The Institute for Priestly Formation was founded to assist bishops in the spiritual formation of diocesan seminarians and priests in the Roman Catholic Church. The Institute responds to the need to foster spiritual formation as the integrating and governing principle of all aspects of priestly formation. Inspired by the biblical-evangelical spirituality of Ignatius Loyola, this spiritual formation has as its goal the cultivation of a deep interior communion with Christ; from such communion the priest shares in Christ’s own pastoral charity. In carrying out its mission, the Institute directly serves diocesan seminarians and priests as well as those who are responsible for diocesan priestly formation.
Programs
Based at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, the Institute conducts a ten-week summer program of spiritual formation for diocesan seminarians as well as a three-week seminar for seminary spiritual directors. During the summer, the Institute offers a 35-day program entitled “The Identity of the Diocesan Priesthood Deepened Through the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius Loyola.” The Institute also offers a four day retreat directed by Deacon James Keating, PhD for seminary theologians.
During the year, the Institute offers a program for diocesan priests, “Spirituality and Theology of Diocesan Priesthood, A Training Program in Spiritual Direction.” Throughout the year, the Institute’s staff is engaged in offering symposia, retreats, convocations, workshops, and ongoing spiritual direction for diocesan priests.
