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.
May 8, 2025
Statement of Rev. Phillip J. Brown, P.S.S. President Rector of St. Mary’s Seminary & University on The Election of Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV
America’s first Catholic seminary, St. Mary’s Seminary & University, rejoices at the election of America’s first Holy Father of the Roman Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, originally from Chicago, Illinois. An Augustinian monk and priest, Pope Leo served as U.S. Provincial of the Augustinians, Prior General, and director of formation before being appointed Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru by Pope Francis. He became a member of the Congregation for Clergy in Rome, then Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops. He understands at a very deep level the importance of the education and formation of priests and religious, and Christians in general.
Pope Leo has showed care and sympathy for Venezuelan refugees in Peru, and he has reflected deeply on the reality and challenges of the human condition. His choice of the name Leo XIV signals a deep consciousness of matters of social justice and the plight of the poor and otherwise disadvantaged. He has shown a commitment to the Gospel imperative that those in need be visible and that we promote their full human dignity. He has emphasized the importance of living well-ordered Christian lives. Pope Leo’s election promises an ongoing awareness of the Church’s duty to awaken people to God’s mercy and treat all with ultimate dignity and respect. The Church and the world have entered a new era in continuity with the best of its traditions and solicitude for the poor, and its commitment to gentle pastoral approaches. All have good reason to rejoice at the election of Pope Leo and to move forward in hope and with confidence that Leo will be a Pope who unifies and consoles those within the fold of the faith and all people. His initial words as Pope were words of peace. He will undoubtedly be a peacemaker with charismatic gifts to bring peace to our hearts and minds and to relations among peoples.
Viva Pope Leo XIV: ad multos annos from the entire St. Mary’s Seminary & University community.
Rev. Phillip J. Brown, P.S.S. President Rector St. Mary’s Seminary & University
May 19, 2025 | St. Mary's News
Under the leadership of Rev. Dennis Billy, C.Ss.R., multiple St. Mary's faculty members contributed all the content for the Spring 2025 issue of "Seminary Journal." Eight faculty members and their articles are featured....
May 8, 2025 | St. Mary's News
St. Mary's President-Rector, Rev. Phillip J. Brown, P.S.S. has issued a statement on the Election of Pope Leo XIV....