St. Mary's Seminary is the first Roman Catholic seminary in the nation: rich in tradition while focused on priestly preparation for the 21st-century.
These pages provide information on the history, personnel, environment, and formation (in the Sulpician tradition) at St. Mary's.
The three pages in this section of our site touch on the very basics of the formation process.
A major part of priestly formation is intellectual formation, accomplished through the pursuit of academic degrees.
Desiring to assist in the strengthening of Hispanic ministry and recognizing the need for well-prepared priests dedicated in-part or in-full to this ministry, St. Mary’s Seminary and University has established a specialized track in Hispanic ministry.
St. Mary’s Propaedeutic Stage implements the vision of the Program for Priestly Formation (6th edition). It takes place in a revitalized and expanded structure on the historic grounds of the original St. Mary’s Seminary in downtown Baltimore. The McGivney House welcomes candidates from all dioceses and is not limited to candidates destined to enter St. Mary’s Seminary & University, but is the recommended program for those who will come to St. Mary’s.
St. Mary’s Ecumenical Institute (EI) was founded in 1968 by St. Mary’s Seminary & University, America’s oldest Roman Catholic seminary, in cooperation with ecumenical leaders. St. Mary’s is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools and by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The Ecumenical Institute encourages people of all denominations to explore theological studies in a serious, open-minded, and supportive environment. All EI programs are available wherever you are - on campus in Baltimore, and on-line.
The Ecumenical Institute invites people of all denominations into theological study that pursues excellence and promotes ecumenical understanding and respect. All EI programs are available wherever you are - on campus in Baltimore, and on-line.
St. Mary's Ecumenical Institute has a rolling admissions policy. Students may apply at any time for admission by submitting the appropriate materials.
The Ecumenical Institute offers accredited graduate theological programs for two master’s degrees, several graduate certificates, and introductory explorations.
The post-master’s Certificate of Advanced Studies in Theology (CAS) is designed for individuals who possess a master’s degree in theology (e.g., MAT.), ministry (e.g., MACM), divinity (e.g., MDiv), or a related field and who desire to continue their theological education with a general or focused program of study.
The Doctor of Ministry program roots ministry in the mission of God, the ways God is working in your context, in your ministry, and in you.
Students have a host of resources available to support their theological education, from free parking and a great library to writing assistance and advising.
St. Mary's Ecumenical Institute offers accredited graduate theological education that is intellectually rigorous, personally enriching, and professionally empowering.
More than 750 alums of St. Mary's Ecumenical Institute are making a difference in Baltimore, in Maryland and D.C., West Virginia and Pennsylvania, and around the world.
General communication and individual contacts
It is the mission of the Center for Continuing Formation to encourage bishops, priests, deacons, and lay ecclesial ministers to engage in human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral growth and to enable processes of growth that are ongoing, complete, systemic, and personalized.
Forming Supervisors for Vocational Synthesis implements the vision of the Program for Priestly Formation (6th edition) for the final stage of preparation for the priesthood.
Conference space rentals include a large room that will seat as many as 58 and smaller rooms that will seat from 4 to 30.
St. Mary's Center for Continuing Formation offers and hosts a variety of continuing formation programs for priests in the spirit of the Bishops' new Basic Plan for the Ongoing Formation of Priests.
St. Mary’s Seminary & University’s Pinkard Scholars is the cornerstone of Youth Theological Studies at SMSU.
For more information about any of our conference facilities or space rentals, please contact our offices directly.
The Marion Burk Knott Library of St. Mary’s Seminary and University is the largest specialized theological library in the Baltimore area, with additional materials in the areas of philosophy, psychology, pastoral counseling and church history, among others. The library receives over 390 periodicals and maintains a collection of 20,000 volumes of bound periodicals. Other holdings include newspapers, microfilm, and audio-visual materials.
The Associated Archives at St. Mary’s Seminary & University opened in the spring of 2002. Located on the campus of the nation’s first Roman Catholic seminary, this program brings together the archives of the Archdiocese of Baltimore (est. 1789), St. Mary’s Seminary & University (est. 1791), and the Associated Sulpicians of the United States (U.S. Province est. 1903), making it one of the most significant repositories for records relating to the early history of the Catholic Church in the United States.
