Mission

The Institute was founded in September 1995 by Bishop Emeritus John J. Nevins as the Blessed Edmund Rice school to prepare lay men and women for service in the Church through a program of formal theological education and spiritual enrichment.

In 2014, the school was renamed The Institute for Catholic Studies and Formation. A partnership was formed with Franciscan University of Steubenville to offer Catechetical Certification and Master’s courses. In 2020, Dr. John Gresham assumed leadership of the Institute.

The institute provides the faithful of the Diocese of Venice (and the wider region) with opportunities for life-long learning in the fullness of Catholic faith fostering ongoing transformation in Christ, that all might be fully equipped to serve. We offer online and onsite courses for spiritual enrichment, for growing in knowledge and practice of the faith and for training in service — from basic certification, to ongoing professional development to advanced theological education.

We serve the parishes by providing competent, Spirit-filled leaders grounded in the beauty and truth of the Catholic faith. We transform the world by forming joyful missionary disciples to plant and nurture seeds of the kingdom in Southwest Florida and beyond. Read more about Our Vision