connect With Your Congregation

Make genuine eye contact with different sections of the congregation
Use natural, conversational gestures that emphasize key points
Vary your vocal tone, pace, and volume for emphasis
Pause after important points to allow absorption

Notes vs. Memorization vs. Reading

Find the approach that works best for you:

Full manuscript: Provides security but can sound stilted if read word-for-word
Detailed outline: Offers structure while allowing natural delivery
Minimal notes: Works well for experienced preachers or shorter homilies
Memorization: Enables full eye contact but requires significant preparation

Delivery Tip

If using notes, format them with large font, plenty of white space, and clear markings for emphasis and pauses. Consider using bullet points rather than full sentences to avoid reading verbatim.

Physical Presence and Movement

Stand tall with good posture that communicates confidence
Consider strategic movement for emphasis or transitions
Be aware of distracting mannerisms (pacing, fidgeting, jingling keys)
Use microphone technique appropriately (consistent distance)

Time Management

Respecting your congregation's time builds trust:

Practice with a timer until your delivery is consistently within time limits
Prepare "accordion sections" that can be expanded or contracted based on time
Watch for congregational cues about engagement and attention
Remember that brevity often increases impact—aim for quality over quantity

Homily Delivery Checklist

☐ Practice aloud at least 3 times before Sunday
☐ Time each practice delivery
☐ Record yourself and listen critically
☐ Check that your notes are easily readable
☐ Plan for pauses after key points
☐ Eliminate filler words (um, uh, so, you know)
☐ Prepare your heart through prayer before delivering

Homily Examples and Templates

Studying well-crafted homilies can provide inspiration and practical models for your own preaching. Below are structures and excerpts that demonstrate different approaches to homily writing.

Narrative-Based Homily Structure

This approach uses a story as the central organizing principle:

Begin with a compelling story that illustrates your theme
Connect the story to the Scripture readings
Draw out the theological insights from both
Return to the story with a new understanding
Conclude with application to daily life

Example Opening for Narrative Homily (Good Samaritan)

"Last Tuesday, as I was rushing to a meeting, I noticed an elderly man struggling with grocery bags at the bus stop. I hesitated, checked my watch, and kept walking. Three steps later, the words of today's Gospel stopped me in my tracks: 'Who is my neighbor?' Today, Jesus invites us to consider what it truly means to love our neighbor through the familiar yet challenging parable of the Good Samaritan..."

Expository Homily Structure

This approach focuses on explaining the Scripture directly:

Introduce the context and background of the readings
Work through key verses, explaining their meaning
Connect related passages from other parts of Scripture
Draw out applications for contemporary life
Conclude with a call to action

Example Opening for Expository Homily (Beatitudes)

"The Beatitudes we just heard in today's Gospel represent one of the most revolutionary teachings in human history. When Jesus sat down on that mountainside and began to speak, he was directly challenging the world's definition of blessing and success. To understand the radical nature of his message, we need to consider what 'blessed' meant to his original audience..."

Problem-Solution Homily Structure

This approach identifies a spiritual or practical challenge and offers Gospel-based solutions:

Name a common struggle or question faced by the congregation
Explore why this challenge exists (human nature, cultural factors)
Present the Scripture's insight or answer to this challenge
Offer practical steps for implementing the solution
Conclude with encouragement and hope

Example Opening for Problem-Solution Homily (Forgiveness)

"'I just can't forgive them for what they did.' I've heard these words countless times in pastoral conversations, and perhaps you've said them yourself. Human beings have an extraordinary capacity to hold onto hurts, to nurture grievances, to protect ourselves from being wounded again. Today's readings confront us with perhaps the most challenging aspect of Christian discipleship: the call to forgive as we have been forgiven..."

Sample Homilies for Key Seasons

Download examples of homilies for different liturgical seasons to inspire your own preaching.

Download Examples

Overcoming Common Challenges

Even experienced homilists face obstacles in the preaching process. Here are strategies for addressing common challenges:

When You Feel Uninspired

Return to prayer and personal reflection on the readings
Read commentaries or homiletic resources for fresh perspectives
Connect with real-life experiences from your week
Discuss the readings with other priests or pastoral staff
Consider a different approach than your usual style

When Time Is Limited

Focus on just one reading rather than trying to address all of them
Use a proven structure rather than creating something entirely new
Adapt a previous homily on a similar theme
Prioritize depth over breadth—one point well-made is better than several touched upon superficially

When Addressing Difficult Topics

Approach controversial subjects with both truth and compassion
Ground challenging teachings in Scripture and tradition rather than personal opinion
Acknowledge the difficulty and complexity of certain issues
Present Church teaching positively—what we're for, not just what we're against
Consider who is in your congregation and how they might receive the message

Challenge Tip

When addressing difficult topics, use the "sandwich approach": begin with something affirming, present the challenging content, then end with encouragement and hope. This helps the congregation remain open to the message.

