Seminarians Study at the Institute for Priestly Formation

This summer, 25 Mundelein seminarians are enrolled in the summer spirituality program with the Institute for Priestly Formation (IPF) at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. Each summer IPF conducts a residential summer program for diocesan seminarians. Seminarians may earn nine graduate credits in the course of the program.

The seminarians were recently visited by Mundelein faculty Father Jim Presta, Father Carlos Rodriguez, and Father Ed Pelrine. Together they prayed First Vespers for the Solemnity of Ss. Peter and Paul and enjoyed dinner together. The seminarians have completed the first five weeks of IPF and will be in Omaha for four more weeks this summer to complete their nine-week program.

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.

Program Goals

1. To demonstrate a knowledge and practical application of Ignatian discernment of spirits.
2. To identify the connection between human development and Christian spirtual development with a particular focus on sexuality.
3. To distinguish the unique characteristics of diocesan priestly spirituality
4. To explain the relationship of personal and liturgical prayer.

(Source: http://catalog.creighton.edu/graduate/graduate-programs-courses/priestly-formation/)