Holy Ghost in the Catholic Machine: Spirit–Structure Tensions in Parish Preaching Work
Ebook
Books on Catholic preaching from theological, biblical, rhetorical, and mechanical angles abound. This book is nothing like those.
Using interviews with thirty-nine parish priests, Sigler exposes the deep roots of the Catholic preaching problem in the church's own organizational structures, revealing how seminary education, working conditions, parish norms, and even beliefs about God constrain priests from preaching well. Along the way, three preacher profiles emerge, capturing the array of preaching-related ambivalence, exhaustion, frustration, and anxiety that plague the vast majority of priests.
Thankfully, not every priest suffers. Through the example of one preacher profile, Sigler shows how priests who fully embrace their cooperation with the Spirit in preaching steer clear of the preaching-related pressures and tensions that grind so many of their brother preachers down. Exploring these priests' exceptional approaches to their vocational identities, day-to-day parish work, and relationships with the Spirit provides every other priest with surprisingly practical guidance for finding peace in preaching.
In the voices of priests that fill these pages, a rare conversation about the cold, hard realities of preaching in the Catholic Church begins. Out of their vast experience, intriguing disagreements, and profound insights, Holy Ghost in the Catholic Machine draws hope for better preaching.
“Frankly, Catholic clergy seldom deliver homilies worthy of the sacraments we celebrate: vibrant, relevant, life-changing. J. E. Sigler brilliantly explains why that is and, more, what to do about it: stop regarding preachers as lightning rods or (at best) conduits of the Holy Spirit, and instead enable them to be reservoirs of inspiration. If only homilists would adopt Sigler’s method, the faithful would at last truly be nourished by the word of God.”
—Fr. Tom Margevičius, director, Office of Worship, Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis
“In a Church looking for solutions to problems, this book is a step in the right direction. The interviews and real-life answers from priests in the trenches are relatable and inspirational; the research is enlightening—a great read for seminarians, priests, and the laity!”
—Fr. Jonathan P. Meyer, pastor, All Saints Parish
“Drawing from interviews with parish priests, J. E. Sigler invites the reader into a discussion about the interaction between pastoral practice and ecclesial context. Those interested in fostering a culture of Catholic homiletic excellence will find a number of points for ongoing exploration and implementation.”
—Fr. Andrew Ricci, rector, Cathedral of Christ the King
“As a passionate preacher, I have learned a lot from this study of charismatic and bad preachers’ self-image, preparation, and ‘blindness’ to structural tensions. Its realistic ecclesiology, reflecting both Weberian structures and the Holy Spirit, gives a better understanding of the ‘overwhelmed’ preacher. As such, it is a relevant aid for the formation of priests and a ‘must’ for bishops, those responsible for formation, and preachers themselves. The laity will also read it with profit.”
—Fr. Józef Niewiadomski, professor for systematic theology, University of
Innsbruck
“Today’s teachers and preachers of the gospel face the challenge of communicating persuasively to a highly diverse and divided culture. Institutional pressures, educational shortcomings, and the daily grind of ministry contribute to the enormity of this challenge. J. E. Sigler’s call for directed and Holy Spirit-filled preaching offers a way forward that promotes pastoral care and healthy congregations. It will resonate deeply with faithful communicators and Christ followers.”
—Robert H. Woods Jr., executive director, Christianity and Communication Studies Network
“J. E. Sigler’s study addresses an area of Catholic Church life that requires attention: preaching. Sigler brings an empirical, systematic lens to this under-appreciated area to understand what is happening on the ground and why. The experiences of priests and Sigler’s analysis and recommendations need consideration so that preachers can be supported to fully and personally proclaim the Word of God.”
—Joel Hodge, senior lecturer in theology, Australian Catholic University
- Title: Holy Ghost in the Catholic Machine: Spirit–Structure Tensions in Parish Preaching Work
- Author: J. E. Sigler
- Publisher: Pickwick Publications
- Print Publication Date: 2023
- Logos Release Date: 2023
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9798385200054, 9798385200047, 9798385200030
- Resource ID: LLS:9798385200054
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2023-12-06T12:27:00Z
J. E. Sigler earned her PhD in organizational communication from Purdue University, specializing in work and vocation, particularly how organizational structures influence people’s experience of work. Her research has been published in Homiletic & Pastoral Review, the Journal of Communication and Religion, and the Journal of Media and Religion. She currently lives in Falls Church, Virginia, where she conducts research on employees’ experience of work and organizations’ efforts to improve that experience.