When Preaching to Diverse Congregations

Include examples that resonate with different life stages and experiences
Avoid assumptions about family structure, cultural background, or economic status
Use inclusive language that welcomes all listeners
Incorporate universal human experiences that transcend differences

When You Get Stuck in a Rut

Try a completely different homily structure
Start with a different element (Scripture, story, question)
Read homilies or listen to preachers with different styles
Ask for feedback from trusted colleagues or parishioners
Take a workshop or course on preaching

How AI Can Help Write Better Homilies

Artificial intelligence tools like HomilyWriterAI can serve as valuable assistants in the homily creation process, while still preserving your unique voice and pastoral approach.

Benefits of AI-Assisted Homily Writing

Scripture Analysis: AI can identify themes, connections, and insights across readings
Structure Suggestions: Get help organizing your thoughts in logical, effective frameworks
Creative Illustrations: Generate relevant stories and examples for your key points
Language Refinement: Enhance clarity and impact with improved phrasing
Time Efficiency: Reduce preparation time without sacrificing quality

Using AI Effectively in Homily Preparation

Start with prayer and personal reflection – let AI be a supplement, not a replacement
Input the Scripture readings to receive initial insights and theme suggestions
Specify your congregation's needs for tailored application points
Review and personalize the output to align with your voice and pastoral knowledge
Use AI drafts as a starting point for your own creativity and theological reflection

AI Usage Tip

Think of AI as a collaborative assistant rather than an author. Your pastoral experience, theological training, and personal relationship with your congregation are irreplaceable elements that you bring to the homily.

When AI Is Most Helpful

During busy liturgical seasons with multiple preaching obligations
When wrestling with difficult or complex passages
For generating fresh perspectives on familiar readings
When seeking contemporary applications for ancient texts
For improving the structure and flow of your message

Experience AI-Assisted Homily Writing

Try HomilyWriterAI to see how it can enhance your preaching ministry while saving valuable preparation time.

Try Free Homily Generator

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a Catholic homily be?

The ideal length for a Catholic homily is typically 7-10 minutes. According to liturgical guidelines and best practices in preaching, homilies should be long enough to develop key points but brief enough to maintain attention. For special occasions like Easter or Christmas, homilies may extend to 12-15 minutes. Pope Francis has consistently emphasized the importance of brevity, noting that most listeners' attention spans begin to wane after about 8 minutes.

What is the difference between a homily and a sermon?

While often used interchangeably, there are technical differences between a homily and a sermon:

Homily: A homily is specifically an explanation and application of the Scripture readings used in Catholic and Orthodox liturgies. It's directly tied to the day's readings and is part of the liturgical celebration.
Sermon: A sermon is a broader term for religious discourse that may or may not be based on Scripture and is common in Protestant traditions. Sermons can be topical or thematic rather than based on specific readings.

In Catholic practice, the homily is an integral part of the Mass, while sermons might be delivered in other contexts (retreats, missions, devotional services).

How can I make my homilies more engaging?

To make homilies more engaging:

Start with a compelling hook or question that creates interest
Include relevant stories or examples that connect to everyday life
Use conversational language rather than academic terminology
Incorporate thoughtful pauses and vocal variety
Limit your points to 2-3 key takeaways
Connect Scripture directly to contemporary challenges
Use vivid imagery and concrete examples rather than abstractions
End with a clear, memorable application point

Remember that engagement comes not just from content but from authentic delivery that conveys your own conviction about the message.

Should I write out my entire homily word-for-word?

This depends on your experience level and personal style:

For beginners: Writing out the full text is often helpful as you develop your preaching voice
For experienced preachers: A detailed outline may be sufficient and allow for more natural delivery

If you do write out your homily completely, practice enough that you're not reading it verbatim but using it as a security measure. Many effective preachers write a complete manuscript but deliver from an outline derived from that manuscript.

How can AI help me write better homilies?

AI tools like HomilyWriterAI can help priests write better homilies in several ways:

Scripture Analysis: AI can quickly identify themes, connections between readings, and key theological points
Structural Frameworks: AI can suggest effective homily structures based on the content of the readings
Creative Illustrations: AI can generate relevant stories, examples, and analogies to illustrate key points
Language Refinement: AI can help polish phrasing for clarity, impact, and appropriate language level
Time Efficiency: AI can save valuable preparation time, especially during busy liturgical seasons

The key is to use AI as a collaborative assistant, not a replacement for your pastoral insight and theological reflection. Your unique voice, experience, and relationship with your congregation remain essential elements of effective preaching.