Click here for more information about hours and visitor policies.
This section was created to provide researchers with a brief description of the open collections in the archives of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, St. Mary's Seminary & University, and the Associated Sulpicians of the United States.
The Associated Archives at St. Mary’s Seminary & University has developed a genealogical policy responsive to individuals researching their Catholic roots.
We facilitate personal integration of the human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral dimensions necessary for authentic priestly witness and service in the image of Jesus Christ.
We asked the questions; our alumni provide the answers.
What are your perceptions of the St. Mary’s Difference? Read the full interviews with three alumni.
BISHOP DAVID ZUBIK was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Pittsburgh in 1975. He currently serves as Bishop of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and is on the St. Mary’s Seminary & University Board of Trustees.
“The most outstanding portion of the current curriculum at Saint Mary’s Seminary is the wide range of opportunities given to our seminarians for pastoral service.”
How did your experience as a seminarian at Saint Mary’s prepare you for priestly ministry?
The early 1970s saw the Church throughout the world in general and seminaries in particular responding to the most recent documents of the Second Vatican Council. During my time as a student at Saint Mary’s, the administration and faculty were doing their best to focus the formation of students based on the tone and tenor of the Council. In the midst of that particular challenge, I felt that Saint Mary’s prepared me well for the priesthood academically, spiritually, pastorally, and humanly.
Academics were quite challenging. My professors were outstanding.
I was quite blessed to have an exceptional spiritual director with whom I met regularly and who impressed on my heart the utmost necessity of being a strong and prayerful leader.
Given the wide range of parishes and institutions within the Archdiocese of Baltimore, the pastoral program at Saint Mary’s was second to none. I was given the opportunity to serve in two separate institutions within the archdiocese and one parish. The deacon program at that particular time extended well over a half year. I was assigned to the Cathedral Parish in Pittsburgh. During that time, I learned a great deal from hands-on experience. I was well prepared to step into the role of the pastoral team because of my training at Saint Mary’s.
As a bishop who sends seminarians to Saint Mary’s for service to the people of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, what aspects of the seminary’s formation program do you find beneficial?
The most outstanding portion of the current curriculum at Saint Mary’s Seminary is the wide range of opportunities given to our seminarians for pastoral service. The supervision which oversees these pastoral experiences provides an outstanding learning experience for our seminarians.
In addition, the academics continue to stretch the theological minds of our seminarians, helping them to be best prepared to be pastoral leaders in the Diocese of Pittsburgh.
I am also well pleased with the spiritual formation given to our students as well as the direction of human formation.
What do you most commonly hear from Pittsburgh seminarians about their experience at Saint Mary’s?
Our students are quite honest about their appreciation for how well balanced the formation program is at Saint Mary’s. They often comment about the academic formation and how they feel stretched in their learning process. They most often express their appreciation for the pastoral opportunities given them to serve in institutions as well as parishes within the archdiocese.
If a fellow bishop considering where to send seminarians from his diocese for formation were to ask you about Saint Mary’s, how would you respond?
Each time that I have been asked by a brother bishop about my decision to send students to Saint Mary’s Seminary, my answer as both bishop and as an alumnus is based on my appreciation for how well balanced the formation programs at Saint Mary’s are. The challenges which the Church faces today are far more complex than fifty years ago. I truly believe that Saint Mary’s has continued to develop programs that help prepare priests for the present and the future.
What aspects of Saint Mary’s separate it from other seminaries?
The simple answer—its longevity. Historically, Saint Mary’s Seminary is the oldest Catholic seminary in the country, having been established in 1791. The richness of the Sulpician tradition has continued to provide the Church in the United States with many, many outstanding priests and bishops.
Saint Mary’s approaches formation as lifelong, providing formation opportunities for men after priesthood, including through a new distance learning program. How beneficial is it that Saint Mary’s continues to support priests after ordination and that it continues to try and meet the present day needs of those in ministry?
