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

Transforming Hearts through Benedictine Leadership Studies: A Conversation with Dr. Michael Krom
In this Transforming Hearts episode, Kristin from the Institute for Ministry Formation sits down with Dr. Michael P. Krom, PhD—Professor and Chair of Philosophy at

Fr. Boniface Offers Reflections to CGS Catechists
On Saturday, April 5th, the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Apostolate Center in Verona, PA, welcomed 80 Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) catechists from

Parish Mission with the IMF: A Priest’s Testimony
St. Francis de Sales Parish in Robesonia, Pennsylvania, recently engaged with the Institute for Ministry Formation (IMF) for a parish mission aimed at “missionizing” the