Longing to See Your Face - by Thomas J Scirghi (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Thomas Scirghi, SJ, has trained priests, deacons, and lay ecclesial ministers in the art and theology of preaching for decades. In Longing to See Your Face, he makes his insights and experience accessible to a much wider audience.

Scirghi begins with a discussion of the purpose of preaching and offers a theological sounding on proclamation, taking up several descriptions of the role of the preacher in relation to the congregation. He also addresses current theological issues for the contemporary preacher. The second part of the book discusses the practical matter of preparing to preach and proposes a method of preparation by following a pattern of reflection, research, writing, and rehearsing. The third part focuses on two specific sacramental celebrations: funeral and weddings.

Review Quotes

Longing to See Your Face will serve as an encouragement for those who preach. This work will also be a helpful resource for deacon formation programs and in seminary homiletics courses. It might also come as a surprise that the author suggests the book is also written for those who listen to homilies-the faithful who make up the liturgical assembly-to help them to appreciate the challenging work of preaching but also to help them better understand the nature of the encounter with the word of God that they might become better hearers of the word.Pastoral Music

"Here is a book aimed at reviving Catholic preaching that hits its mark. . . . Scirghi's readers will be longing to have this book delivered to and absorbed by every parish in the land."Sidney Callahan, America

Longing to See Your Face is designed for today's preacher, ordained or lay, experienced or just beginning. I commend this work for its fresh theology of preaching and its clear and comprehensive method of preparation, writing, editing, embodiment, and performance. A fine addition to the preaching library.Thomas A. Kane, CSP, Boston College School of Theology and Ministry (retired)

At a time of declining church attendance, it is no secret that congregations remain full in parishes where the Word is preached with clarity, conviction, and truth to life. In this small book, Tom Scirghi draws richly upon the theological tradition, classic literature and contemporary culture, to achieve that end. Clearly the fruit of wide pastoral experience and pedagogical skill, a good half of the work offers practical wisdom and advice down to the smallest detail, including what not to say and do. Here is an essential resource for the soon-to-be-ordained, the long-ordained, and all who aspire to effective proclamation.Brendan Byrne, SJ, FAHA, Professor Emeritus of New Testament, University of Divinity, Melbourne, Australia

Tom Scirghi, SJ, writes in the language of a good preacher-direct, informative, clear, personal, and with an awareness of his audience. Longing to See Your Face addresses the theology, spirituality and practicalities of good preaching. While primarily addressed to the ordained preacher, this book will appeal to the increasing numbers of ecclesial lay ministers who preach outside the eucharistic assembly, as well as those who faithfully listen to homilies.Jude Siciliano, OP, is a preacher and instructor in homiletics