Vision & Mission

Shepherding Future Shepherds is an initiative of the International Institute for Culture with a singular purpose: to inspire, accompany, and form the next generation of Catholic priests. The program exists to restore confidence in the priesthood and invite men—often surrounded by cultural noise and confusion—to hear God’s voice and follow His call.

Vision: To create a culture where the priesthood is honored, encouraged, and joyfully embraced.

Mission: Improve the perception of the priesthood, educate Catholics about religious vocations, engage with men through modern outreach, and guide them on their spiritual journey through mentorship and support.

International Institute for Culture

Founded in 1989 by Dr. John M. Haas, the International Institute for Culture (IIC) is a Philadelphia-based nonprofit dedicated to the re-evangelization of culture through education, the arts, and the Catholic intellectual tradition. For more than 35 years, the IIC has served as a hub for Catholic formation hosting lectures, conferences, art exhibitions, classical language programs, and sacred music performances at its historic Ivy Hall headquarters. With the Shepherding Future Shepherds program, the IIC is seeking to meet a spiritual crisis with bold action.