One of the liturgical duties of a Deacon is to give the homily. Though this role is not the center of our ministry or liturgy, we need to understand its importance within African-American Catholic worship. Frank A. Thomas writes in his book, They Like to Never Quit Praisin’ God, the one who preaches is expected to say the “right thing rightly.” This calls African-American Deacons to preach Catholic faith in a manner faithful to and respectful of African-American culture. Such a manner is not the verbal histrionics or physical theatrics that one sees in the movies or on television. Instead, it is a call to offer God’s word in a way that strengthens all who hear it.

Preaching occupies a sacred place in the heart of the African-American worshipper. Preaching (homiletics) is at the center of worship for some non-Catholics. For us, Eucharist is at the center of our mass. However, in many African-American Catholic churches, preaching serves as a very important dynamic in preparing the congregation to receive the Eucharist.

African-American culture has a tradition of oratorical men and women who proclaimed the liberating Word of God. Culture expects that the one who proclaims the message of the Lord speak to the ills that beset the world in which we live. There exists an expectation that the Deacon, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, has prepared a message that speaks to the situation in life of those who will hear. The congregation expects that the words of the homily will move them beyond a passive cognitive reflection to a moment of movement and change in their life.

Our diaconate formation instills in us the understanding that we are Ministers of Charity. Our diaconal ministry calls us to speak to matters of justice and charity. Our charism is to keep before God’s people the scriptural call to do justice and walk humbly with our God. Thus, when an African-American Deacon stands to offer his homily, he finds himself at a most wonderful intersection. He finds himself immersed in the fullness of Catholic liturgy and African-American culture.

When liturgy and culture intersect, they produce the hearer’s anticipation that the Deacon will give a word full of passion for God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, show the relevance of the proclaimed gospel in today’s life, make clear the church teaching concerning how we are to live the proclaimed gospel, and touch the heart of the hearer causing if not change, at least the openness to consider change. In saying the “right thing rightly,” the Deacon helps the hearer have a celebratory experience of God that once again makes plain God’s hope, love and caring.