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.
Prior to ordination, the preliminary ministries of Lector and Acolyte, a declaration of Candidacy and ultimately ordination to the Transitional Diaconate are essential to each man’s journey to priesthood and, more importantly, to discerning whether he is truly being called to a life of priestly service.
In 2022, for the first time since 2017 and the COVID pandemic, St. Mary’s served as a backdrop for all four of these important milestones.
Below is information on each of these ministries or events along with reflections by seminarians who celebrated the rites in 2022-2023.
At St. Mary’s, the institution of Lectors usually occurs in the spring of the academic year for seminarians in First Theology. As Lectors, the men, who are still members of the laity, are able to proclaim the readings at Mass and teach the Word of God. This important step prepares them for the Diaconate, when they can proclaim the Gospel and preach homilies.
During First Theology and to help prepare them for this important ministry, the men receive a combination of theological (classroom) and practical (workshops) training in the liturgy. In the classroom, they take Introduction to Liturgy, which focuses on five aspects of studying the liturgy: theology, history, juridical (laws & norms), spiritual and pastoral. They learn what the liturgy is, what it says about God, what it means to celebrate the liturgy, where the liturgy comes from, what are its origins and how it develops. Once Lectors, they participate in four workshops designed to form them to proclaim the Word well within the liturgy.
Dr. James M. Starke, Director of Liturgy, says of the workshops, “They review genres of Scripture and learn the basics of pronunciation, enunciation, pace, volume, how to break a passage into segments and how to manifest with proclamation the genre of the text and to help them try to express the meaning of the text.”
“Take the book of Holy Scripture and be faithful in handing on the Word of God, so that it may grow strong in the hearts of His people.”
Instruction to the newly instituted lectors as they are presented with the book of Scriptures.
lectors from the archdiocese of baltimore instituted on february 28, 2023 by bishop barry knestout, diocese of richmond.
For Thang Pham, being installed as a Lector earlier this year in a special liturgical ceremony at St. Mary’s was an exciting step in the all-important journey toward the priesthood. During this special liturgy, Thang, who is studying to be a priest of the Archdiocese of Baltimore and was born in VietNam, was among 14 men who were officially instituted to proclaim the readings from Sacred Scripture, with the exception of the Gospel, one of the most important aspects of priestly life.
“Having been instituted as a lector means a lot to me. It is one more step closer to the priesthood that I am pursuing to serve God and His people,” Thang said. “It also gives me a sense of how important it is to proclaim the readings from Sacred Scripture to people officially and effectively, and how important it is to carry out the crucial duty that I, in response to the words offered by the Bishop during the ceremony, ‘take [the] book of holy Scripture and be faithful in handing on the word of God, so that it may grow strong in the hearts of his people.’”
Thang says he has been discerning seriously on the path to the priesthood, including by focusing on the four pillars of formation. He says he is willing to listen to others’ suggestions and recommendations, and particularly to open himself to be formed. “I have prepared myself in growing in holiness by keeping a habit of personal prayer life and faith practice. Also, I have equipped myself with a deep understanding of the teaching of the Church, humanity, religion, and theological interest. I have also developed pastoral skills by the way that I have observed and gotten involved in activities of the seminary community and especially of the parish communities.”
Thang says that he’s had a great experience so far at St. Mary’s, citing in particular the program of formation, calling it “fantastic.” He says it helps him develop skills for the priesthood and to grow in virtues, knowledge, and holiness. “The formation program prepares me well for a priestly way of life and for priestly ministry…I [also] find myself becoming more mature and having many close relationships with others through the support of community life.”
“What I most like about St. Mary’s is the spirit of the house. Everyone is willing to share, to support, and to help each other grow. Everyone respects and listens to each other to build a strong and healthy community. Moreover, the leadership is willing to listen and help individuals to develop and to improve themselves instead of demanding, and the seminarians are individuals who are comfortable talking, opening up, and sharing with the leaders what they have in their minds. It is a community of sharing, listening, helping, and growing.
Thang is scheduled to be ordained to the priesthood in 2027.
^ top
Second Theology students at St. Mary’s are instituted Acolytes. As an Acolyte, the men are appointed to aid the Deacon and to minister to the Priest. It is their duty to attend to the service of the altar and to assist the Deacon and the Priest in liturgical celebrations, especially in the celebration of Holy Mass. Acolytes serve at the altar and distribute Communion as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. Still members of the laity, this is a pivotal step in preparing for ordination to the Diaconate.
Like Lectors, Acolytes’ preparation also involves practical workshops, during which they become familiar with such practical duties as how to prepare the book for the Celebrant, how to help the Deacon prepare the altar and how to prepare the Eucharist for exposition.
“Take this vessel with bread for the celebration of the Eucharist. Make your life worthy of your service at the table of the Lord and of His Church.”
Instruction to the newly instituted lectors as they are presented with a ciborium with bread for the Eucharistic liturgy.
second year seminarian nick wytiaz, diocese of pittsburgh, is instituted as an acolyte on february 28, 2023.
