Roman Catholic priests undergo years of formation prior to being ordained. Upon ordination, they are assigned to a particular ministry. Diocesan priests are typically assigned to a parish. As ordained ministers, priests exercise both service and leadership. This study therefore examined the presence, experience, and perceptions of servant leadership characteristics within the formation program of one Roman Catholic seminary in the United States. This study further sought to understand the relationship between servant leadership characteristics and the ministry of priests in the Catholic climate. The study revealed a direct correlation between the two. Seminarians are formed in particular servant leadership characteristics in both structured and natural ways in order to function as priests in an ever-changing Catholic climate. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]