What do you think about announcements followed by a homily at a traditional Mass that lasts 45 minutes? I have been to traditional Masses with 7-10 minute homilies that were perfect, the message taken, understood and definitely added to the Sunday Mass. But when you know you are going to get a 40 minute talk that keeps repeating itself, one that splits the Mass into two parts, I feel it takes from the real purpose of Sunday Mass. Surely there should be a limited time given to homilies?

we have one of those too!

When you go on for 45 minutes, odds are that no one will remember ANYTHING you talked about more than 15 minutes after Mass.

Make ONE STRONG POINT that people can apply to their daily practice of the faith and you've done well.

I've known priests who gave terrific sermons, just kept you spellbound ... but then an hour later I couldn't tell anyone what it was about, just that it was great.  On the other hand, I've known priests that would make a single point or two in a sermon that impacted my life for years to come.

There was a priest who gave a retreat for Pope Pius XII. The priest talked on for the greater part of an hour. When he was finished, his holiness beckoned him to approach. His Holiness told the priest that he was not allowed to talk for more than 1/2 an hour.