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.
The Bible has nourished and directed the Jewish and Christian traditions as believers have heard the revelatory words of God through the history, poetry, prophetic discourses, gospels, and letters it contains. St. Mary’s Ecumenical Institute courses in biblical studies are intended to acquaint students with the biblical texts and cultures, the basic skills of biblical interpretation, biblical languages, and the interrelationship between the Bible and other theological disciplines as well as the life of faith.
Note the following abbreviations: PR = prerequisite; CR = corequisite; PR/CR = either a prerequisite or a corequisite. Corequisites may be taken either at the same time as or before the course listed. Prerequisites and corequisites may be waived only with the permission of the Dean and the instructor.
An introduction to academic biblical studies, with attention to the nature and development of biblical literature, tools for research, and methods of interpretation (exegesis). This course is a pre- or corequisite for most other courses in biblical studies. PR = none.
A basic course on the grammar and vocabulary of biblical Hebrew. PR = none.
A continuation of BS611, with reading in the Hebrew Bible. PR = BS611.
A basic course on the grammar and vocabulary of New Testament Greek. PR = none.
A continuation of BS613, with reading in the Greek New Testament. PR = BS613.
An introduction to the theological content of the Torah, Prophets, and Writings in their historical and social contexts, with consideration of critical methodology and major themes. PR/CR = BS600.
An exploration of the New Testament in its historical and social settings, focusing on the unique purpose and theology of each writing, with attention to the origins of the New Testament canon. PR/CR = BS600.
An exploration of the intersection between Scripture, theology, and spirituality through a variety of practices. Cross-listed as SP629. PR/CR = NONE
A survey of the major writings of the prophetic movement in ancient Israel from the eighth century B.C.E. until the rise of apocalypticism. PR/CR = BS600, TH601.
A study trip to Turkey and Greece to visit the sites and explore the contexts related to the writings of the Apostle Paul and John the Seer, the author of the Book of Revelation. Cross-listed as H669. PR/CR = BS600, TH601 (or permission of instructor).
Reading of selected passages of the Greek New Testament to develop facility in grammatical analysis and enlarge vocabulary (2 credits). PR = BS614.
An examination of the role of Scripture and of various methods of biblical study in the life of the church. PR = BS600, TH601, and at least one previous BS course.
An exploration of the historical context, literary features, spirituality, and theological significance of the fourth Gospel. PR = BS600, TH601. Also offered as BS511. PR= BS600, TH601.
A study of representative psalms as the songs of ancient Israel, Judaism, and the Christian church. PR = BS600, TH601.
An analysis of several of Paul’s letters in their historical context and the chief theological and ethical themes in them. PR= BS600, TH601.
An exploration of Mary’s role in Scripture and in the life of the church as mother of Jesus and model disciple in light of recent ecumenical scholarship and dialogue. Cross-listed as ES716. PR = TH601 and either BS622 or BS635.
An analysis of the composition, content, and theological significance of the Gospel of Mark. PR = BS600, TH601.
A study of the various roles of and perspectives on women in the New Testament, women’s status in the first century, and their relations with Jesus. PR = BS600, TH601, and either BS622, BS635, or BS715.
An analysis of the composition, content, and theological significance of the Gospel of Matthew. PR = BS600, TH601.
An historical, theological, and literary exploration of Paul’s most significant letter, with attention to its contemporary implications for faith and life. PR = BS600, TH601.
An historical, exegetical, and theological analysis of Paul’s first canonical letter to the Corinthians. PR = BS600, TH601.
An analysis of the last book of the Bible in its first-century context, and a consideration of some of its many interpretations through the centuries. PR = BS600, TH601.
A seminar on a topic in biblical studies. PR = BS600, TH601, and at least two additional BS courses, or matriculation in the C.A.S. program.
An exegetical seminar on a book or several passages from the Masoretic Text of the Hebrew Bible book or selected passages of various writings. PR = BS600, BS612.
An exegetical seminar on a New Testament book or selected passages of various writings. PR = BS600, BS614.
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