Building Priestly Unity & Fraternity
This popular and compelling theme is at the heart of the clergy convocations and assemblies offered by the Spitzer Center.
Ongoing formation of priests and deacons solidly grounded in Catholic tradition, the best of Positive Psychology, and contemporary leadership insights.
We address the significant challenges that tax the time, mental, and physical resources of our priests.
Whether it’s a clergy convocation, deanery seminar, or individual diagnostics, we strive to deliver a substantive experience that is lively and enjoyable, personally beneficial, and pastorally relevant.
Our 3-Phase Process for Building Priestly Fraternity & Brotherhood
Bishop James V Johnston on services we provided to his diocese of Kansas City-St Joseph.
Archbishop Joseph Kurtz, Archdiocese of Louisville, comments about a Spitzer Center Presentation at a recent clergy assembly.
Some of the things priests are saying about our program
Dioceses we have worked with
The human heart desires joy. We all desire joy, every family, every people aspires to happiness.
– Pope Francis
The Four Levels of Happiness
The foundation of the entire Spitzer Center curriculum is also foundational to human nature – namely, our universal desire for happiness. This notion of The Four Levels of Happiness® was articulated by Fr. Robert Spitzer, through his study of the collective insights of more than 130 prominent theologians, philosophers, psychologists, and authors over two millennia.
The Four Levels of Happiness® seminar has been enthusiastically received by hundreds of priests and deacons across the country. A combination of education and inspiration, the offering is perfect for a clergy convocation, priest assembly, or education days.
Featuring Fr. Spitzer in short video bursts, the professional delivery is interspersed with entertaining movie clips, discussion, and windows for personal reflection.
See some of our handouts:
Most Reverend James V. Johnston, Jr., Bishop of Springfield-Cape Girardeau
Most Reverend James S. Wall, Bishop of the Diocese of Gallup
Priest Participant
The Presbyteral Culture Inventory
“I think it was a home run. A game changer if we truly commit.”
– Priest Participant
The Presbyteral Culture Inventory (PCI) is a unique tool that helps priests identify, discuss and better achieve their ideal priestly culture, along with enhancing communication with their bishop.
The inventory measures and ranks 19 values that impact areas like collaboration, trust and communication. The presbyterate discusses the findings and votes on practical action steps to move toward their ideal culture.
It is all a well structured process, and then reinforced with a 12-18 month follow-up.
Read our Presbyteral Culture Inventory Overview:
What priests are looking for in an ideal presbyteral culture:
Brotherhood with a shared mission
Respect and genuine fraternal care for each other
The confidence to count on each other as brothers
Unity around the Bishop, prioritizing time together, and making time for each other and the Bishop
Culture Action Plan & Followup
To assist in the ongoing effort to enrich your presbyteral culture, we host quarterly conference calls to share best practices, answer questions, and assess goal keeping. Then, in 12-18 months we offer an option to re-measure the state of the culture to assess progress.
We also offer three additional tools to complement your culture action plans:
- Confidence & Providence Series
- Leadership Impact
- Character Foundations Assessment
These tools are not only helpful for priests, but can be valuable for chancery staffs and church leadership in general.
Confidence & Providence Series
This 1.5 day facilitated series equips Church workers to increase their self confidence and faith in Divine Providence.
Fr. Spitzer presents insights and practical techniques to expand comfort zones and overcome self limiting beliefs.
Church Leader Participant
Leadership Impact
This 360 assessment is ideal for priests with substantial executive responsibilities (eg. Vicar General/Moderator of the Curia, school president, etc.).
Numerous bishops have benefited from the findings and confidential, professional debriefs.
Bishop Participant
Character Foundations Assessment
The CFA measures five areas of character strength and 22 particular virtues. It provides insight for self knowledge and a blueprint for personal growth.
Priest Participant
