Our Mission
The Institute for Ministry Formation (IMF) is an extension of Saint Vincent Seminary’s commitment to the formation and education of priests, laity, and religious. The Christian life is about service, and service is ministry! Using new technology and traditional methods for learning and gathering, the IMF gathers this community, grows and supports their faith, and helps guide their response to God’s call by forming their hearts and minds.
What we offer
Academics
The IMF offers academic programs including a Master’s degree in Ministry composed of specialized certificates, including spiritual direction and Catholic theology with Catechetics and Renewal Leadership coming soon. (Click on New Students or Current Students below.)
Parish Outreach
The IMF provides formation programs for parishes including Pastoral Planning through STEP4ward, Missionizing your Parish, Art of Accompaniment workshops, RCIA sponsors formation, and more. (Click on Parishes & Pastors below.)
Inspiration and Personal Formation
The IMF provides resources for personal growth in Spiritual Direction and Accompaniment, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Prayer, Spiritual Gifts, Pastoral ministry, Human formation and more. (Click on Grow with IMF below or the Resources menu.)
New Students
Interested in a certificate in Spiritual Direction? Master's in Ministry? Catholic theology? Click here!
Current Students
Already a student and looking for more information on classes and other events?
Parishes & Pastors
Information on formation programs & STEP4WARD.
Grow with IMF
Here are workshops, study groups, conferences and online retreats. There is something for everyone.
Featured Videos
Latest News

Virtual Lenten Retreats with Fr. Boniface Hicks, O.S.B.
Deepen your prayer life this lent with Fr. Boniface Hicks, O.S.B.! Fr. Boniface will lead two in-person retreats at St. Emma Benedictine Monastery and you

Transforming Hearts through Accompanying Priests: A conversation with Alex Rodriguez
In this podcast episode, Kristin from the Institute for Ministry Formation speaks with Alex Rodriguez, an IMF student and the founder of Avila Coaching and

Alumni Feature: Jocelyn Perez
Jocelyn Perez graduated from the IMF’s Spiritual Direction program in 2023. She heard about the program through FOCUS, She finished the FOCUS program in 2020