Institute for Priestly Formation

Hearts on Fire for Christ

In collaboration with Catholic seminaries and dioceses, we form seminarians, priests, and bishops in holiness and accompany them in their ongoing spiritual growth, so they can more effectively lead others to Christ.

We envision a joyful and powerful renewal of holiness across the U.S. Catholic Church as more diocesan seminarians, priests, and bishops seek and commit to a personal, deep, and sustained spiritual communion with the Trinity.

From left to right: Fr. Richard Gabuzda (previous Executive Director), Fr. Jim Rafferty (upcoming Interim Executive Director), and Fr. Brian Welter (current Executive Director)

What's Happening at IPF?

The last several weeks have been very busy at the Institute for Priestly Formation.  Our Lenten Morning of Reflection took place on Saturday, March 15th at Christ the King Parish.  On April 24th, 2025, we held our IPF Hearts on Fire Strengthening the Foundation dinner to raise funds for two of IPF's programs for seminarians: the Pre-Ordination Retreat and the Summer Program for Diocesan Seminarians. 

Our latest magazine provided an annual report of our finances, and offered details on many upcoming events throughout 2025.  Fr. Brian Welter will be finishing his assignment with IPF in June, and Fr. Jim Rafferty will be taking over as the new Interim Executive Director.  We hope that you will join us in offering prayer and thanksgiving for the blessings and graces that God has poured out on the mission of IPF under Fr. Welter's leadership and ask for your continued intercession as Fr. Rafferty steps in as IPF's new Executive Director. 

Looking ahead, we have two sections of IPF's Spiritual Direction Training Program kicking off year two of their three-year session at Mundelein Seminary.  Over the course of their program, they will meet nine times (one week at a time, three weeks each year), to learn more about how to offer spiritual direction to others, and to grow deeper in their daily encounter with the Lord.  Our 2022 virtual event, "IPF Presents: Forming Priests to Help Others in Prayer", showcased this program, and highlighted how IPF works to accompany the diocesan priests who attend this program.  

On Memorial Day weekend, our largest and longest running program, the Summer Program for Diocesan Seminarians, will begin.  For six weeks, seminarians from across the United States will come to the Institute for Priestly Formation in Omaha, spending time deepening their spiritual lives.  

Through God's grace, the work of IPF continues to flourish.  We are deeply grateful for the prayers and support you offer to IPF during this Nebraska Catholic Day of Giving and throughout the year.