A new initiative called “Shepherding Future Shepherds” has been launched by the International Institute for Culture (IIC), a nonprofit based in Philadelphia. The program aims to change the perception of the Catholic priesthood by highlighting stories of modern-day priests and bishops who demonstrate heroism, courage, and selflessness. The ultimate goal is to encourage more young Catholic men to consider entering the priesthood.
New Website Showcases Positive Stories
The first part of this initiative is the launch of a new website, ThankAPriest.com. This site serves as a platform to share positive accounts of priests’ lives and work. By presenting these stories, the IIC hopes to inspire young men and restore confidence in the priesthood as a valuable vocation.
The website has already published its first profile, featuring Bishop Christian Carlassare. It details his experience serving in South Sudan, including surviving a violent attack where he was shot multiple times. Despite his injuries, he offered forgiveness and returned to his ministry, embodying resilience and dedication.
The organization encourages the public to contribute to the website by sharing their own stories of priests demonstrating heroic virtue in their service.
Future Plans for the Initiative
The ThankAPriest.com website represents only the first of four planned pillars for the “Shepherding Future Shepherds” program. The subsequent pillars are:
- Educate: Expected to launch later this year, this pillar will focus on outreach to young men, providing information about the diverse roles within the priesthood and related religious life (like deacons, brothers, monks).
- Engage: Also planned for later this year, this phase will assist young men navigating the discernment process, connecting them with helpful resources.
- Embark: Scheduled for early 2026, this final pillar aims to facilitate spiritual guidance for men discerning a priestly vocation, recognizing the importance of mentorship in this journey.
This multi-faceted program addresses concerns over the significant decline in the number of active priests globally since 1970, coupled with the rising average age of current priests. The IIC stresses the urgency of attracting new vocations now, as the formation process can take many years, to ensure the future health of the Church.
