The Loyola Institute for Ministry proudly celebrates the accomplishments of adjunct faculty member Deborah Wilhelm, DMin, whose scholarship has been recognized as part of a 2026 Catholic Media Association First Place Award recipient.

The book Lay Eucharistic Preaching in a Synodal Catholic Church (Liturgical Press), to which Dr. Wilhelm contributed a chapter, received First Place in the Liturgy and Worship category at the 2026 Catholic Media Association Book Awards. The recognition honors the volume's thoughtful engagement with one of the Catholic Church's most timely conversations: the role of preaching, participation, and synodality in the life of the Church.

Dr. Wilhelm authored the chapter, "Eucharistic Preachers Modeling a Generous God." Her work reflects the pastoral imagination and theological depth that have long characterized her ministry and teaching.

In addition to her scholarly contribution, Dr. Wilhelm played a pivotal leadership role in the project. She helped organize and facilitate the symposium, led by Gregory Heille, O.P., that brought together theologians, pastoral leaders, and practitioners whose conversations ultimately became Lay Eucharistic Preaching in a Synodal Catholic Church. The symposium developed a proposal on lay preaching that was submitted to the Synod on Synodality, helping to bring pastoral experience and theological reflection into the Church's global discernment.

As an adjunct faculty member, Dr. Wilhelm has enriched the learning of countless Loyola Institute for Ministry students through her commitment to pastoral leadership, liturgical formation, and theological reflection. Her national recognition reflects not only the quality of her scholarship but also the Institute's ongoing commitment to preparing leaders who serve the Church with wisdom, creativity, and hope.

The Loyola Institute for Ministry congratulates Dr. Deborah Wilhelm on this outstanding achievement and celebrates her continued contributions to the Church, the academy, and the ministry formation of future pastoral leaders.

Learn More

To learn more about the symposium that inspired Lay Eucharistic Preaching in a Synodal Catholic Church and the international working group's proposal to the Synod on Synodality, see the article, "Vatican Synod Embraces Lay Preaching Proposal from International Working Group," available at the Loyola Institute for Ministry Achievements page. The article highlights the symposium's collaborative process and its contribution to the global synodal conversation on lay preaching and ecclesial participation.