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.
St. Mary’s is positioned on a 40-acre campus surrounded by woodlands to the south and west. An expansive and stately great lawn leads up to the main entrance and a long winding drive is lined with large oaks and elms. Nestled in the wooded grounds to the west is a beautiful Marian grotto.
The seminary classrooms are just down the main corridor from the chapel and dining room. The classrooms are large, bright, classic spaces. High-tech classrooms with LCD, Internet, and other computer-assisted teaching options are used for instruction.
St. Mary’s Seminary & University’s library traces its roots back to the collection of theological and philosophical works that the members of the Society of St. Sulpice brought with them from Paris in 1791. Today the Marion and Henry J. Knott Library of St. Mary’s Seminary & University has a collection numbering over 140,000 volumes. The collection is primarily of a philosophical and theological nature; approximately 20% of the collection is in foreign languages, including a substantial rare books collection.
The main dining room is spacious and comfortable. Paneled in oak, with stately columns and surrounded by large arched windows, it’s a perfect setting for meals and socializing. Meals are served buffet style and include an ample soup and salad bar, hot coffee, dessert and frozen yogurt bar. Menus are varied and a healthy diet is considered essential. Coffee is always available for quick breaks between classes.
In 2022, St. Mary’s completed a three-year renovation project of the seminary living spaces, converting a 1920s dormitory-style residence into facility more appropriate for mature graduate students. Spaces are comfortable, but not luxurious. Each suite holds space for a bed, desk/bookshelves, comfortable chair, and a private bathroom/shower.
The two living floors also contain lounge areas with kitchens/kitchenettes and “living room” gathering spaces with TVs. The St. John Vianney chapel on the fourth floor is appropriate for private prayer and small groups.
Fitness and athletics are important at St. Mary’s. The seminary has a modern climate-controlled Fitness Center with treadmills, stationary bikes, an elliptical cross-trainer, nautilus machines and free weights.
A short walk away are outdoor tennis courts and a modern track for jogging. Seminarians and faculty also use the indoor basketball courts, racquetball courts, tennis courts, and Olympic sized pools at Gilman School and Loyola University Maryland a short walk away. A USGA artificial turf practice facility is also located on campus.
Intramural sports on campus include basketball, softball, and volleyball. A number of excellent golf courses are available nearby for golfers. The seminary also features a small outdoor putting green to develop the short game!
Next, see St. Mary’s Chapel…