The Seminary
About the Seminary
In these pages, you will learn about the seminary at St. Mary’s Seminary & University. After being welcomed by our President-Rector, Rev. Phillip J. Brown, P.S.S., you will find information about our Sulpician Tradition, the faculty, the administration and staff, the Board of Trustees, and the community life of the seminarians in formation.
Key information about the seminaryBecoming a Priest
The process of becoming a priest is established by the Vatican in the document, Ratio Fundamentalis Institutionis Sacerdotalis (The Gift of the Priestly Vocation). This document has been adapted for use in the United States as the Program of Priestly Formation in the United States of America (sixth edition).
Academics
Intellectual formation is one of the four dimensions of priestly formation. Each seminarian must achieve a Master of Divinity degree before ordination, though some also pursue additional degrees.
Academics in the SeminarySeminary Events
Winter Break and Class Retreats
From Monday to Friday, February 20-24, all students are on Winter Break. During this time, Pre-Theology and First-Theology Seminarians will have Class Retreats.
Presidents’ Day
Presidents’ Day Holiday: all offices and the Knott Library are closed. (Classes are out on Winter Break.)
Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday 2023 (February 22). A day of fast and abstinence.
For Current Students
Current students (seminarians) can access information required for their ongoing classes here.
Get Information for Current StudentsFor Alumni
Alumni have access to “Class Notes” published twice a year, as well as the Annual Alumni Day celebration each October. Please keep your information current using the update form in the alumni pages.
Go to the Alumni pages.Dioceses, Bishops, and Vocation Directors
The seminary currently serves 13 dioceses in the United States and Canada as well as the Diocese of Zhao Xian in the Peoples Republic of China. Several religious orders have also sent seminarians as well. Bishops and Vocation Directors may also request a special information packet about St. Mary’s.
See what dioceses we serve and find resources for bishops and vocation directors.Support Us
St. Mary’s Seminary & University has been blessed by the generosity of many benefactors. Every gift, no matter its size, is welcomed. Each gift builds a stronger foundation as we prepare the kind of priests the people of God truly deserve.