Best Shepherd Community Center Podcasts (2024)

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How to preach about poverty to wealthy parishioners—without guilt and shame 48:28

1d ago48:28

48:28

“What keeps you and me knowingly, unknowingly, consciously, or unconsciously sad, because we’re possessed by what we possess—our possessions?” Father John Unni posed this question in a homily three years ago standing before his congregation at St. Cecilia Parish in Boston’s affluent Back Bay. “There’s no U-Haul after a hearse.” It is this introspec…

1
How Dolly Parton and Shepherd are working together to teach kids to read 11:19

6d ago11:19

11:19

Executive Director Jay Height discusses Shepherd Community Center’s adult and children’s literacy efforts, including its partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.By Shepherd Community Center

1
Lean into love, not fear, this World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Beirut Jesuit pastor tells preachers 33:35

17d ago33:35

33:35

St. Joseph Church in Beirut offers a sanctuary for migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers fleeing South Sudan, Syria, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and many other conflict-torn nations. Daniel Corrou, S.J., pastor of the community, vividly recalls entering the 19th-century church immediately after the devastating 2020 blast in Lebanon’s capital. “It …

1
How we can help our children thrive in a tough world 10:09

21d ago10:09

10:09

Shepherd Community Center Executive Director Jay Height discusses how government, businesses and ministries can work together to improve children’s lives.By Shepherd Community Center

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How St. Phoebe is helping us hear more women’s voices in homilies 40:39

22d ago40:39

40:39

When Ellie Hidalgo served as a pastoral associate at Dolores Mission Church in East Los Angeles, the priest asked her to lead Liturgy of the Word and Communion services on Thursdays to give him a day off. “I would often use stories of people acting with courage, loving their neighbor, serving as good Samaritans and living out Gospel values,” she sa…

1
Why did Jesus call Peter ‘Satan’?: Questioning the mysteries of Mark’s Gospel 37:46

29d ago37:46

37:46

Why does Jesus rebuke Peter, admonishing him to “Get behind me, Satan”? What is behind Jesus’ stern warning to his disciples to “tell no one” about his miraculous deeds, the so-called “messianic secret”? As the church's Sunday lectionary cycle takes us deeper into the Gospel of Mark, this week on “Preach” we confront some of this Gospel's most perp…

1
How Indiana can become the best state in the nation for children 10:27

1M ago10:27

10:27

Shepherd Community Center Executive Director Jay Height casts a bold vision for the future of Indiana: how can the state become the best in the nation to raise a child?By Shepherd Community Center

1
Timothy Radcliffe: Don't preach like a know-it-all. Be ‘a searcher, a doubter, a questioner.’ 41:16

1M ago41:16

41:16

“Preach” is back! We're thrilled to launch our second season with Timothy Radcliffe, O.P., a renowned Dominican from the English Province, as our guest for the premiere episode. Timothy brings extensive experience as the former worldwide leader of his order, as well as a distinguished preacher, spiritual author, guide and sought-after retreat leade…

1
Shepherd’s economic impact in Indianapolis pays huge dividends 15:42

2M ago15:42

15:42

Shepherd Community Center Executive Director Jay Height interviews Phil Powell, executive director of the Indiana Business Research Center, on the economic impact of Shepherd’s work in the community.By Shepherd Community Center

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Shepherd is taking innovative steps to address America’s housing crisis 13:40

2M ago13:40

13:40

Shepherd Community Center Executive Director Jay Height and Shepherd’s Director of Housing Dennis Westlake discuss the ministry’s innovative efforts to help neighbors find affordable housing.By Shepherd Community Center

1
Top preaching takeaways from the National Eucharistic Congress 35:55

2M ago35:55

35:55

At the start of every “Preach” episode, we state the mission of the show: “We take you into the minds and hearts of some of the finest preachers in the Catholic Church; we listen to their homilies, learn what makes them great and draw inspiration to keep preaching the Good News.” This mission informed our decision to send host Ricardo da Silva, S.J…

1
How Shepherd is responding to America’s critical lack of affordable housing 14:01

3M ago14:01

14:01

Shepherd Community Center Executive Director Jay Height and Shepherd’s Director of Housing Dennis Westlake discuss how the lack of affordable affects neighbors in Indianapolis and through the United States.By Shepherd Community Center

