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.
Associated Archives at St. Mary’s Seminary & University 5400 Roland Avenue Baltimore, MD 21210
Phone: 410-864-4074
From Eastern Pennsylvania, New York & Points North: Take I-95 SOUTH to I-695 WEST (Baltimore Beltway) to I-83 SOUTH (I-83 joins I-695 for a brief distance). Continue on I-695/I-83 to Exit #23 where I-83 branches off on the right, then bear left onto I-83 SOUTH. Continue on I-83 SOUTH to Exit #10 for Northern Parkway EAST (turn left at the end of the exit ramp). Take Northern Parkway to Roland Avenue (second light) and turn RIGHT. Take the second RIGHT (between the lighted columns) off of Roland Avenue. This is the main entrance for St. Mary’s. The drive will lead you to a parking lot in front of the Seminary.
From Western Maryland, West Virginia, & Points West: Take I-70 EAST to I-695 NORTH (Baltimore Beltway) toward Towson. Continue on I-695 to Exit #23 for I-83 SOUTH (Baltimore). Take I-83 SOUTH to Exit #10 for Northern Parkway EAST (turn left at the end of the exit ramp). Take Northern Parkway to Roland Avenue (second light) and turn RIGHT. Take the second RIGHT between the lighted columns) off of Roland Avenue. This is the main entrance for St. Mary’s. The drive will lead you to a parking lot in front of the Seminary.
From BWI Airport, Washington, D.C., Virginia & Points South: Take I-95 NORTH to I-695 WEST toward Towson. Continue on I-695 to Exit #23 for I-83 SOUTH (Baltimore). Take I-83 SOUTH to Exit #10 for Northern Parkway EAST (turn left at the end of the exit ramp). Take Northern Parkway to Roland Avenue (second light) and turn RIGHT. Take the second RIGHT between the lighted columns) off of Roland Avenue. This is the main entrance for St. Mary’s. The drive will lead you to a parking lot in front of the Seminary.
From Annapolis, Upper Marlboro, the Eastern Shore, Tidewater Virginia & Points East: Take Route 97 North to I-695 (Baltimore Beltway) toward Towson. Continue on I-695 to Exit #23 for I-83 SOUTH (Baltimore). Take I-83 SOUTH to Exit #10 for Northern Parkway EAST (turn left at the end of the exit ramp). Take Northern Parkway to Roland Avenue (second light) and turn RIGHT. Take the second RIGHT between the lighted columns) off of Roland Avenue. This is the main entrance for St. Mary’s. The drive will lead you to a parking lot in front of the Seminary.
Alternate Route through Baltimore City/Inner Harbor area: From I-95 North or South take I-395 toward the Inner Harbor. Ramp turns into Howard Street, Camden Yards is on the left. Go to Pratt Street and turn right. Take Pratt Street to President Street. Turn left. Proceed through three lights to I-83 North. Take I-83 NORTH to Exit #10A for Northern Parkway EAST. Take Northern Parkway to Roland Avenue (second light) and turn RIGHT. Take the second RIGHT between the lighted columns) off of Roland Avenue. This is the main entrance for St. Mary’s. The drive will lead you to a parking lot in front of the Seminary.
Train/Public Transportation: For those travelling from points south by Amtrak or the MARC train, cab service and public transportation are available from the train station. The LocalLink 95 bus will take you out to Roland Avenue and drop you off across the street from the main entrance for St. Mary’s. To see a bus schedule, please click here. Walk through the main entrance and follow the drive to the Seminary building (about 200 yards).
Parking and Building Entrance: St. Mary’s has a large parking lot to accommodate visitors. Visitor parking begins with row 3. Please enter St. Mary’s through the main entrance (facing the building, the doors in the center) or the Library (facing the building, the doors on the far right end). Check-in and notify the person in the Information Office or at the Circulation Desk that you have an appointment to visit the Archives.
Special Needs: Please notify the Archives staff when you schedule your appointment if you need a handicapped parking space and/or use of a handicapped entrance. We will go over instructions with you at that time.