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 integration of sound theological method with the realities of ministry and spirituality in the contemporary world is the goal of courses in practical theology at St. Mary’s Ecumenical Institute. This department emphasizes both the personal and communal implications of theological study for understanding faith development, pastoral care, ministries of the laity, and worship.
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.
A survey of the biblical, theological, and spiritual foundations of ministry, and of the expression of lay and ordained ministry in various Christian traditions. PR/CR = TH601.
An exploration of the history behind (and current need for) understanding, interpreting, and ultimately communicating biblical passagesthrough a discipline of internalizing, embodying, with an emphasis on the Hebrew Bible. PR/CR = TH601, BS600, BS621.
An exploration of the theological foundations of counseling, classic and contemporary models and theories, and basic skills, including listening and referring. PR/CR = none.
An exploration of different types of spiritual retreats and the skills needed for their design, execution, and evaluation. Cross-listed as SP643. PR/CR = TH601
An exploration of the history behind (and current need for) understanding, interpreting, and ultimately communicating biblical passagesthrough a discipline of internalizing, embodying, with an emphasis on the New Testament. PR/CR = TH601, BS600, BS622.
An exploration of the bereavement process by examining personal stories, biblical narrative, and other resources to develop an integrated approach to persons experiencing various forms of loss and grief. PR = TH601; PT622 recommended.
A theoretical and practical introduction to preaching and the role it plays in the African-American church. PR/CR = TH601, BS600, and two additional BS courses.
The annual Rev. Dr. George Gray Toole Course in Christian Worship is taught each spring. It provides a biblical, theological, historical, and contemporary analysis of worship in the classical Christian tradition, emphasizing commonalities, denominational distinctives, and current issues. Cross-listed as ES718. PR/CR = TH601.
An exploration of the creation of a sermon from Scripture text to final form, designed both for those who proclaim and for those who would be discerning listeners. PR/CR = TH601, BS600, and two additional BS courses.
An analysis of historical and contemporary issues related to pastoral and lay ministries in African-American churches and communities. PR/CR = TH601.
An examination of models of psychological, moral, faith, and spiritual development across the life stages, and their implications for the church’s ministry of formation and education. Cross-listed as SP738. PR/CR = TH601.
An examination of medical, theological, and pastoral perspectives on illness and death, providing strategies for ministry to the ill, the recovering, and the dying, whether in home, hospice, or institutional settings. PR/CR = TH601.
An analysis of the theological substructures and organizational models of various kinds of urban ministries. PR/CR = TH601.
A study of sacramental theology, ecclesiology, and relevant aspects of canon law for those who will engage in parish pastoral ministry. Cross-listed as ST761. PR = TH601 and either ST690 or ST691.
A nine-month (academic year) or eleven-week (summer) program of 400 hours of supervised education for hospital ministry under the auspices of the Department of Pastoral Care of The Johns Hopkins Hospital, and accredited by the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE, Inc.). Note: Reduced tuition, but additional fees charged by Hopkins apply. PR = completion of 20 credits, including BS621 and BS622 (or equivalent), PT/SP602, and one other approved PT or SP course, plus permission of Director of M.A. Ch. Min. and acceptance by the Hopkins program. Note: This course may not be applied to the M.A. in Theology.
A supervised field placement experience in urban ministry. PR = TH601, PT615, and either PT750 or PT751, and completion of additional requirements toward certificate or degree as determined by advisor.
A supervised field placement experience and concurrent theological reflection seminar, open only to M.A. in Christian Ministries candidates who have completed at least 38 credits. PR = completion of degree requirements specified here, plus permission of the instructor and the approval of the placement experience by the middle of the term prior to enrollment in the course.
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