An Interview on Hospitable Preaching with Deacon Richard Ferreira

“Wisdom Figure” Deacon Richard Ferreira, M.S.W, M.A.T, was the first deacon to be interviewed for the Wisdom Figures of Preaching interview series. He is the Director of the Center for Diaconal Formation at the Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology (ICSST). 

Deacon Ferreira met the crucial need for more Spanish-speaking deacons in his diocese. He was ordained to the permanent diaconate for the Diocese of Metuchen on May 14, 2022. Deacon Ferreira is bilingual; he speaks fluently in Spanish and English. He studied with the first Spanish language cohort at ICSST’s Center for Diaconal Formation, where he earned his Master of Arts in Theology. His admirable ability to share the Gospel with others in two languages is a hospitable act. Deacon Ferreira treasures being in community with his parish; He said that it is a blessing to be at his parish and deliver homilies in Spanish and English. 

Deacon Ferreira desires to be a hospitable preacher, one who is welcoming and encourages others to be closer to God. “How do we humble ourselves in a manner where we share the Word, so that when we deliver it, those individuals receive it in a manner that's not threatening, that's welcoming?” he asked. He is mindful of his delivery and tone; he also smiles with the hope of welcoming others and connecting with his audience. “I feel like, you know, whenever you are preaching, there should be a moment of smile, of connectivity with the people that you serve” he said. He also desires for his homilies to reflect God and His teachings. “I think your general emphasis should be demonstrated through your love of Christ and through your love of the Word” he said. 

For Deacon Ferreira, preparation for a hospitable homily requires intentional weeklong preparation, including prayer and thoughtful reading of the Scripture. He stressed prayer as the most important action. “Prayer before writing. I think any preparation, be it a homily or a presentation to the community where there is no prayer involved, you run the risk of having a hollow message,” he said.  

He shared his memorable homily on Luke 10:38, reflecting on God’s desire to be with us and for us to actively seek Him. In the Scripture, Jesus visits Martha and Mary. Martha welcomed Jesus to her home and focused on preparing a meal for Him; Mary stayed with Jesus and listened to his teachings. Like Martha, we may focus on the preparation of a gathering, but by doing so we lose sight of Christ asking us to be with others and Him. We are called to acknowledge and love each other. 

Deacon Ferreira emphasized being committed to Christ.  He focuses on his commitment to Christ and delivering God’s message. "I don't want our parishioners walking out with just a personal statement from Deacon Ferreira, but more like just the core concept of what the Word is for that day” he said. It is not about him; it is about sharing God’s love and His message.

The Preaching as Hospitality Formation program of Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology seeks to form seminarians, diaconal students and religious and lay graduate students of theology to be compelling preachers who will offer a hospitality of the heart as they break open the Word of God. The initiatives help to form preachers who will understand and embrace preaching as hospitality, a ministry of inviting, welcoming and offering compassion. The program also focuses on newly ordained priests and deacons and newly appointed pastors (less than five years) who are invited to re-imagine their preaching through the lens of Christian hospitality.

Categories: Faith and Service