Institute for Priests and Presbyterates

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bedroom

Our Facilities

View the Institute's facilities in St. Bede Hall, including overnight accommodations, conference room, teaching kitchen, living room and offices. 

See Our Facilities

encore priests

Pre-Retirement Workshop for Priests

Encore Priests is a workshop for priests in their 60s or approaching retirement.

Information and Registration

Stoking the Fire

"Stoking the Fire" is an integrated four-week sabbatical program providing time for rest, prayer, reflection, and renewal for priests who may not be able to access a more extended sabbatical program. 

Located among the rolling hills of rural southern Indiana, Saint Meinrad Archabbey is a community of Benedictine monks founded in 1854. Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology has been a leader in the education and formation of clergy, religious, and laity since 1861.

The Institute for Priests and Presbyterates (IPP) is the ongoing formation arm of Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology, providing workshops, retreats, and sabbatical programs.

Amenities and activities

  • Private air-conditioned room (full-size bed) with bath

  • Daily Mass, prayer and meals with the sabbatical cohort

  • Opportunities for Mass and Liturgy of the Hours with the monastic community

  • Presentations on priestly life/spirituality, Scripture, wellness

  • Wi-Fi Internet

  • Cable TV

  • Fitness center with weights and cardio exercise equipment

  • Archabbey Library privileges

  • Availability of spiritual direction and/or counseling

  • Leisure and cultural outings

 

Mini-sabbatical 2025: July 7 - August 2

Cost

$5,000 includes room and board (final payment due 30 days prior to the program)

$250 registration fee submitted with application materials (applied to the final cost/payment)

Airport shuttle available for $50 round-trip

Accommodations and meals for additional days (before/after the official program dates) are subject to availability. Please make specific inquiry.

Application Process

Contact the IPP Office for an application form:

Email smipp@saintmeinrad.edu or call 800-357-8477.

Then in addition to the application form, provide:

  1. $250 registration fee - this will be applied to the final cost/payment
  2. Biographical sketch, noting significant priestly assignments and/or experiences
  3. What attracted you to the IPP “Stoking the Fire” Mini-Sabbatical Program?
  4. What are you most wanting and/or needing from this sabbatical time?
  5. Are there particular topics that you would like us to consider for inclusion in this year’s program?
  6. A letter of good standing sent from the competent ecclesiastical authority, (arch)diocese or religious community, to the IPP.

Limited financial aid is available. Please submit a separate letter stating the nature of need with the other application materials by May 1.