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.
St. Mary’s Center for Continuing Formation offers and hosts a variety of continuing formation programs for priests in the spirit of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Guide to Ongoing Formation of Priests (2023).
Participants enjoy:
Monday-Friday
November 2-6, 2026
Presenter: Rev. Msgr. Roger E. McGrath, Ph.D., Priest, Diocese of Camden.
The 2026 New Pastors Program will be held November 2-6, 2026 at the Center for Continuing Formation on St. Mary’s Campus. This conference is for newly minted pastors or for priests who will soon be appointed to the pastorate. “Becoming a Pastor” is not just a change in title or role, but a time to acquire new skills.
The five-day program includes sessions on:
– pastoral leadership – administration – financial/personnel management – spirituality and more.
Learn more and Register
Thursday-Friday
November 12-13, 2026
Thursday, 10:00 am-Friday, 10:30 am
Presenters: Bishop Edgar M. Da Cunha, SDV, Bishop of Fall River; Matt Robinson, Director of Clergy Support; Father Patrick McDevitt, President, St. Luke Institute
Every bishop is confronting the same reality: fewer priests, increasing pastoral demands, growing administrative complexity and the need to foster healthier, more resilient presbyterates.
Join bishops from across the United States for a two-day symposium exploring one of the nation’s most comprehensive diocesan initiatives for priestly renewal.
Developed and implemented in the Diocese of Fall River, the “Stronger Priests, Stronger Parishes, Stronger Church Initiative” offers a practical, data-informed framework for strengthening priests through healthier culture, stronger leadership, improved diocesan systems and renewed attention to the human, spiritual, pastoral, and missionary dimensions of priestly life.
Monday-Wednesday
November 16-18, 2026
Monday, 4:00 pm-Wednesday, 3:00 pm
Presenters: Father James Bradley, JCD Assistant Professor of Canon Law, Catholic University of America; Father Robert Gahl, PhD, Associate Professor of Church Management & Director of Church Management Programs, Catholic University of America; Arland K. Nichols, President & Founder, St. John Paul II Foundation; Daniel Paris, PsyD, MA, Founder & Clinical Director, Camino Psychological and Consulting Services, LLC; Michael Toscano, Senior Fellow, Director of the Family First Technology Initiative, Institute for Family Studies
Join this three-day, seven-session conference led by five outstanding presenters exploring the hierarchies of spiritual fatherhood in pastoral ministry. During the three-day program participants will be immersed in the pastoral, spiritual, theological, liturgical and psychological dimensions of the priesthood.
February 15-19, 2027
Monday, 4:00 pm-Friday, 10:00 am edt
Presenter: Father John Fortin, OSB, founding director of the Institute for Saint Anselm Studies at Saint Anselm College and a professor in the Philosophy Department
Join this five-day retreat for priests at the refreshing St. Mary’s Seminary & University campus in Baltimore. Active or retired priests will benefit from several days of inspirational talks, communal and private prayer, and brotherly fellowship. The retreat will include eight presentations, daily Mass and Holy Hour and free time for reflection and fellowship. Space is limited so register early.
Monday
February 22, 2027
9:30 am-3:30 pm edt
Presenters: Christopher Carstens, director of the Office for Sacred Worship in the Diocese of La Crosse, Wisconsin; Fr. Boniface Hicks, OSB
Join this one-day online workshop that will present all of the options provided in the new translation of the Liturgy of the Hours.
Priests, deacons, musicians and parish staff who wish to begin the practice of praying the Liturgy of the Hours daily in the parish, will benefit from this thorough presentation and discussion. The workshop will present what is new in the 2027 edition of the Liturgy of Hours and how priests, deacons and parish musicians can introduce common, public celebrations of Morning and Evening Prayer in the parish.
Also, the workshop will include a session on implementing plans for your parish.
Friday-Sunday
April 23-25, 2027
Friday, 4:00 pm – Sunday, 11:00 am
Retreat Master: Roland Millare, STD, Vice President of Curriculum and Director of Clergy Initiatives, St. John Paul II Foundation
All deacons and their wives are welcome to attend this three day retreat focused on the identity and mission of the Deacon in light of the Holy Eucharist. During this retreat, Dr. Millare will lead the retreatants to reflect upon the gift of the diaconate, marriage, the Holy Eucharist, discipleship, and mission.
Monday-Thursday
April 26-29, 2027
The Conference for Newly Appointed Vicars, hosted by the St. John Vianney Center, will be held at the Center for Continuing Formation, St. Mary’s Seminary and University in Baltimore, Maryland, April 26-29, 2027. The Conference will cover topics such as record keeping and file retention, boundaries, dealing with difficult personalities, stress, addictions, internet use and more. The conference will adapt to the needs of those attending and facilitate a safe, positive and constructive discussion on issues including preventing pitfalls, fostering healthy and ongoing formation and instilling the importance of self-care for the Vicar.
Beginning Monday-Thursday
Coming in 2026
4-Day Onsite Training Followed by 8 Online Sessions and Individual Resourcing/Consulation
A program for pastor-supervisors and their collaborators. We are pleased to offer a comprehensive formation program of training, resources, and ongoing consultation/support for pastor-supervisors and their collaborators as they accompany and supervise transitional deacons during the Vocational Synthesis Stage of their priestly formation.
Learn more about Forming Supervisors for Vocational Synthesis
4-Day Onsite Retreat
An annual event. For priests sixty-five year old or older. Come away and be refreshed. Whether you are anticipating, transitioning into, or living in retirement, this conference retreat provides you with the opportunities of practical wisdom and spiritual insights to enable you to flourish in this “Third Act” of priestly life.
Learn more about Embracing the Third Act
4-6 Session Courses (Synchronous and Asynchronous)
New program! Three levels, placement determined by pre-assessment diagnostic. Individual instruction with lessons and feedback, in-person or online. Levels include: Basics, Lectionary/Prayers, or Homilies/Dialogue.
Learn more about Pronunciation for Pastors
Custom Designed
Designed with the priest himself. Each Sabbatical experience is different. The core of the Sabbatical is the opportunity to audit classes in the School of Theology and St. Mary’s Ecumenical Institute and to sit in on other offered programs during his Sabbatical time. Onsite spiritual direction is available.
Learn more about Sabbaticals at St. Mary’s