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.
The regular registration period for current students is July 6 through July 17, 2026. Beginning July 18, 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.)
Fall courses run from 9/3/2026 through 12/14/2026. See our EI Calendar/Year at a Glance for details.
*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.
PR = Prerequisite; CR = Co-requisite
BIBL501 Old Testament Thursday, 6 – 8:30 pm Dr. Katherine Brown PR/CR=BIBL500 or 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. (Formerly BS 621. Students who have successfully completed BS 621 will not receive credit for this course.) PR/CR=BIBL500. Full Course Description
BIBL611 Biblical Hebrew I (online only) Monday, 7 – 8:30 pm and Wednesday, 7 – 8 pm Fr. Paul Maillet This is the first semester of a two-semester course. This course assumes no prior knowledge of Hebrew. The student is taught the Hebrew alphabet and vowel pointing system using drills and games in the first lessons. The rest of the course is focused on translating from Biblical Hebrew into English, starting with very short phrases, moving on to sentences, and eventually whole passages—all from the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible). (Formerly BS 611. Students who have successfully completed BS 611 will not receive credit for this course.) PR=None Full Course Description
BIBL651 Text and Tradition: Health, Healing, and Human Flourishing in the Biblical Narrative September 4‐5, September 25‐26, and October 16‐17, 2026 (6-9 pm Friday evening and 8:30-4:30 Saturday) Dr. Joel Shuman An examination of the central vision of human health and flourishing in Scripture, highlighting the most relevant texts, practices, and topics, in order to assess how others (patients, fellow congregants, clients, clinicians) are relating Scripture to their health situations. (This is the first course in a year-long cohort CONNECT: Faith, Health & Medicine but other students may take with dean’s permission. Formerly TH651. Students who have successfully completed TH651 or TH851 will not receive credit for this course.) Full Course Description
BIBL692 Genesis and Exodus Monday, 6 – 8:30 p.m. Dr. Rebecca Hancock This course introduces the books of Genesis and Exodus, with focus on literary, historical, and theological dimensions of the text. Attention will be paid to significant themes such as creation, covenant, law in light of both the ancient Near Eastern and Israelite context, as well as ethical and theological implications for ancient and contemporary communities of faith. PR=BIBL500 Full Course Description
MNST510 Spiritual Formation I, MNST511 Spiritual Formation II, MNST512 Spiritual Formation III The first, second, and third of three modules of required experiential learning. These 1-credit modules are guided learning experiences that integrate deepened spiritual practice with ministerial identity. They are sequential and should be taken in three successive semesters unless permission is granted to do otherwise. Required: MACM. This course is offered on a pass/fail basis only. Permission required. Full Course Description
MNST520 Mentored Ministry MACM students are required to do three credits of mentored field practica during their coursework, typically as 1 credit placements taken in successive semesters beginning, during or immediately following MNST500 Introduction to Ministry. Each practicum experience entails 30 hours onsite. (In exceptional circumstances, a student may do more than one credit in the same semester, with requisite increase in onsite hours.) Practica will be related to a student’s area of interest in ministry and are intended to assist a student’s growth in hands-on ministry, providing insight into his or her existing ministerial skills and areas for growth. There are no reading requirements. Students develop a learning contract, keep an activity log, meet regularly with a field mentor, complete a mid- and final evaluation, and write a 4-5 page reflection paper. The student meets once with the academic instructor. Required: MACM. PR=MNST500
MNST655 I and Thou – The Imperative of Relationships (1 credit) December 4‐5, 2026 (Friday 6-9 pm and Saturday 8:30-4:30) Dr. Pat Fosarelli An evaluation of the importance of relationship in healing, both from individual and communal perspectives, in order to become competent to demonstrate healthy relational skills, including respectful interaction, active listening, and caring presence.(This course is part of a year-long cohort, CONNECT: Faith, Health & Medicine. Formerly TH655. Students who have successfully completed TH655 or TH855 will not receive credit for this course.) Full Course Description
THEO500 Introduction to Theology Tuesday, 6 – 8:30 pm Dr. Brent Laytham An introduction to theological thinking and writing, with attention to theology’s concepts and claims, forms and methods, and sources and authorities. (Formerly TH601. Students who have successfully completed TH601 will not receive credit for this course.) PR=None. Full Course Description
THEO501 Church History (online only) Monday, 6 – 8:30 pm Dr. John Tyson PR=none A survey of the major theological and historical developments of the Christian church from the early church to the modern day. Required: MACM, MAT. (Formerly H600. Students who have successfully completed H600 will not receive credit for this course.) PR=None. Full Course Description
THEO502 Systematic Theology Tuesday, 6 – 8:30 pm Dr. Silvianne Aspray PR=THEO500 or TH 601 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. Required: MACM, MAT. (Formerly ST601. Students who have successfully completed ST601 will not receive credit for this course.) PR=THEO500. Full Course Description
THEO620 Moral Leadership (online only) Thursday, 6:00 – 8:30 pm Dr. Dan Bell This course surveys ethical approaches, major theories of leadership, and salient features of American culture, to construct practical strategies of moral leadership in extra-ecclesial institutions and contexts (such as business, government, and education). (This is the first course in a year-long cohort on National Civic Engagement & Moral Leadership Fellows but other students may take with Dean’s permission.)Full Course Description
THEO653 Science Looks at Faith: The “Faith & Health” Movement (1 credit) November 13‐14, 2026 (6-9 pm Friday evening and 8:30-4:30 Saturday) Dr. Brian Volck A critical evaluation of the connections between faith and health that have been proposed historically and in contemporary “faith and health” studies, in order to become competent in critically assessing claims that faith helps or hinders health and healing.(This course is part of a year-long cohort, CONNECT: Faith, Health & Medicine. Formerly TH 653. Students who have successfully completed TH653 or TH853 will not receive credit for this course.) Full Course Description
Doctor of Ministry: DM869 Healing Trauma September 17-18, October 15-16, November 12-13, December 10-11 (6-8:30 Thursday evening, 9-3 Friday) Dr. Pat Fosarelli Almost every human being has been touched by trauma in some form, and so have many congregations, communities, and institutions. Therefore, all ministry occurs in the context of trauma. This course provides an immersion in understanding the spectrum and nature of trauma, along with its profound effects on the brain, psyche, and spirit. Students will be encouraged to consider the traumas in their lives and their contribution (positive or negative) to the way they do ministry. This course will equip the minister or pastoral helper to be a non-anxious presence, providing unflinching witness to suffering, and to assess the need for other kinds of care, including referral when indicated. Full Course Description