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.
*All classes, except where noted, will be available as dual synchronous access courses. Students can opt to attend either in person or online (via Zoom), and will choose their primary mode of attendance at registration.
Fall 2025 Registration opens on July 14th.
The regular registration period for current students is July 14-25, 2025. Beginning Saturday, Saturday, July 26th, a $90 late-registration fee will go into effect for current students. (The late fee does not apply to new students, auditors, or to students returning after 3+ years.)
PR = Prerequisite; CR = Co-requisite
Biblical Greek I (online) Monday 7 – 8:30 pm, and Wednesday 7 – 8 pm Fr. Paul Maillet This is the first semester of a 2-semester course. In the first semester, the student learns the basic grammar and vocabulary to begin to read the New Testament in its original Koine Greek.
Old Testament Thursday, 6 – 8:30 pm Dr. Katherine Brown PR/CR = BS600 An introduction to the theological content of the books of the Old Testament / Hebrew Bible in their historical and social contexts, with consideration of critical methodology and major themes.
Mothers in Jewish and Christian Scripture Thursday, 6 – 8:30 p.m. Rabbi Nina Cardin and Dr. Jennifer McNeel Mothers have played a central role in the lives and religious imaginations of Christians and Jews throughout the ages. Biblical figures such as Eve, Sarah, Hagar, and Mary have influenced our conceptions of what motherhood is and what mothers should be like. This course will explore a variety of depictions of mothers and motherhood in the Bible and how those depictions have developed and been received through the centuries. This exploration will allow students to discover how the maternal image has served Jewish and Christian religious communities in the past, and how it can serve as an enriching resource for spiritual life and theological reflection today.
Greek Reading and Exegesis: Philippians (1 credit) (1 credit) Thursday, 4–5:15 pm (time may be slightly adjusted depending on students’ schedules) Dr. Michael J. Gorman PR = one year of Greek A one-credit course translating and doing basic exegesis of Philippians. Note: depending on enrollment preferences, this course may be online only.
Reading Scripture – DMin students only Sept 11-12, Oct 9-10, Nov 6-7, Dec 4-5 Dr. Michael J. Gorman An exploration of approaches to reading Scripture for Christian faith, formation, ministries, and mission. Full Course Description (“Green Book” page) TBA
Church History Tuesday, 6 – 8:30 pm, online only Dr. Stephen Lloyd PR/CR = TH601. A survey of the major theological and historical developments of the Christian church from the early church to the modern day.
Care in Ministry Tuesday, 6:00 – 8:30 pm Dr. Pat Fosarelli An introduction to the various types of pastoral and spiritual care and the loci of such care. PR = none.
The Theology & Ethics of Bonhoeffer Tuesday, 6:00 – 8:3o pm Dr. C. Anthony Hunt An historical analysis of the life and writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, with a focus on his work in the areas of Christian theology and ethics. Students will gain an understanding of Bonhoeffer’s work as a public theologian, and the implications of his work on the contemporary church and society.
Systematic Theology Thursday, 6 – 8:30 pm Dr. Mark Gorman PR = TH601. An introduction to Christian systematic theology, with attention to core doctrines of the Christian tradition as well as various ways to organize and understand the relationships between those doctrines.
Introduction to Theology Tuesday, 6 – 8:30 pm Dr. Brent Laytham PR = none. An introduction to theological thinking and writing, with attention to theology’s concepts and claims, forms and methods, and sources and authorities.