The states: "[The Order] founded by St. Dominic is known from the beginning to have been instituted especially for preaching and the salvation of souls (No. 1, II) The Second Vatican Council says: "Since nobody can be saved who has not first believed, it is the first task of priests as co-workers of the bishops to preach the Gospel of God to all. (, No. 4.) Finally, Pope Paul VI puts into perspective all the teaching of the Church regarding the communication of the gospel when he identifies the element common to all forms of preaching: "modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses" ( No. 41).

Guided by these teachings, the Dominican House of Studies offers carefully structured courses in preaching for seminarians, permanent deacons and lay persons which begin with a basic theology of preaching. The various courses then help each student cultivate a theological understanding and appreciation of preaching in its diverse forms: evangelization, catechesis, didascalia and liturgical preaching.

At the same time, very practical training is given in the actual preparation and presentation of sermons, homilies and other forms of Christian witness. In each course the preaching faculty focuses on the unique personal development of each student so that each acquires those preaching skills which will best utilize his or her God-given gifts in accord with the call of God both for the good of souls and for the good of society. The aim of all preaching in its various forms is to transform "both the personal and collective consciences of people, the activities in which they engage, and the lives and concrete milieus which are theirs." (Evangelii Nuntiandi No. 18)