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.
This course offers theological depth to high school students found nowhere else. You also make great friends!
You know how much trouble I have had believing in a God but the way you always respected me has made that belief believable. I loved taking the course and talking with others who care about sacred things. Thanks so much. I don’t think I’ll ever stop thinking about how important these fifteen weeks have been.
This has been a life-changing experience. I have always been drawn to thinking about God and to service projects but this course put the reasons behind those actions. I have a lot to think about for the future and now I have some categories to use when I think about my future.It was the most fabulous experience of my life. I had a whole new understanding of creation and of how God is involved in all that he has created. I gained a whole new understanding of what it means to belong to Jesus. Resurrection is not just about after-life, it is about living it now.
The impact of the course upon my daughter and family has been very positive. She has cultivated a very articulate, mature spirituality grounded in well-reasoned theology and scripture. She has developed robust skills of hermeneutics and moral reasoning. She has a much stronger and self-proclaimed faith. She also has a much stronger and clearer Catholic identity, which is an anchor for her as a young adult in a complex world. I am extremely grateful that she had the opportunity to take this course. It was one of the most pivotal events of her life.
My son thoroughly enjoyed every class. As soon as he got in the car he talked about the class and the discussion. He also shared the class with his dad and sister at home. He liked to challenge us with his knowledge. I have already recommended the class to every sophomore and parent I know at his school and to our campus minister. I’m so thrilled my son had the opportunity.
The course has become so popular at our high school that we have to do our own admission’s process in order to nominate our three candidates. Past participants come back and talk about how valuable an experience this is. The demand for this level of study runs high and we thank St. Mary’s for offering this opportunity.
Each year I look forward to seeking out at least one young person from our church who would value this opportunity. Why? Because I have seen the impact this class has had on the lives of those who have participated. They have learned much, shared much, and looked out upon the world with fresh vision…with a way of making some sense of their life right now…with God, self, and others in the mix!
The college credit course is exactly what young Catholic/Christian leaders need. The Archdiocese provides leadership training and justice education for its young leaders but this course has taught us that theological education is the third pillar of leadership development. St. Mary’s is providing a valuable and necessary service not only to youth but also to the Church. Studying at St. Mary’s also adds credibility to the experience of theological education.