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.
Stay connected with St. Mary’s Ecumenical Institute after graduation through alumni resources, newsletters, events, library access, discounted audit opportunities, EI apparel, diploma frames, and transcript request information.
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.
Join this three-day workshop for permanent deacons who want to improve and refresh their preaching skills. This homiletics workshop will look at practical ways to inspire, motivate and instruct through our preaching.
It is important to remember we preach beyond the ambo, commissioning the faithful as preachers of the Good News as well. We act as storytellers, sharing the sacramental moments, people and lessons of our lives. In doing so, we plant seeds of hope and encourage others to share their stories as well.
No one else has lived your life or experienced Jesus the same way you have. You can be a powerful witness by framing your faith story within the context of the readings of the Mass.
Dates: Friday, October 9 to Sunday, October 11, 2026 Time: 4:00 pm edt arrival, 10 a.m. edt departure Cost: $450.00 for Deacon Alone $600.00 for Deacon and Wife (Includes all meals, room stay, use of the grounds, and facilities)
Registration Deadline: Friday, September 25, 2026
View/Download the event flyer.
Deacon Rick Wagner was ordained in 2012 and is assigned to St. Pius X parish in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis and ministers to the unsheltered homeless in downtown Indianapolis as his work of charity. He has been married to his wife Carol for 43 years. He and Carol have four children and ten grandchildren.
Deacon Rick has presented retreats and workshops to educators, administrators, aspirants to the diaconate and deacons and their wives. He has published three books: Remember What’s Important (2011), Fifty Homilies from the Deacon’s Desk (2016), and Fifty MORE Homilies from the Deacon’s Desk.
Deacon Rick has worked in Catholic schools and institutions for 40 years. He has served as a high school teacher, coach, athletic director, principal, vice president for mission and ministry and president. He has also served as Director of Our Lady of Fatima Retreat House and as Director of the Permanent Deacon Formation Program for Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology. He currently serves as President of Guerin Catholic High School in Noblesville, IN.
Friday
4:00 pm Arrival
5:30 pm Dinner in the Forum Dining Room
7:00 pm Session I: The How and Why of Sharing Stories
Saturday
8:30 am Breakfast in the Forum Dining Room
9:30 am Session II: Putting Together a Game Plan
11:00 am Break
11:30 am Mass in St. Charles Chapel (optional)
12:00 pm Lunch in the Forum Dining Room
1:30 pm Session III: Is Best Practice Really a Thing?
3:00-5:30 pm Free time
3:00-4:15 pm Sign up for a 15-minute individual consult (optional)
4:15-5:30 pm Group critique of your homily (optional)
7:00 pm Social in the Center Sun Room
Sunday
8:00 am Mass in St. Charles Chapel
8:45 am Breakfast in the Forum Dining Room
9:30 am Session IV: Takeaways and Sharing Your Story
10:30 am Depart
For more information, contact:
Center for Continuing Formation St. Mary’s Seminary and University 5400 Roland Avenue Baltimore, MD 21210 410-864-4102
center (at) stmarys.edu