Once again, several decades ago, Saint Mary’s Seminary was one of the first to provide ongoing formation for priests in the United States. It is quite clear that formation does not end when a man becomes a priest. Saint Mary’s Seminary continues to look for innovative ways to respond to the growing needs of ongoing formation of priests in the United States. The Diocese of Pittsburgh has been blessed to have some of our priests benefit from the ongoing formation programs of Saint Mary’s Seminary. Keeping up with the times, the online opportunities for formation respond in a timely way in assisting in the process of post-ordination formation.
FATHER SCOTT JABO was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Erie in 1989. He currently serves as Vocation Director for the Diocese of Erie and Rector at St. Mark Seminary in Erie.
“When I speak with current seminarians and learn what is involved in their formation, I am pleased to know that St. Mary’s has incorporated various approaches to meet the needs of the Church of today and tomorrow…Formation is well thought out and is based on established principals and the Sulpician tradition of seminary formation.”
During my four years at St. Mary’s Seminary, I was privileged to have a faculty and staff consisting of priests, religious and laity, who not only taught me the Catholic faith on a deep and substantial level, but who also played an important role in forming me into a priest who is committed to Christ and His Church and to priestly ministry. Not only did I receive intellectual knowledge and formation through the study of Theology and the other discipline, but I learned how to apply that knowledge in practical situations through various pastoral placements and experiences.
My spiritual director during my time at St. Mary’s was well-known and beloved. I admired his love of being a priest, and that alone was deeply inspirational. His wisdom, care, and love were truly impactful. In addition, my pastoral assignments were opportunities to put ministry into action and to put theory into practice. For example, during my pastoral placement at Johns Hopkins Hospital, I encountered suffering people.
In your capacity as a Director of Vocations and college seminary rector, what qualities most attract you about the current formation program at St. Mary’s?
I have found that St. Mary’s Seminary has not been afraid to evolve and respond to the needs of the times. I see that St. Mary’s is forming and preparing priests to handle the challenges of today and tomorrow and yet continues to be faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church. When I speak with current seminarians and learn what is involved in their formation, I am pleased to know that St. Mary’s has incorporated various approaches to meet the needs of the Church of today and tomorrow, without simply jumping on a “flavor of the month” formation program. Formation is well thought out and is based on established principals and the Sulpician tradition of seminary formation.
St. Mary’s approaches formation as lifelong, providing formation opportunities for men after priesthood. How beneficial is that to you as a priest, knowing that the seminary continues to support you in your priesthood, including through new distance learning opportunities?
Once we finish seminary studies and are ordained, many of us priests are grateful to put seminary formation behind us. However, it doesn’t take long to realize that ordination is not an infusion of divine knowledge by which we receive all the answers to life’s situations both now and forever. Therefore, having opportunities to continue to grow in a deeper knowledge and understanding of our faith and how to be more effective in ministry while gaining new insights into our faith and the Church require priests to stay up to date with the proper understanding of our faith and Church. In addition, ongoing formation has a way of revitalizing our priesthood so that we do not become stagnant or ill-equipped to handle the many pastoral situations that were unheard of when we were in the seminary. I am grateful that St. Mary’s offers ongoing formation which otherwise might be difficult to obtain. With technology, such as online programs, forums and presentations, it can provide that formation remotely so that more priests can take advantage of ongoing formation without having to travel. These are opportunities to grow and deepen our personal faith so that we can be the most effective minister for our people, which is what our people need and deserve.
What aspects of St. Mary’s separate it from other seminaries?
Being located in Baltimore, St. Mary’s is in an area that is rich in both American and Catholic history. There are many historical sites where saints lived, walked and prayed and where the shakers and movers of our country once roamed are a great asset to Baltimore and for the seminarians of St. Mary’s to experience. In addition, there are challenging inner-city ministries, various hospital experiences, diverse parish opportunities, and so many other ways that challenge seminarians to move out of their comfort zone so that they can grow, expand, and develop the skills necessary to minister effectively to the people of God.
If a man considering priesthood and where to attend seminary asked you about your experiences with St. Mary’s, how would you respond?
