Catholic Dictionary

Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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PREACHING

Public discourse on a religious subject by one having authority to do so. Preaching, therefore, can be properly applied only to bishops, priests, and deacons in the exercise of their office of proclaiming the word of God. Speaking of priests, the Second Vatican Council places this office first among the duties of priests, who are "consecrated to preach the Gospel, shepherd the faithful, and celebrate divine worship" (Constitution on the Church, III, 28).