“The homily is not meant
to be an endurance contest
(or a hostage situation).” 
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I once heard it said, “You cannot be a passive lamb in the flock of Christ and expect to grow.” There is great truth in this statement. Sadly, it seems that little is expected (“pay, pray, and obey”) of lay Catholics in the United States when it comes to their role in the Sunday celebration of the Eucharist. While some few are actively engaged in the Mass as proclaimers of the Word, Eucharistic ministers, ushers, greeters, or ministers of music, most in attendance appear to be passive observers of the drama unfolding in the sanctuary. 

I think the time has come for the Catholic Church in our country to actively solicit and encourage feedback from parishioners on the Mass, in general, and more specifically on the quality of homilies.

It is common practice in education today, including Catholic schools, that teachers undergo a process of regular formal and informal observation and evaluation by school administrators. In many schools, students, too, are given the opportunity to provide feedback to their teachers at the conclusion of the academic year. The primary purpose of these evaluation tools is to promote ongoing professional development. Catholic priests could benefit from a similar process of observation and evaluation. 

In fact, it would be beneficial for all areas of liturgical ministry to be evaluated systematically. One component of such a process could include the availability of cards placed in the pews prior to each Sunday liturgy. Using these cards, parishioners could provide input on the music, the proclamation of the Scriptures, the liturgical environment and hospitality, and the quality of the homily at Sunday liturgies.

The instructions on such a card could be quite simple:

In the space provided, please tell us what you liked and/or what you did not like about today’s liturgy. Please be specific, as your input will help us to provide the best possible liturgical experience for you and your fellow parishioners in the months and years ahead.

You may include your name and contact information, but this is optional. Please indicate if you would like to be contacted about your experience.

Response cards could be placed in boxes at the exits of the worship space at the conclusion of the liturgy, or they could be returned by mail to the parish office. Each response card would be read by members of the Pastoral Staff, including the pastor, parochial vicar(s), and the Director of Liturgy, with a summary of the responses received each month shared with members of the Pastoral Council and with those whose ministries are praised or critiqued.

It’s important and gratifying that clergy and lay leaders know what parishioners appreciate about the ministry they provide. They deserve to hear positive feedback. It’s equally essential that they know when their efforts fall short of meeting the spiritual needs of the community. Only then might they be motivated to seek ways of improving the liturgical experience for all parishioners. 

For now, we can always communicate our gratitude or concerns by email or in a handwritten note. Observation and evaluation are essential to the overall effectiveness of any endeavor.