Preaching, Attention, and the Human Heart with guest Fr. Edward Foley, Capuchin Priest, Theologian, and Preaching Scholar

What does it really mean to preach with power and presence in today’s world?

In this deeply inspiring episode of The Attentive Heart, host Fr. John Gribowich welcomes Capuchin Father Edward Foley—a prolific scholar, preacher, and teacher whose work fuses theology, neuroscience, and the art of storytelling.

👤 About the Guest: Fr. Edward Foley, OFM Cap.

Fr. Foley is a Capuchin Franciscan, Catholic priest, theologian, and internationally renowned speaker on liturgy and preaching. A recipient of a Lilly Endowment grant for his work on compelling preaching, he teaches at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and has authored numerous books, including Preaching as Paying Attention. His current research explores the intersection of neuroscience and homiletics.

Their conversation explores:

• What makes preaching compelling across generations
  
  
• Why "attention" is the foundation of all effective ministry
  
  
• How neuroscience is helping shape better homilies
  
  
• The evolution of Catholic liturgy and its impact on preaching
  
  
• Why we must meet people in their humanity, not just with doctrine

Fr. Foley offers a wise and pastoral voice—showing us how liturgy, storytelling, and lived experience can become deeply transformational, especially in today’s distracted, digital world.

🔍 Themes

• Preaching as Pastoral Presence: The homily isn’t about giving content—it’s about inviting transformation.
  
  
• Attention as Ministry: To preach well is to listen deeply—to the community, to culture, to God.
  
  
• Science & the Soul: Fr. Foley's current research explores how neuroscience can inform and strengthen homiletics.
  
  
• Catholic Identity in a Postmodern World: A moving discussion on engaging “eavesdroppers” at weddings, funerals, and other moments of grace.
  
  
• Hope in the Next Generation: Why Gen Z may be the spiritual catalyst we’ve been waiting for.

🔗 Resources & Mentions

• Learn more about CALLED and SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter at: preachingjourney.com
  
  
• Follow Sunday to Sunday on Instagram & Facebook

• Vatican II’s Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy

• Communities of women religious like the Sisters of Victory
  
  

🕊 Final Reflection

“I don’t want to start with scripture—I want to start with the human condition. That’s where Christ enters.” — Fr. Edward Foley

Creators and Guests

Producer

ANAVO TECH

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What is Sunday To Sunday Attentive Heart?

Sunday To Sunday Productions presents, Attentive Heart, a podcast founded by Father Mike Russo, and now hosted by CALLED founder Father John Gribowich. Join Fr. John and his guests for inspiring conversations about how we can find space in hectic daily lives for God, contemplative prayer, preaching, everyday spirituality that can inspire your own personal ministry journey. True to Father Russo's vision, we hope to make the Gospel come alive by sharing those whose creative discipleship inspires us to live our lives like a homily.