Roman Missal — Resources

Homily Material

The Homily is part of the Liturgy and is highly recommended, for it is necessary for the nurturing of the Christian life. It should be an explanation of some aspect of the readings from Sacred Scripture or of another text from the Ordinary or the Proper of the Mass of the day and should take into account both the mystery being celebrated and the particular needs of the listeners.

The Homily should ordinarily be given by the Priest Celebrant himself or be entrusted by him to a concelebrating Priest, or from time to time and, if appropriate, to the Deacon, but never to a lay person. In particular cases and for a just cause, the Homily may even be given by a Bishop or a Priest who is present at the celebration but cannot concelebrate.

On Sundays and Holydays of Obligation there is to be a Homily at every Mass that is celebrated with the people attending and it may not be omitted without a grave reason. On other days it is recommended, especially on the weekdays of Advent, Lent and Easter Time, as well as on other festive days and occasions when the people come to church in greater numbers.

It is appropriate for a brief period of silence to be observed after the Homily.

General Instruction of the Roman Missal 65-66

Short Model Homilies on Key Texts

These short homilies prepared by Canon Alan Griffiths introduce a number of key changes in the translation: And with your spirit, The mystery of faith, the invitation to Communion.

• Eight Short Homilies (pdf)

Sample Homilies

These sample homilies have been prepared to accompany the first few weeks of the use of the translation.They focus on specific texts and make links with the Lectionary readings.

• 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (4 September) Greeting - And with your spirit (pdf)
• 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time (11 September) Penitential Act - I confess (pdf)
• 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time (18 September) Let us pray - Silence (pdf)
• 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time (25 September) The word of the Lord (pdf)