By Anna Liza Denny
IRVING, Texas (September 8, 2026) — As the Institute for Homiletics at the University of Dallas celebrates its fifth anniversary this year, it is launching a rare milestone: the first cohort of its Preaching for Encounter Program dedicated exclusively to permanent deacons. The twenty-month program begins with an introductory retreat April 22, 2027, in Mundelein, IL.
Since its founding in 2021, the Institute has helped Catholic priests and deacons across the country grow as preachers through personalized coaching, peer support, teaching retreats and lay engagement. This new cohort responds to a rising demand for post-ordination homiletics training tailored specifically to deacons.
"Launching a deacon-exclusive cohort is a meaningful way to mark five years of the Institute for Homiletics," said Ryan Reedy, BA '05, MH '10, University of Dallas Chief of Staff. "Deacons play a vital role in the Church, including through preaching, and the Institute was founded to help Catholic preaching flourish."
"The goal of preaching is to help our people grow closer to God. Preachers know that they are never done learning how to do that. There is always one more person that their homily can touch," said Dr. Karla Bellinger, executive director of the Institute for Homiletics.
Diocesan peer groups remain central to the program, with seven to ten deacons from each participating diocese gathering monthly to pray together, evaluate one another's homilies, and build a lasting support network. Each deacon also works one-on-one with a homiletics coach holding a doctorate in the field, and is supported by a parish lay group known as the St. Joseph Preachers.
"The Preaching for Encounter Program provided an important period of growth in my ministry," said Deacon James Baird, BA '88, MA '94, the Institute's coordinator for clergy formation. "Preaching became a central part of my spirituality as a deacon, and I realized that I have the rest of my life to continue to grow."
Past participants describe the program as transformative. "I now have tools and a process of editing and filtering that have made me a better preacher," said Deacon Andy Peña of Dallas, a member of the 2022 cohort. Deacon Jack Hayes of Joliet, Ill., a 2024 cohort member, added, "I've become more relatable rather than academic, and I'm really thankful to my parishioners who have helped me to speak from my heart."
Dioceses and deacons interested in more information about the 2027 Deacon Cohort may contact Deacon James Baird at jgbaird@udallas.edu.
About the Institute for Homiletics
The Institute for Homiletics is a collaboration between The Catholic Foundation and the University of Dallas, the only organization dedicated solely to advancing the quality of Catholic liturgical preaching. Through its Preaching for Encounter Program, priests and deacons receive ongoing formation to build deeper relationships with their listeners and invite people to encounter God through preaching. For more information, visit udallas.edu/institute-for-homiletics and instituteforhomiletics.org. Email us at office@instituteforhomiletics.org or call (972) 721-4134.
