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.
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.
Fall courses will run from Thursday, August 31, 2023 – Monday, December 11, 2023 (unless otherwise noted). The regular registration period for Fall 2023 courses is July 10 – July 21, 2023 (please note: two weeks only). Beginning July 22, a $90 late-registration fee will go into effect for current students. (The late fee does not apply to new students, auditors, or to students returning after 3+ years).
EI_Registration_Form_FA23 EI_DMinRegistration_Form_FA23 Alumni-Audit-Form_FA23
Information about our CONNECT: Faith, Health, & Medicine program, which begins this Fall, can be found here.
PR = Prerequisite
BS/BL613 New Testament Greek I Monday 7 – 8:30 pm, and Wednesday 7 – 8 pm (online) Fr. William Burton This is the first semester of a 2-semester course. In the first semester, the student learns the basic grammar and vocabulary to begin to read the New Testament in its original Koine Greek. Full Course Description
BS621 Literature & Theology of the Hebrew Bible 6 – 8:30 pm, Thursday Dr. Rebecca Hancock PR/CR = BS600 An introduction to the theological content of the Torah, Prophets, and Writings in their historical and social contexts, with consideration of critical methodology and major themes. Full Course Description.
BS646 Women in the New Testament 6 – 8:30 pm, Monday Dr. Jennifer McNeel PR/CR = BS600, BS622 The role of women in early Christianity is a topic of both historical interest and contemporary theological significance. Responsible and creative interpretation of women’s stories is crucial for biblical study and for proclamation of the gospel. This course will examine the portrayal of women in New Testament and some noncanonical texts through historical, literary, theological, feminist, and womanist reading strategies. Students will explore the relevance of these texts for understanding the lives of women in the early church and for Christian life and ministry today. Full Course Description
DM862 Reading Scripture—DMin students only Sep 14-15, Oct 12-13, Nov 2-3, Dec 7-8 Dr. Marcus Jerkins PR = MDiv or MDiv Equivalence. An exploration of approaches to reading Scripture for Christian faith, formation, ministries, and mission. Full Course Description (“Green Book” page) TBA
ES665 Jewish Christian Studies Course on Sabbath 6 – 8:30 pm, Tuesday Drs. Katherine Brown & Susanna Garfein This course will explore biblical texts on the concept of Sabbath and how Sabbath is interpreted and practiced in Jewish and Christian traditions. Full Course Description
H600 Church History 6 – 8:30 pm, Tuesday Dr. Stephen Lloyd PR/CR = TH601. A survey of the major theological and historical developments of the Christian church from the early church to the modern day. Full Course Description
PT653 Trauma and Healing 6 – 8:30 pm, Monday Dr. Pat Fosarelli This course provides an immersion in understanding the spectrum and nature of trauma, along with its profound effects on the brain, psyche, and spirit. Full Course Description
SP609 Apophatic Theology 6 – 8:30 pm, Thursday Dr. John M. Hayes This course will provide an introduction to the theology, history, and practice of apophatic spirituality as a path of spiritual conversion of heart and mind, emphasizing classic Christian mystics and spiritual writers from the Eastern and Western traditions. Full Course Description
ST601 Foundations of Systematic Theology 6 – 8:30 pm, Thursday Dr. Mark Gorman PR/CR = TH601. A survey of basic theological topics, such as revelation, the Triune God, sin and grace, Christ, salvation, and the church, with attention to theological method and historical development. Full Course Description
TH601 Introduction to Theological Study 6 – 8:30 pm, Tuesday Dr. Brent Laytham PR = none. An introduction to the study of theology, including what theology is and how theology is done. Students will develop the ability to read, think, speak, and write appreciatively and critically, through a focus on unity and difference in Christian belief and practice. Full Course Description
TH651 Text and Tradition: Health, Healing, and Human Flourishing in the Biblical Narrative (3 credits)—CONNECT students only Fridays 6–9 pm, Saturdays 8:30–4:30: Aug 25-26, Sept 22-23, Oct 20-21 Drs. Joel Shuman & Brian Volck Students will understand the central vision of human health and flourishing in Scripture, highlighting the most relevant texts, practices, and topics, and will be able to assess how others (patients, fellow congregants, clients, clinicians) are relating Scripture to their health situations. Full Course Description
TH653 Science Looks at Faith: The “Faith & Health” Movement (1 credit)—CONNECT students only Friday 6–9 pm & Saturday 8:30–4:30: Nov 17-18 Students will critically describe and evaluate connections between faith and health that have been proposed historically and in contemporary “faith and health” studies, becoming competent to critically assess claims that faith helps or hinders health and healing. Full Course Description (“Green Book” page) TBA
TH655 I and Thou – The Imperative of Relationships (1 credit)—CONNECT students only Friday 6–9 pm & Saturday 8:30–4:30: Dec 8-9 Students will explain the importance of relationship in healing, both from individual and communal perspectives, becoming competent to demonstrate healthy relational skills, including respectful interaction, active listening, and caring presence. Full Course Description (“Green Book” page) TBA
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