While every seminary has its own tradition and approach to formation, I would respond by saying that although no seminary is perfect and there is not a one-size-fits-all program of formation, I can share that my experience of seminary formation at St. Mary’s Seminary challenged me to grow in my self-awareness, deepened my faith, helped me grow in my relationship with Jesus Christ, prepared me well for priesthood, and equipped me with the tools to be effective in my ministry as a Catholic priest. I have no regrets about my seminary formation at St. Mary’s Seminary. After nearly 234 years of forming men for the priesthood, St. Mary’s Seminary must be doing something right. It is well worth exploring. I am grateful to the Sulpicians and St. Mary’s Seminary for the formation that I received and for forming me into the priest and the man of God that I am today.
FATHER FRANCIS OUMA was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Baltimore in 2015. He currently serves as Pastor at St. Patrick Church in Havre de Grace, MD.
“I have benefited from every moment of my formation at St. Mary’s.”
St. Mary’s Seminary offered me a wonderful formation experience that has been beneficial to my priesthood each and every day. The welcome and pastoral focus has greatly influenced the way I minister to people, helping me to meet the people I serve where they currently are and to accompany them in their journey towards the Lord.
The pastoral opportunities I received while in the seminary exposed me to a variety of ministries in parishes, hospitals and community settings. It also helped to ensure my formation was well-rounded, as these experiences contributed to my intellectual and spiritual formation.
As an international student, having a priest-faculty mentor on the staff was very reassuring. The attention that the faculty offers to each student was always incredible.
Do you have any specific memories from your time at St. Mary’s you can share?
In addition to the liturgical activities and classes, there were many memorable events and activities that served as both forms of outreach and community-building, such as inter-seminary soccer games, traveling with groups of seminarians to attend the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C., crab feasts, bocce tournaments, and cultural celebrations in the Donnelley Lounge at the Seminary.
I remember in a special way, too, the day that Pope Francis was elected, which occurred while I was studying at St. Mary’s. We were having our pastoral formation sessions downstairs in the Center for Continuing Formation on that very memorable day
You attended the new pastors’ program at the Center for Continuing Formation; what did you find most helpful from that experience?
The New Pastor’s program was very much eye opening to the vast resources that are offered to help make a pastor’s ministry effective and efficient. The program featured many presenters from different fields of expertise, backgrounds, and charisms, which helped me as a new pastor to be more grounded in the inner workings of parish leadership. Perhaps the greatest thing I was reminded of by the program’s presenters is that while there are many challenges that come across a pastor’s desk, prayer, evangelization, delegation, and selfcare should never be ignored.
Continuing formation beyond ordination is a privilege and a great advantage that St. Mary’s offers. When one stops learning, one has stopped growing. Knowing that St. Mary’s continues to offer formation opportunities is always a blessing. I also hope to take advantage of the Center for Continuing Formation’s distance learning opportunities in the near future.
I will definitely let him know how gracious, well-rounded, and discernment-focused the formation at St. Mary’s is. The class sizes, interactions with seminarians from different backgrounds, friendly staff and faculty, and interactions with people of other faith backgrounds through the Ecumenical Institute at St. Mary’s, all contributed to my experiences. I have benefited from every moment of my formation at St. Mary’s.
How did St. Mary’s help you to prepare for ministering to people of many different cultures?
Having seminarians with different backgrounds, nationalities, and races definitely helped me to grow in my interactions with people from other cultures. Being a seminarian from another country, the pastoral assignments that the seminary offered also helped me to begin to know and work with people from all walks of life in the American society.
How did St. Mary’s help you navigate the challenges you have faced as a foreign-born priest?
As a foreign-born seminarian, having a faculty mentor who went through a similar experience was a great help. My faculty mentor the first three years was Fr. Hy Nguyen, who was originally from Vietnam. I also had great friends in the student body that helped me to not feel alone or a stranger. The seminary also encouraged us to share the unique things about our cultures. Each year, we had an African Night, among other cultural celebrations, that helped to bring the spirit of home to the seminary as well.
Offering English learning opportunities was a big help too, as it helped me with word pronunciation to become more understandable. Proper integration was also promoted by the seminary. Even as a foreign-born student, I never felt singled out, but well-integrated into the full seminary community.