Photo by Alison Girone
The California-based Napa Institute is encouraging priests under 40 to join its Shepherd’s Circle, an initiative built to bring priests together to deepen pastoral formation and foster friendships.
“The Napa Institute is committed to supporting young clergy who dedicate their lives to serving God’s people,” the institute stated in a recent emailed press release. “This program helps them grow as healthy, connected, and faithful spiritual fathers, while fostering fraternity through a strong community of brother priests.”
Shepherd’s Circle offers regional events and gatherings, digital resources, and an annual summit in Napa Valley every February.
Father Colin Lomnitzer, a priest in the Diocese of Bridgeport, Connecticut, said in the release that the initiative “has been a great influence” in his priesthood.
“Not only the week of prayer, fraternity, and formation in Napa, but also the dinners and events in NYC with like-minded and like-hearted priests,” Fr. Lomnitzer said. “Being able to surround myself with some of the best priests in the country has been a game-changer and an inspiration to be the priest I was created to be.”
Father Roger Landry, who has appeared on the Shepherd Circle podcast several times, gave a presentation at the 2024 Shepherds’ Circle National Conference about strengthening priests in their vocation. Fr. Landry is also the national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States and a Missionary of Mercy.
Fr. Landry’s presentation walked through how to respond to loneliness and struggles in priestly life. Friendship with Jesus, especially through time in Eucharistic adoration, is foundational, according to the PDF of Fr. Landry’s presentation slides. The presentation also explores the importance of formation, fraternal friendship, and spiritual direction.
Priests interested in applying to the program have until Aug. 31 to fill out the application.