Creighton University

Dear Friends,

As you review this website, you will find many details about the Institute for Priestly Formation’s programs of spiritual formation for diocesan seminarians and priests. Although these programs vary in their format and time frame, they have a common goal. Words from Pope Benedict XVI’s inspiring first encyclical which he quotes from St. Gregory the Great point the way to this goal:

The good pastor must be rooted in contemplation.
Only in this way will he be able to take upon himself
the needs of others and make them his own.

The Institute’s programs exist to help diocesan seminarians and priests become “contemplatives in action,” i.e., to learn how to pray in such a way that they meet God in the midst of everyday busyness and are thus able to help the people of their parishes and dioceses do the same.

As testimony to this goal, a recent seminarian alumnus described his experience of the summer program in this way: “IPF helped me to recognize the vital importance of a priest being completely in love with and united to the heart of Christ. From this love and union flows the charity which will fuel my priesthood.”

Now in our thirteenth year, the Institute’s program for seminarians has served over 600 seminarians from 111 different dioceses in the U.S. and beyond. Many more priests, seminaries and dioceses have benefited from the Institute’s other programs. These blessings move us to gratitude for the bishops, vocation directors, seminary personnel and other friends who have been and continue to be so supportive of our mission.

May the Holy Spirit light the way as we continue to serve as instruments in the Lord’s hands to help provide the Church with priests who are shepherds after the heart of the Good Shepherd.

Sincerely in the Lord,

Rev. Richard J. Gabuzda

Executive Director

The Institute for Priestly Formation