The Institute for Priests and Presbyterates, a program of Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology, began in 2004 through a grant from Lilly Endowment, Inc.

The Institute assists priests in their transition from the seminary to the parish and throughout their entire lives as ordained ministers. The Institute supports and continues Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology’s mission, which is the initial and ongoing formation of priests, permanent deacons, and lay ministers to minister together effectively in the service of the Roman Catholic Church.

The Institute’s programs help dioceses implement Pope John Paul II’s Pastores Dabo Vobis, and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' document, The Basic Plan for the Ongoing Formation of Priests. Both documents stress the importance of formation for priests, both individually and as a member of the presbyterates to which they belong - the assembly of priests and their bishop in a particular diocese.

The initial programs were offered for priests in their first five years, new pastors, and presbyterates seeking greater unity. Building upon the strength and success of those programs the Institute additionally offers four models for Presbyteral Unity, a World Priest program, mentor training, a mini-sabbatical for priests in transition and satellite training programs in dioceses.