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.
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 fall 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 courses run from 8/29/24 to 12/9/24.
The regular registration period for Fall 2024 courses is July 15th through July 28th, 2024. (please note: two weeks only). Beginning July 29th, 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
BS611 Introduction to Biblical Hebrew I Monday 7 – 8:30 pm, and Wednesday 7 – 8 pm Fr. Paul Maillet PR/CR = none 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). Full Course Description
BS621 Literature & Theology of the Hebrew Bible Tuesday, 6 – 8:30 pm Dr. Katherine Brown PR/CR = BS600 This course will serve as an introduction to theological concepts found in the Torah, Prophets, and Writings, as well as their historical and social contexts, with consideration of critical methodology and major themes. The goal of the course is to help students become familiar with contents of the Hebrew Bible, to read texts critically, and to engage thoughtfully with theological themes in the Hebrew Bible and their ethical implications for contemporary Christian practice. Full Course Description
BS690 Readings in Biblical Greek (1 credit) Monday, 4:00–5:15 pm (time may be slightly adjusted depending on students’ schedules) Dr. Michael J. Gorman PR=one year of Greek A one-credit course reading, translating, and analyzing Romans. An additional goal will be to review and expand students’ knowledge of Greek vocabulary and grammar in order to become better at exegesis. Note: depending on enrollment preferences, this course may be online only. Full Course Description
BS733 Romans: Paul’s Gospel Then and Now Monday, 6-8:30 pm Dr. Michael Gorman PR=BS600 or instructor’s permission A careful historical/social, literary/rhetorical, and especially theological analysis of Paul’s letter to the Romans, with attention to (1) the significance of Paul’s theology in Romans for contemporary Christian life and theology and (2) how the letter is interpreted in various contexts. Full Course Description
DM869 Healing Trauma—DMin students only The class will meet from Thursday evening to Friday daytime on the following dates: Sep 19-20, Oct 17-18, Nov 14-15, Dec 12-13 Dr. John Hayes 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 witness to suffering, and to assess the need for other kinds of care, including referral when indicated. Full course description coming soon.
ES665 Christians, Jews and Theology After The Holocaust Monday, 6 – 8:30 pm Dr. Jason Poling and Dr. Neil Rubin PR = none Course description coming soon.
H600 Church History Monday, 6 – 8:30 pm, online only Dr. Stephen Lloyd PR/CR = TH601. This course offers a survey of the history of Christianity from the apostolic age to the present. This course pays particular attention to the development of different Christian traditions across history and around the world, and it will explore conversations and debates among these diverse expressions of Christian faith. Full Course Description
PT742 Ministry to the Ill and Dying Thursday, 6-8:30 pm Dr. Pat Fosarelli PR = none An exploration of the physical, emotional, and spiritual facets of ministry to those who are ill or dying, both for ill/dying persons and for those visiting them in a ministerial (lay or ordained) context. The course will cover all age groups and situations that include acute illness, chronic illness, terminal illness, and catastrophic illness/injury. Both physical and mental illness will be discussed throughout. Full course description coming soon.
SP692 Spirituality & Theology of Henri Nouwen Tuesday, 6-8:30 pm Dr. Tony Hunt PR= none The course will provide a foundation for the academic study of Henri Nouwen, with a particular focus on the historical and contemporary implications of his work and ministry within the context of spiritual theology, social justice, community-building, and religious leadership. Full Course Description
ST601 Foundations of Systematic Theology Thursday, 6 – 8:30 pm Dr. Mark Gorman PR/CR = TH601. This course introduces Christian systematic theology, whose subject matter includes God and all things in relation to God. Topics will include core doctrines of the Christian tradition as well as various ways to organize and understand the relationships between those doctrines. Full Course Description
ST755 God and the Problem of Evil Thursday, 6-8:30 pm, online only Dr. Dan Bell PR= A discussion-based seminar that examines the challenges that suffering and evil present to Christian belief and life. We will consider classical answers as well as contemporary challenges to the problem of suffering and evil. We will consider the issue in its biblical, theological and pastoral/discipleship dimensions. Full Course Description
TH601 Introduction to Theological Study Tuesday, 6 – 8:30 pm Dr. Brent Laytham PR = none. An introduction to the study of theology, including what theology is and how theology is done. Students will develop the ability to read, think, speak, and write appreciatively and critically, through a focus on unity and difference in Christian belief and practice. Full course description coming soon.
7 – 8:30 p.m.
7 – 8 p.m.
4:00–5:15 p.m