Nicholas Wytiaz, who is studying for the priesthood for the Diocese of Pittsburgh, was seven men ordained to the ministry of Acolyte in 2022. Acolyte means “server” in Greek. One installed to the ministry of Acolyte can serve at the altar by assisting the deacon and priest in liturgical celebrations, especially the Liturgy. He can assist by setting up the altar, distributing Holy Communion, and purifying the sacred vessels used for Communion.
The Mass in which Nicholas was installed an acolyte, was celebrated by Bishop Barry Knestout of the Diocese of Richmond. “The Mass was beautiful and reverent,” Nicholas said. “I was humbled and honored to receive the ministry of acolyte alongside my brother seminarians, especially my brothers from the Diocese of Pittsburgh. The stunning chapel of St. Mary’s provided a perfect setting and my parents, who made the trip down from Pittsburgh, made the occasion even more special.”
Prior to arriving at St. Mary’s Seminary & University, Nicholas spent two years at St. Paul’s Seminary in Pittsburgh. Last year, his first at St. Mary’s, he was installed as a Lector, the first ministry to be conferred upon seminarians on the path to priestly ordination.
“My time at St. Mary’s has been blessed with new experiences, relationships, and growth. I believe that the Pre-Theology formation at Saint Paul’s Seminary in Pittsburgh prepared me well or Theology, making it possible for me to embrace the transition and enjoy the fruits that St. Mary’s has to offer,” Nicholas said. “Nearing the end of my second year here, I appreciate growth in every dimension of formation. I believe that I am on the appropriate path in my formation and my discernment of the priesthood for the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Still, I have three more years of formation ahead of me. I know that there is much more to learn and that there will be many more occasions for growth and development spiritually, intellectually, pastorally, and humanly during my third and fourth theology at St. Mary’s. I look forward to taking advantage of these opportunities.”
Nicholas said that his favorite part about the formation at St. Mary’s is the integration of the different dimensions of formation (pastoral, intellectual, human, spiritual). “What I learn from our professors in class I can take to prayer and what I receive in prayer I can apply in my ministry and then I can take the work that I do in ministry and reflect upon it in my prayer… everything is connected. The faculty, formators, and seminarians make this integration possible by placing value on each area and giving themselves fully to the program.
Outside of the formal formation process, I love the community…I cannot think of another setting besides St. Mary’s Seminary where the conversation can flow seamlessly from the casual to the cosmic. We go from sports to the spiritual life, must-see movies to mysteries of the faith, philosophy & theology to food & wine. Yes, we take our formation seriously, but we try not to take ourselves too seriously!”
Nicholas is scheduled to be ordained to the priesthood in June 2026.
For most Third Theologians, this important step occurs in the fall. It is a man’s public expression of his intention to move into Holy Orders. The rite of Admission to Candidacy includes three components: The call to candidacy, the scrutiny of the candidate, and the blessing of the candidate. Envisioned as the moment when the Disciples responded to Christ’s call to be with Him, Admission to Candidacy for Ordination as Deacons and Priests is a ritual memorial of the moment when the disciples, hearing the call of Jesus to follow him, left everything to live in his presence, emulate his relationship with his Father and his love for his people, embrace the life of celibacy that the Son of God chose, live in simplicity unencumbered by material possessions, do the will of the Father in all things, and learn to walk in the way of the cross. Admission to Candidacy is seen as the intentional and grace-filled beginning of a man’s final period of preparation for the priesthood.
Meanwhile, as the men progress through the formation program at St. Mary’s their immersion in preparation for all aspects of priestly life continues, according to Dr. James M. Starke, Director of Liturgy. “In Third Theology they focus on Baptism, Matrimony, exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Benediction, the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, and assisting at Mass.” Another class in Fourth Theology focuses solely on the Eucharist. Academic instruction consists of: Introduction to Liturgy, Sacramental Theology and Initiation, and Eucharist. Electives include such courses as Liturgical Spirituality, Eucharist and the New Testament, Liturgy in the Early Church, and 20th Century Liturgical Reform. Additional classes focus on Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Matrimony and Priesthood/Holy Orders.
“In response to the Lord’s call, do you resolve to complete your preparation, so that in due course you are made ready to undertake ministry in the Church through Holy Orders? Do you resolve to form your mind and heart in such a way that you will be faithfully to serve Christ the Lord and his Body, the Church?”
Questions to the aspirants for Candidacy in the Rite of Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders.
rite of admission to candidacy for holy orders celebrated on november 17, 2022.
The journey toward priesthood involves one final step before being ordination to the diaconate: Candidacy for Holy Orders. According to the Roman Pontifical, “the Rite of Admission is celebrated when it has been established that the intention of those aspiring to Holy Orders is supported by the necessary qualifications and has achieved sufficient maturity.” This intention is to be publicly manifested by the candidate to the ordinary who is the one who accepts the candidate’s intention. Lenin Suarez was among five men studying or priesthood at St. Mary’s to be accepted for candidacy for Holy Orders in 2022. Lenin, who is from Colombia and is studying for the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Baltimore, spoke about the importance of being accepted as a candidate for Holy Orders and the formation process that has led to this stage in his journey to priesthood.
