Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

Several Catholic speakers are set to visit the Diocese of Lincoln for a special "Prepare and Proclaim" presentation aimed at priests, parishioners, and students on November 18 and 19. The event will feature speakers from the McGrath Institute for Church Life at Notre Dame, focusing on homiletics and Mass preparation.

A free presentation open to all will take place on Monday, November 18, at 7 p.m. at St. Mary Parish in Lincoln. Dr. Joshua McManaway, program director for the Savoring the Mystery homiletics project, will deliver a talk titled "Reading Scripture as a Christian: Finding Christ on Every Page." Dr. McManaway noted that "the Bible often seems bewildering with so many books written in different languages across many centuries," emphasizing how Jesus Christ is central to the Bible's story.

Carolyn Pirtle, program director for the Notre Dame Center for Liturgy, will also speak that evening about "Contemplating God’s Beauty through Scripture and Art." She remarked on how art can deepen one's relationship with God by helping them encounter Scriptures in new ways.

Craig Gould will address students at Pius X High School in Lincoln on "The Power of Storytelling" during a morning session. His talk aims to help students understand their own stories in connection with Jesus' story.

Father Michael Wurtz from King’s College (Pa.) will join other speakers at a diocesan priest study day in Seward on Tuesday, November 19. His focus will be on understanding homilies as an ongoing work of craftsmanship.

Dennis Kellogg, director of communications for the diocese, praised both McManaway and Pirtle for their expertise and contributions to understanding Catholic faith through Mass readings and art.

The Diocese of Lincoln's ongoing "Prepare and Proclaim" program encourages parishioners to grow in their faith by preparing more thoroughly for Mass. More information can be found at lincolndiocese.org/prepareandproclaim.