Marian University has appointed Rev. Michael E. Connors, CSC, Th.D., a nationally recognized scholar and teacher of preaching, as Homiletician in Residence for the 2026 program year of its Preach All Ways Certificate in Relational Preaching.
A priest of the Congregation of Holy Cross, Rev. Connors previously served as Director of the Marten Program in Homiletics and Liturgics at the University of Notre Dame. His appointment strengthens Marian University’s leadership in forming preachers for today’s diverse pastoral and public contexts.
The Preach All Ways Certificate in Relational Preaching is supported by a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its Compelling Preaching Initiative. The program equips preachers with practical skills, theological grounding, and confidence to proclaim the Word in a wide range of settings, both within and beyond traditional worship spaces.
Rev. Connors brings decades of experience teaching priests, deacons, seminarians, and lay leaders in classroom, parish, and workshop settings. He is a past president of the Catholic Association of Teachers of Homiletics and the author of numerous publications on preaching, including Preaching for Discipleship: Preparing Homilies for Christian Initiation, published by Liturgy Training Publications.
“Even after all these years of ministry, preaching still both exhilarates and terrifies me,” said Connors. “I am in awe of the mysterious power of the Word in which preaching participates. It is a profound privilege to share in God’s intimate, saving, and loving communication with God’s people.”
Susan McGurgan, D. Min., grant director and associate professor of theology at Marian University, said Connors’ appointment reflects the university’s commitment to excellence and innovation in preaching formation.
“Rev. Connors is widely respected as a scholar, teacher, and author,” McGurgan said. “His generosity in sharing his wisdom, experience, and joy for preaching is invaluable as we continue to develop this innovative certificate program. We are grateful for his academic and pastoral leadership.”
Marian University is one of 142 organizations nationwide selected to receive funding through the Compelling Preaching Initiative. Grant recipients reflect the diversity of Christian communities in the United States, including Catholic, mainline Protestant, evangelical, Orthodox, and Pentecostal traditions.
“It is a profound privilege to share in God's saving and loving communication with God's people.”
Those interested in learning more about the Certificate in Relational Preaching or the Preach Challenge, a related initiative for youth and young adults, may contact Susan McGurgan at smcgurgan@marian.edu