The newly launched Homiletics Masterclass and Workshop will be held at Saint John’s Abbey Guesthouse in Collegeville, Minnesota June 10th-12th, 2025. The event will be led by Deacon Jay Cormier.
This event is designed to benefit both novice and experienced preachers, both ordained and lay ministers. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your preaching skills in a supportive and spiritually enriching environment! Register here!
The Homiletics Masterclass and Workshop is hosted by the Guesthouse of Saint John’s Abbey, the and the Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary Obsculta Preaching Initiative, and Sustained Encuentro.
Interview: Br. Augustine Oh and Deacon Jay Cormier
Br. Augustine: Welcome to Pray Tell Blog! I’m Br. Augustine from St. John’s Abbey Guesthouse. Currently, I work as the coordinator of the Spiritual Life Program, which was founded in 1986 at St. John’s Abbey. We’re approaching our 40th anniversary soon, and this year is particularly special as we host our newly launched Homiletics Masterclass and Workshop. I’m honored to introduce our guest speaker, Deacon Jay Cormier, who teaches as an adjunct professor at the College of St. Anselm in New Hampshire. Good afternoon, Professor Deacon Jay. How are you today?
Deacon Jay Cormier: Good afternoon, Brother Augustine. I’m doing well, thank you.
Br. Augustine: Could you briefly explain the format of the Homiletics Masterclass for our Pray Tell Blog audience?
Deacon Jay Cormier: Certainly. The masterclass is designed to be hands-on. Participants will prepare a five-minute homily based on a scripture citation we provide. During the workshop, they will deliver their homily to an audience of peers—deacons, priests, and others—who will offer constructive feedback. As the facilitator, I will synthesize these comments to help participants understand their strengths and areas for improvement. The idea is to learn by doing, much like learning to swim by jumping into the pool. This approach moves beyond theoretical discussions and focuses on practical application.
Br. Augustine: That sounds engaging! How does this compare to other homiletics programs?
Deacon Jay Cormier: What sets this masterclass apart is its interactive nature. Participants actively engage in preaching and receive immediate feedback. This is not just a lecture; it’s a collaborative learning experience where participants use one another as teaching examples. This format mirrors the homiletics courses I teach at Pope St. John XXIII Seminary in Weston, Massachusetts, where students learn through a series of practical assignments.
Br. Augustine: You mentioned a workshop following the masterclass. Could you elaborate on its focus?
Deacon Jay Cormier: Absolutely. The second workshop will delve into the theory of homiletics, exploring what makes for effective communication in a homily. We’ll discuss how to craft homilies that are liturgically prayerful and serve as a ministry to the people of God. This workshop will provide tools for effective communication and insights into liturgical preaching.
Br. Augustine: What challenges do deacons face in liturgical preaching today?
Deacon Jay Cormier: One major challenge is recognizing that there isn’t a distinct “deacon’s way” of preaching. A homily either serves the people of God by revealing His presence and love, or it doesn’t. Deacons bring unique perspectives to preaching, often shaped by their roles as parents, spouses, and professionals. These experiences enrich their homilies, making them relatable and grounded. Additionally, many deacons find their wives to be invaluable resources, offering honest feedback and keeping their preaching authentic.
Br. Augustine: Could you share some memorable experiences from previous workshops?
Deacon Jay Cormier: Certainly. Last summer, I conducted a workshop in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where we followed a similar format to what we’ll do in Collegeville. We had 16 deacon candidates deliver five-minute homilies, followed by constructive feedback sessions. What stood out was the emphasis on highlighting what each preacher did well before suggesting improvements. This approach builds confidence and helps novice preachers recognize their potential.
Br. Augustine: Why should someone attend this masterclass, especially either if they are on the fence about registering or they feel nervous about preaching?
Deacon Jay Cormier: This masterclass is ideal for novice preachers who are new to the ministry of preaching and find it intimidating. It’s also beneficial for experienced preachers who may feel stuck in a rut or want to refine their skills. The workshop fosters a supportive community where participants learn from one another, helping them grow as communicators. It’s a unique opportunity to gain practical experience and constructive feedback in a collaborative environment.
Br. Augustine: How does the Benedictine spirituality influence this program?
Deacon Jay Cormier: Not only do I teach at St. Anselm, but also I went to college there. The Benedictine tradition emphasizes how liturgy forms and nurtures community. This perspective is integral to the program, as we aim to create a communal atmosphere that reflects the Benedictine values of service and ministry. Every element of the workshop, from the setting to the interactions, is designed to foster a sense of shared purpose and spiritual growth.
Br. Augustine: Thank you, Deacon Jay, for sharing your insights. We look forward to welcoming you to Collegeville in a few weeks.
Deacon Jay Cormier: Thank you, Brother Augustine. I’m excited to be part of this program and look forward to meeting everyone in Collegeville.
Br. Hang Geum Augustine Oh, OSB serves as the Coordinator of the Spiritual Life Program at Saint John’s Abbey/Abbey Guesthouse, Collegeville, MN. He holds a Master of Arts in Liturgical Music with a focus on vocal performance from Saint John’s Graduate School of Theology and Seminary, Collegeville, MN and he obtained a Certificate in Worship Administration from the Center for Worship and Arts at Samford University (Baptist), Birmingham, AL before his simple profession in 2023.
Deacon Jay Cormier, D. Min., is an Adjunct Professor of Homiletics at Pope Saint John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, MA, and an Adjunct Professor of Humanities and Communications at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, NH. He serves as the editor of Connections, a monthly newsletter providing resources for homilists, preachers, and educators. Ordained as a Deacon in 2014 for the Diocese of Manchester, Cormier currently serves at Saint Jude the Apostle Parish in Londonderry, NH.
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