“Out of the four pillars of formation, the two which have helped me the most to prepare myself for diaconate ordination have been the pillars of spiritual and human formation,” he said. “Spiritual direction has helped me to know myself better, to be conscious of who I am and what I want to do, which is dedicating my life to Christ and the Church. It also has helped me to grow in my prayer life and to deepen my relationship with the Lord. Human formation, along with the guidance of my mentor, has helped me to better understand the promises I am about to make before my bishop and how to live them out in a prayerful manner.”
Lenin spoke about the anticipation of being ordained to the Diaconate, the next and final stop to priesthood. “Diaconate ordination is going to be a fundamental step towards the priesthood, after which I will be able to administer certain sacraments to God’s people; namely, baptism and marriage. In other words, diaconate is going to be a time of total service for God’s people and the Church. For my family, especially my parents, my diaconate ordination is going to be a meaningful event, in which they will finally offer the life of their second son to the Lord for service to the Church. Their offering has been manifested since the first day I started formation. Their support, love, and prayers have made my diaconate ordination an anticipated event, in which they will happily join me in giving thanks to the Lord for the graces received.”
For Lenin, his formation experience at St. Mary’s has been a positive one. “The fact that St. Mary’s is the first Catholic seminary in the US really blew my mind because, in my opinion that speaks very well of the institution due to the experience that SMSU has in forming priests for different dioceses. My experience at SMSU has been remarkable. I enjoy my time at St. Mary’s, especially because of the quality of people who are being formed there and because of the formators.”
Lenin’s ordination to the Diaconate is May 20th. He will be ordained to the priesthood in 2024.
The final stop in the journey to priesthood is Ordination to the Diaconate. Those men preparing for ordination to the priesthood are called Transitional Deacons. For most transitional deacons, this diaconal year is a pastoral, liturgical and educational preparation period for the priesthood. Once ordained to the diaconate, the man transitions from the lay to the clerical state. There are three promises made by the transitional deacon: to pray the Liturgy of the Hours, Obedience and Celibacy.
“…Look favorably also on these your servants, we pray, O Lord, whom we humbly dedicate to serve at your holy altars in the office of the Diaconate.
Send forth the Holy Spirit upon them, O Lord, we pray, that they may be strengthened by the gift of your sevenfold grace to carry out faithfully the work of the ministry. …”
from the Prayer of Ordination in the Rite of Ordination of Deacons.
wei (david) wang is ordained a deacon on march 4, 2023.
The final step before being ordained a priest is diaconate. This is the last step in a man’s preparation and formation for priesthood. Once ordained to the diaconate, the man transitions from being a layperson to a member of the clergy. Deacons share in some of the duties of the bishop and priest, such as preaching, performing weddings, and administering baptism. David Wang was ordained a deacon March 4th, 2023 at St. Mary’s.
Originally from China, David’s journey to priesthood was long and challenging. From 2014 to 2017, he received spiritual formation, philosophical education, pastoral practice, and English language training in China. From 2018 to 2023, he received English language training, theological formation, pastoral training, character development, and spiritual formation in the United States. “These nine years of formation and practice have prepared me for my ordination,” he said.
David comes from a devoutly Cathoilc family with several priests and others currently studying to become priests, like himself. “For my family, my ordination is complicated. My family members are traditional Catholics, and my uncle and cousin are both priests, with two more cousins on track to become priests. From a religious standpoint, having a son ordained as a priest is a great honor and joy for the family. However, unlike my relatives, I am my parents’ only son, and my ordination is considered the ultimate act of filial impiety in traditional Chinese culture, where having no offspring is seen as a grave sin.”
Like many men who choose a priestly vocation, David’s journey to priesthood informally began prior to entering seminary. “I have been very active in the church, serving as an altar server, cantor, member of the choir, and as MC. These are roles I have held for many years. I have also organized religious groups for children and young adults.
David noted St. Mary’s excellent formation as an important part of his preparation thus far. “As the first Catholic seminary in the United States, St. Mary’s has a long history and a strong tradition…and a unique approach to formation. I appreciate and enjoy being formed here. St. Mary’s places a strong emphasis on both academic and pastoral formation, providing excellent preparation for those who want to pursue further theological studies or engage in pastoral ministry. At SMSU, the life of a seminarian is similar to that of a diocesan priest. Under the guidance of mentors and spiritual directors, we are responsible for arranging our own study, work, spiritual life, and personal life. We are being formed, but we also have a great deal of autonomy.”
David touted the rich cultural diversity at St. Mary’s, noting: “We come from all over the world. We come from different countries, ethnicities, and cultures, but we live in peace and love in the Lord. We pray, study, work, live, and have fun together. SMSU also places a special emphasis on cross-cultural integration and communication, which makes us international students feel particularly welcome and respected.”