1
Writing a homily after the Trump assassination attempt 38:06

3M ago38:06

38:06

“There were people who came up to me and said, ‘thank you for saying what you said about the rhetoric. I hope that the Biden people get this message.’ And then other people would stop and say, ‘thank you for what you said. This is [what] Trump people really need to hear.’” Greg Kandra shared, “so I think somehow by the grace of God, I walked to tha…

1
What does the future hold for Shepherd Community Center? 12:29

3M ago12:29

12:29

Shepherd Community Center Executive Director Jay Height talks about the ministry’s future as it prepares to celebrate the 40th anniversary of its founding.By Shepherd Community Center

1
Meet a ‘perpetual pilgrim’ on her way to the National Eucharistic Congress 22:45

3M ago22:45

22:45

“We’re like the apostles,” says Shayla Elm. “We’re getting to walk with Jesus, like the apostles did; getting to learn from him, getting to see the ways that He brings people to Him that maybe you didn't think twice about, the people on the fringes.” On this episode of “Preach,” host Ricardo da Silva, S.J., talks with Shayla Elm, one of 24 young ad…

1
How the Eucharistic Revival can help us love God more deeply 25:37

3M ago25:37

25:37

“The Eucharist is the food that makes us hungry,” says Joe Laramie, S.J., so when he preaches, he hopes to stir his congregation “to deeper hunger for the Lord, to grow in deeper devotion to him.” Joe, the National Director of the Pope’s Prayer Network and a preacher for the National Eucharistic Revival, preaches for the Fourteenth Sunday of Ordina…

1
How should the community respond to the youth violence plaguing our city? 9:12

4M ago9:12

9:12

Shepherd Community Center Executive Director Jay Height discusses how the church and the community need to respond to the surge in youth violence in Indianapolis.By Shepherd Community Center

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How inflation has left lower-income workers struggling to buy groceries 24:11

4M ago24:11

24:11

Shepherd Community Center Executive Director Jay Height and Dave Miner of the Indy Hunger Network discuss the effects of inflation on low-income families.By Shepherd Community Center

1
Why are so many people hungry when we’re surrounded by so much food? 28:49

4M ago28:49

28:49

Shepherd Community Center Executive Director Jay Height and Dave Miner of the Indy Hunger Network discuss why chronic hunger remains a persistent problem in Indiana.By Shepherd Community Center

1
Try writing your next homily in a coffee shop 37:56

5M ago37:56

37:56

A homily is a public speech, so it only makes sense to write it in public, says Scott VanDerveer, who mostly writes his homilies sitting at a long shared table in a coffee shop. “I love looking up at whoever’s in line at the cash register at that moment and thinking, ‘Would this guy, or would this woman care about what I’m saying at all; would this…

1
Never start a homily with these 4 words 37:32

5M ago37:32

37:32

A surefire way to lose your congregation’s attention is to start a homily with “In today’s Gospel reading,” says Thomas Groome. “The purpose of good preaching,” he says, “is to bring our lives to God and God to our lives.” A preacher’s job, then, is to facilitate a meaningful conversation between the two. This week on “Preach,” Tom, a professor of …

1
How Christians can help people struggling with substance abuse 20:14

5M ago20:14

20:14

Guests Frank and Obed Santiesteban discuss the growing challenges of ministering to people who struggle with substance abuse.By Shepherd Community Center

1
Preachers: Tell a story that will stay with your listeners long after the homily is over. 34:55

5M ago34:55

34:55

Though Jesus preached in parables that still captivate us, not every story told in a homily has a similarly lasting impact. The Rev. Christopher Clohessy shares how preachers can craft stories that linger long after Mass is over. This week on “Preach,” host Ricardo da Silva, S.J., is joined by another South African priest. Chris is a priest of the …

1
Ron Hansen on bringing fiction-writing techniques to homily writing 23:42

5M ago23:42

23:42

Ron Hansen has written award-winning novels that have been turned into Hollywood hits. As an ordained deacon, he crafts equally compelling homilies. This week on “Preach,” Deacon Ron Hansen, a permanent deacon in the Archdiocese of Washington and a prolific author, preaches for the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, Year B. His homily reflects…

1
How to welcome our new neighbors: Migration is changing how we do ministry 19:53

5M ago19:53

19:53

Executive Director Jay Height discusses ministry needs and opportunities surrounding migration, immigration and refugees with guests Frank and Obed Santiesteban.By Shepherd Community Center

1
What young adults most need to hear in a homily 32:43

5M ago32:43

32:43

While most parishes struggle to attract young members, Saint Clement Parish in Chicago stands out with a mostly young adult congregation. This week on “Preach,” the Rev. Peter Wojcik, the pastor of Saint Clement Parish in Chicago, Ill., preaches for the Sixth Sunday of Easter, Year B. In his homily, he reflects on the depth of Jesus’ committed love…

