Summer Program for Diocesan Seminarians
See Videos and More About the Summer Program Here
The Church envisions an integrated priestly formation that leads seminarians into an intimate, lifelong, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The Institute for Priestly Formation’s summer program is a six-week program with an integrated curriculum that meets the needs of seminarians according to the sixth edition of The Program of Priestly Formation (PPF). It focuses on supporting men entering the Configuration Stage of formation where he learns to model “his life on the self-donation of Jesus Christ, Shepherd and Servant, as he prepares” for Holy Orders. (PPF n. 135) The summer program aims to solidify in the participant a way of life rooted in communion with the Holy Trinity and exercised in generous priestly service out of his own personal union with Christ the Good Shepherd.
The Curriculum Emphasizes
- Deepening and expanding the formation already received in the earlier stages of formation
- Personal, relational prayer as the foundation for identity
- Discernment of spirits for daily life
- A silent, individually directed eight-day retreat
- Commitment to daily personal prayer
- Accompaniment through contemplative spiritual direction
- Forming fraternity in liturgical prayer and community living
For Whom?
Diocesan seminarians, preferably those who have completed college or pre-theology.
When?
May 24th, 2026 through July 4, 2026.
Please note: The 8-day silent, directed retreat is May 29 through June 6, 2026. Seminarians are expected to be on campus for retreat.
Where?
The IPF program is based at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. During the summer IPF shares Creighton’s facilities while conducting its own liturgical and residential life.
Cost?
Costs vary based on the meal plan chosen by the participant. The two options are listed below.
- $9,050.00 (Includes 19 meals/week)
- $8,800.00 (Includes 14 meals/week)
Application
The online application will open on November 1, 2025 and close on February 1, 2026.