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 have a host of resources available to support their theological education, from free parking and a great library to writing assistance and advising. If you cannot find it here, call the St. Mary’s Ecumenical Institute office (410.864.4203) or contact the appropriate staff member.
View important Ecumenical Institute dates and download our Year-at-a-Glance, a one-page summary of the academic year.
St. Mary’s uses Canvas as its online learning management system for course materials, assignments, grading, and communication. Students can find helpful guides for accessing courses, submitting assignments, viewing concluded courses, and contacting Canvas Support on our Canvas Resources page.
St. Mary’s Ecumenical Institute students have access to writing assistance through the Center for Academic Resilience & Success. Additional resources include the EI Guide to Theological Writing and the Turabian Citation Quick Guide.
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Need a little boost before class? Coffee and tea are available at Coffee Quarters, our pop-up coffee lounge located just outside of the library, in the D Wing hallway
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The Chapel is the center, both architecturally and spiritually, of St. Mary’s Seminary. Each weekday, seminarians attend morning prayer, daily mass, and evening prayer in the Chapel. St. Mary’s Ecumenical Institute students are invited to attend evening prayer (at about 5:15 p.m.), where they will be welcomed and assisted by seminarians.
The Graduation Ceremony is held once each year in mid-May for those earning the MAT, MACM, DMin, and CAS. The event is held in the University Chapel at St. Mary’s Seminary & University.
Students who intend to graduate must notify the EI Office of Admissions & Academic Services at the end of the spring term prior to their intended graduation in the following spring. This enables a transcript audit to determine the remaining degree requirements, including the necessary cumulative experience required for each degree and CAS.
There is a graduation fee to cover the cost of printing and engrossing diplomas, transcript recording, and cap & gown costs.
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.
All registered students of St. Mary’s Ecumenical Institute enjoy privileges at the Knott Library. Library cards may be obtained at the circulation desk (or by contacting the library by phone or email) after a student’s registration has been processed.
Cars should be parked in the lot in front of the building, using all but the first two rows nearest the building before 5:00 p.m. on weekdays. After 5:00 p.m. and on weekends, students may park in all rows except the front row of reserved spaces nearest the building, which are assigned to resident faculty and staff 24 hours per day, year-round.
Lunch is generally available to EI students in the Refectory (dining hall) whenever classes are in session. Dinner is generally available Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays during the Fall and Spring semesters.
Please purchase your meal tickets at the Library Circulation Desk using cash or check. (The receipt from the Knott Library’s Circulation Desk serves as the “ticket” and must be dropped in the jar when you go through the serving line). Meals are served buffet-style, and include a salad bar, entrees, drinks, and dessert. EI students are asked to purchase their meals by 5:30, when the seminarians come to dinner after evening prayer, and to leave the dining room by 6 pm when classes begin.
St. Mary’s Seminary & University considers the safety of its students and staff a top priority and has an ongoing program of security enhancement. All students and faculty are required to wear identification badges issued by St. Mary’s to gain entrance to, and while in, the building.
The official academic records of all students, past and present, are housed in the registrar’s office. To request a copy of your official transcript, submit the Transcript Request Form.
In-person or same-day transcript processing is by appointment only. All transcripts are issued in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974.
If you have any questions, please contact the Registrar at: registrar@stmarys.edu