1
A preacher should offer the congregation a challenge—not cheap grace 36:13

6M ago36:13

36:13

Gemma Simmonds, C.J., a theologian and sister at the Cambridge Theological Federation in Cambridge, England, preaches for the Fifth Sunday in Easter, Year B: In her homily, she reflects on her experience of poverty in Brazil, giving significance to Christ’s words: “Make your home in me as I make mine in you.” Then, in the conversation with host Ric…

1
How isolation and loneliness led to a ‘friendship recession’ in America 14:28

6M ago14:28

14:28

Executive Director Jay Height explains how each of us can help overcome the epidemic of loneliness and isolation plaguing our neighbors.By Shepherd Community Center

1
Bishop Stowe preaches on the climate crisis for Good Shepherd Sunday 27:08

6M ago27:08

27:08

“I think there's a major concern for living more in harmony with creation, which is a result of conversion,” says Bishop John Stowe, OFM Conv., “But I think Pope Francis is also, as our good shepherd, calling us to greater urgency to act because time is slipping away and we haven't done much.” Bishop John Stowe is a Conventual Franciscan, the third…

1
To be a good preacher, pray more and read widely 24:51

6M ago24:51

24:51

Good preaching requires mastery of rhetoric, in particular the tools of repetition and organization. “Otherwise, they’re not gonna remember,” says John Baldovin, S.J. “This is a no-brainer, but beginning, middle and end, and not trying to make too many points” are key to a compelling homily. He also adds with hyperbolic emphasis, “If you want to be…

1
Striking a chord: The debate on singing in the homily 34:15

6M ago34:15

34:15

“Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!” This is how Kim Harris starts her homily for the Second Sunday of Easter—in joyous song. “When Thomas first the tidings heard / How they had seen the risen Lord / He doubted the disciples’ word. Alleluia!...” Such daring from the ambo has long struck a controversial chord with preachers and liturgists alike, promptin…

1
Shepherd partners with Purdue and USC for virtual reality treatment of trauma 8:16

7M ago8:16

8:16

Executive Director Jay Height discusses how Shepherd’s partnership with Purdue University Northwest and the University of Southern California is leading to development of a virtual reality-assisted treatment program for young people dealing with chronic trauma.By Shepherd Community Center

1
When preparing to preach, treat your homily like music 35:54

7M ago35:54

35:54

In the Judeo-Christian tradition, God often makes Godself known through sound: be it a voice from a burning bush, a resounding clap of thunder or the blast of a trumpet. “God is revealed through sound,” affirms Ed Foley, O.F.M. Cap. “I think of a homily as sound theology,” he adds, “it’s acoustic engagement.” When preparing to preach, Ed, the Duns …

1
Ukraine military chaplain: Preaching hope to a world at war on Good Friday 32:12

7M ago32:12

32:12

When reflecting on the life, death and resurrection of the Lord while living in a state of military invasion and active war, Andriy Zelinskyy, S.J., says that “everything becomes more authentic.” For this Jesuit priest, who serves as the chief military chaplain of the Ukrainian-Greek Catholic Church, the task of preaching to those suffering in Ukra…

1
A Preacher’s Guide to Holy Week: These are long liturgies. Be brief! 42:53

7M ago42:53

42:53

The liturgies of Holy Week need to be seen as a unity. With two weeks remaining before the start of this summit of the Christian year, the “Preach” team sought the expertise of two esteemed liturgical scholars and practitioners to give preachers a whistle-stop tour of the readings and liturgies for this sacred week. In conversation with “Preach” ho…

1
Why Shepherd is partnering with Indianapolis Public Schools to improve education 7:21

7M ago7:21

7:21

Executive Director Jay Height explains how Shepherd is working with Indianapolis Public Schools to help families secure a good education for their children.By Shepherd Community Center

1
Father Rob Galea’s preaching strategies for reaching disengaged youth 33:23

7M ago33:23

33:23

“Explain the resurrection to me in two minutes without using any church language.” This is the challenge that Father Rob Galea sets for his staff to ensure they can easily relate to the young people they serve. “That takes practice, and that takes hanging out with the kids and understanding the way they speak, the way they reason.” Rob, originally …

