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 spring 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.
Registration for Spring 2024 is now open! Spring courses run from 1/8/24 through 5/6/24.
New Students, Auditors, and Visiting Students will not be charged the late registration fee.
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(A Course Schedule Matrix is provided at the bottom of this page.) PR = Prerequisite; CR = Co-requisite
BS600 Orientation to Biblical Studies Tuesday, 6 – 8:30 pm Dr. Katherine Brown An introduction to academic biblical studies, with attention to the nature and development of biblical literature, tools for research, and methods of interpretation (exegesis). This three-credit course is a pre- or corequisite for most other courses in biblical studies. PR=none Full Course Description
BS614 New Testament Greek II Monday 7 – 8:30 pm, and Wednesday 7 – 8 pm Fr. William Burton This is the second semester of a 2-semester course, with reading in the Greek New Testament. PR=BS613
BS622 Literature & Theology of the New Testament Monday, 6 – 8:30 pm Dr. Jennifer McNeel An exploration of the New Testament in its historical and social settings, focusing on the unique purpose and theology of each writing, with attention to the origins of the New Testament canon. PR/CR =BS600. Full Course Description
BS714 The Psalms Thursday, 6 – 8:30 pm Dr. Rebecca Hancock A study of representative psalms as the songs of ancient Israel, Judaism, and the Christian church. PR = BS600 or by permission. Full Course Description
DM868 Living Doctrine (DMin only) Dr. Brent Laytham An exploration of how theology enlivens Christian understanding, formation, and ministry. Working through the full spectrum of Christian doctrines, the course will note how Christian doctrine serves as a (1) lens for analysis of our current historical situation; (2) script for Christian speaking, living, and ministry; and (3) foundational component of the student’s ministry and D.Min. project. PR = MDiv or MDiv Equivalence. Full Course Description
ES/PT718 Christian Worship: Principles and Practice Tuesday, 6 – 8:30 pm Dr. Joseph Donnella An introduction to the history, practices, and theology of Christian worship with particular attention to developments in North American and ecumenical contexts. PR/CR = TH601. Full Course Description
H722 Race in Modern Christian History Tuesday, 6 – 8:30 pm Dr. Stephen Lloyd In this course students will explore the development of Christian discourses and practices related race, racism, and racial reconciliation. Special attention will be paid to the history of race and Christianity in the United States and South Africa. PR = H600 or H601 or H603 Full Course Description
MT600 Fundamentals of Theological Ethics (online only) Thursday, 6 – 8:30 pm Dr. Dan Bell A survey of the major foundational themes in Christian ethics, such as sin and virtue, moral development, conscience and character, Scripture and ethics, and approaches to selected contemporary issues. PR/CR = TH601. Full Course Description Full Course Description
PT744 Transformational Servant Leadership Monday, 6 – 8:30 p.m. Dr. Anthony Hunt The course will examine various models and perspectives on transformational and servant leadership, which students will apply to their particular contexts. PR = none. Full Course Description
TH652 What People Believe Matters: World Religions’ Views on Health and Illness—CONNECT students only Friday 6–9 pm & Saturday 8:30–4:30: Apr 12-13 Thursday 6-9 pm & Saturday 8:30 – 4:30: May 2 & 4 Dr. Pat Fosarelli Students will identify the beliefs, prayers, and rituals surrounding illness and dying in major world religions, noting similarities and differences between those of Christianity and of non-Christian traditions, and the spiritual practices that each religion encourages for health and flourishing, becoming competent to recognize the importance of these beliefs and practices, and to respond to them with humility, openness, and hospitality.
TH654 Medicine and Morality: The Shape of Curing and Caring in The Christian Tradition—CONNECT students only Fridays 6–9 pm, Saturdays 8:30–4:30: Jan 19-20, Feb 16-17, Mar 15-16 Drs. Brian Volck and Joel Shuman Students will understand how the Christian moral tradition has traditionally understood the “good of the body” (i.e., health) and subsequently influenced the historical practice of so-called “western” medicine, becoming competent to evaluate the moral conflicts that often arise between the Christian tradition and modern medical practice. Full Course Description
TH799 Colloquium: Lord’s Prayer Monday, 6 – 8:30 pm Dr. Arthur Sutherland An interdisciplinary seminar that seeks to integrate and broaden the educational experiences MAT candidates who take it as the capstone course in the MAT curriculum. Full Course Description