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.
Registration for Summer 2024 will be open from April 15 – 26. Beginning April 27, a $90 late registration will be assessed (New Students, Auditors, and Visiting Students will not be charged the late registration fee). Summer courses run from Thursday, May 16 through mid-July.
PR = Prerequisite; CR = Co-requisite
Summer 2024 Registration Form
Summer 2024 Alum Audit Registration
BS727 Gospel of Luke Mondays, 6 – 9 pm; online only Dr. Marcus Jerkins This course will engage in a theological reading of the Gospel of Luke, helping students to become better theological thinkers for use in their ministry contexts. Students will become better acquainted with how God’s mission should be implemented in the world to engage diverse groups in understanding the gospel of Jesus Christ. Full Course Description PR=none Class meetings: May 20; June 3, 10, 17, 24; July 1, 8, 15 (no class May 27 – Memorial Day) along with asynchronous presentations
PT738 Faith Development through the Life Cycle Thursdays, 6 – 9 pm; online only Drs. Pat Fosarelli & Jeff Anderson This course will explore how faith develops over a lifetime. Students will examine all ages—from infancy to older years—exploring several areas of human development to better understand how to teach, preach, and minister to individuals of various ages and life situations. Full Course Description PR=none Class meetings: May 16, 23, 30; June 6, 13, 20, 27) + Asynchronous videos/presentations on Canvas
PT761 Canon Law Five Thursdays, two Tuesdays, and one Friday (all daytime); online/in-person Fr. Fredrik Hansen The course, which is aimed at those engaged in parochial pastoral ministry, will present a comprehensive overview of the law of the Catholic Church (canon law). See Full Course Description for complete list of dates and times.
Summer 2024 Mini-Quest Registration
Biblical Storytelling Mini-Quest (audit only) Thursdays 6 – 8:30 pm; online only Dr. Tracy Radosevic This Mini-Quest explores the power of embodying (i.e., involving more than the left brain) scripture as an approach to spiritual growth, broadened interpretation options, and more engaging proclamation. Full Course Description PR/CR= none Class meetings: May 23, 30; June 6, 13
Summer 2024 DMin Registration Form (À la Carte only)
DM863 Case Studies in Church and Community Leadership (DMin only) July 15–18; online/in-person Dr. Anthony Hunt This course involves a study of several leaders and their leadership, such as Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Martin Luther King, Jr., Dorothy Day, and Oscar Romero, along with a generic group case study that the class will work through. Full Course Description PR = MDiv or MDiv Equivalence.