1
How a deacon’s past as a taxi driver fuels his preaching 43:43

8M ago43:43

43:43

The best formation Deacon Steve Kramer has ever received were the four summers he spent as a taxi and limo driver. “It really prepared me for pastoral counseling,” he says of his year’s shuttling people back and forth. “They sit, they open their heart, and pretty much they figure out that they’ll never see you again. So they open up in a different …

1
How the surge in housing costs is hurting families living in poverty 9:52

8M ago9:52

9:52

Shepherd Executive Director Jay Height discusses how spikes in rent and mortgage rates, along with rapid gentrification of urban neighborhoods, are hurting families as they struggle to pay for housing.By Shepherd Community Center

1
Meet a woman who teaches priests to preach 35:14

8M ago35:14

35:14

“Effective preaching is like good butter sinking into warm toast,” says Karla Bellinger. “You’ve gotta give the Holy Spirit a little bit of time to do some work.” As the founding executive director of the Institute for Homiletics at the University of Dallas and president of the Catholic Association of Teachers of Homiletics, Karla is filled with bi…

1
Try something new this Lent: Map out your homilies like an org chart 42:55

8M ago42:55

42:55

Russell Pollitt, S.J., approaches his homilies in a manner unlike any other preacher the “Preach” team has yet seen. While some rely on verbatim manuscripts, detailed linear plans, or simply loose notes, when this South African Jesuit priest sits down to write his homily after praying on the Scriptures, the first thing he does is produce an org cha…

1
How building positive memories can help strengthen families 14:21

8M ago14:21

14:21

Executive Director Jay Height explains how Shepherd and its partners are helping families share positive experiences and build good memories together.By Shepherd Community Center

1
The Vatican’s chief liturgist on why preachers need to take their homilies more seriously 46:09

8M ago46:09

46:09

Cardinal Roche opens the Lenten season on “Preach: The Catholic Homilies Podcast” with a heartfelt message taken from the Scripture readings for Ash Wednesday: “Come back to me with all your heart.” When asked by host Ricardo da Silva, S.J., why he chose the theme of “Welcome Home” and not to preach “in a heavier way,” to emphasize the penitential …

1
Should I buy food or medicine? Why inflation is still hurting people in poverty 11:54

9M ago11:54

11:54

Shepherd Executive Director Jay Height discusses the continued challenges that many people in poverty face because of high food prices and increases in housing costs.By Shepherd Community Center

1
An update from the Preach team 38:35

9M ago38:35

38:35

You may have seen that we haven’t had any episodes for the last two weeks. We are taking a break after the bumper set of episodes we put together for you during the Advent and Christmas seasons. We are reviewing the results of our survey—which you can still respond to here— and planning our offering for Lent. In the meantime, in this great week whe…

1
Chronic absenteeism is the latest crisis in education. Here’s how to help. 13:03

9M ago13:03

13:03

Shepherd Community Center Assistant Executive Director Andrew Green explores why so many students are missing so much school and how the community can help.By Shepherd Community Center

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The star first leads the wise men to Jerusalem—where Old and New Testament meet—not Bethlehem 34:07

9M ago34:07

34:07

Preaching on the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, David Neuhaus, S.J., explores a curiosity in the story of the Wise Men’s journey from the East to the Bethlehem manger. “Why didn’t the star take them straight to Bethlehem? Why did it take them to Jerusalem?,” he asks. "I think it took them to Jerusalem, as we are always taken to Jerusalem, b…

1
Together for the holidays: How Shepherd is helping people connect 12:04

10M ago12:04

12:04

Assistant Executive Director Andrew Green discusses the challenges that people living in isolation face during the holidays and how Shepherd Community Center is helping them connect with their neighbors.By Shepherd Community Center

1
A Syriac Catholic priest and father in Bethlehem preaches on the Feast of the Holy Family 34:48

10M ago34:48

34:48

Yunan Frédéric, a Syriac Catholic priest living in Bethlehem with his Latina-American wife and their three children, preaches on the Feast of the Holy Family, even though the Syriac Church does not observe this feast in its liturgical calendar. For the past two years, he has served as the pastor of the Syriac Catholic community in Bethlehem; a smal…

1
Keeping Christmas joy alive in our preaching—even amid war, violence and poverty 35:17

10M ago35:17

35:17

The anticipated joy of Christmas unfolds against a backdrop of pain and violence this year. “I think one of the most important things in these extremely troubled times is that we do have the lights, both metaphorically and physically,” says Barbara Reid, O.P. “Our most important gift and our most important approach, not only to the advent and Chris…

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