Our Vision of Pastoral Care
The Institute of the Good Shepherd aims to place at the service of the whole Church the innumerable treasures of Tradition: liturgical, doctrinal and pastoral.
The priests of the IBP, with their own talents and skills, therefore exercise a pastoral ministry centered on revitalizing the roots of our faith, and a deepening of the ancient wisdom of the Holy Roman Church.
A serious connection to the past is, in fact, a promise of stability for future generations. To pass on the benefits of the Church throughout the world and through the ages, to bring to the modern world the word of Truth that only the Church possesses: that is the mission of priests today who must be "all-terrain"!
Then I will gather the remnant of my flock... and I will bring them back to their fold, and they shall be fruitful and multiply.
— Jeremiah 23:3
For those that read and understand French, the Institute has many pastoral resources available on the internet.
1. Catechism for Adults
Formation is essential for those who want to know and live their faith as a Christian in today's world. Fr. Laguérie, Superior General Emeritus, recorded a series of 32 videos for adults between October 2014 and June 2015. There are videos on the topics of the dogmas of the Catholic Church, the Sacraments, Catholic morality, and the theological and cardinal virtues.
2. Liturgy for Dummies
Do you want to deepen your knowledge of some aspect of the liturgy, or better understand the meaning of the texts of the Mass? These liturgical formation videos were made for you! Recorded between October 2015 and June 2016, Fr. Laguérie comments on the highlights of the liturgical year.
3. Spiritual retreats
The priests of the Institute lead monthly retreats at the Convent of St. Paul in Thiviers, France. These five-day retreats are based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, which are said to transform those who practice them into a miles Christi, a soldier of Christ. Anyone interested in attending a retreat can find out more at the Institute's French-language website.
4. Answers for Teens
Responde.fr is a website developed by seminarians of the Institute. It is designed to help young people, ages 15 to 25, ask questions of about the faith which can then be answered by a priest.
5. Summer Camps for Children
Every August since 2015, priests and seminarians of the Institute host a camp for boys and girls, ages 7 to 12, near the seminary in Courtalain, France. Each year, the camp invites children to discover a period of history through learning about its great men, battles, artists and culture. If you are interested in participating in this camp, visit the French-language website: campsaintvincentdepaul.fr
