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.
Stay connected with St. Mary’s Ecumenical Institute after graduation through alumni resources, newsletters, events, library access, discounted audit opportunities, EI apparel, diploma frames, and transcript request information.
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.
Students at St. Mary’s Ecumenical Institute register for classes using the online registration form. Students must either pay the full tuition or the first payment of the agreed deferred payment plan before the first class.
Deferred-payment plans allow students in good financial standing to pay in installments without finance charge (see fees for setup fee). Payments may be made by check, money order, or credit card. All electronic payments are charged a convenience fee.
Each student is responsible for meeting all financial obligations to the University. Students who fail to pay tuition in full, or fail to make the first required payment under an approved deferred payment plan before the first class meeting, may have their registration canceled.
Students who fail to submit a scheduled payment by the due date will be charged a late payment fee for each missed payment. Continued or significant delinquency during a term may result in administrative withdrawal from one or more courses. Students who are administratively withdrawn:
Students who fail to meet financial obligations when due, submit payments that are returned for insufficient funds, or otherwise establish an unsatisfactory credit history with St. Mary’s may lose eligibility to participate in future deferred payment plans.
Continuing students must be current on their account before registering for the new term. Students with outstanding financial obligations are not permitted to receive credit for the courses for which tuition monies are due; or receive a grade report, transcript, certificate, or diploma.
A student’s financial obligations are considered fulfilled when a check paid to St. Mary’s clears the bank or a credit-card transaction is approved.
Students who wish to drop or withdraw from a course must submit a Request for Change in Course Status Form to the Registrar’s Office. The effective date of withdrawal is the date the completed form is received. Tuition reductions are granted according to the schedule below.
No tuition reduction will be granted after the applicable withdrawal deadlines. All fees are non-refundable after first day of classes.
Failure to attend class or notify an instructor of an intent to withdraw does not constitute an official withdrawal.
Students who change from audit to credit are responsible for the full credit tuition rate, regardless of when the change in registration status becomes effective.
Students who change from credit to audit after the first day of classes will be charged either the amount determined under the Tuition Reduction Schedule or the audit tuition rate, whichever is greater. Requests to change from credit to audit must be submitted using the Request for Change in Course Status Form by the published deadline. Students who do not submit the required form by the deadline will remain registered for credit and will be charged accordingly.
Financial documents that relate to a student’s stay at St. Mary’s may be examined only by those parties at St. Mary’s who are directly responsible for students’ accounts or billing matters.