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.
Fall courses will run from Thursday, September 1, 2022 through Monday, December 12, 2022. Students will have the options to register for in-person or online attendance for all fall courses. The regular registration period for Fall 2022 courses is July 11– July 22, 2022. Beginning 7/23/22, a $90 late-registration fee will go into effect. (Note: Late registration is not applicable to new students). You may register in person, by fax, scan/email, or mail. In order to reserve a place in the course, the $85 registration fee must be submitted at the time of registration. A student must register for a course before the first class meeting. For more information, please see the Registration page. Forms are available on the Forms page.
(A Course Schedule Matrix is provided at the bottom of this page.)PR = Prerequisite; CR = Co-requisite
BS600 Orientation to Biblical StudiesThursdays 6-8:30 pmDr. Jennifer McNeelPR = none.An introduction to academic biblical studies, with attention to the nature and development of biblical literature, tools for research, and methods of interpretation (exegesis). This three-credit course is a pre- or corequisite for most other courses in biblical studies.Full Course Description (“Green Book” page)
BS/BL611 Introduction to Hebrew IMondays, 7:00–8:30 pm & Wednesdays, 7:00–8:00 pm, ONLINE ONLYFr. Paul MailletPR = none.After learning the Hebrew alphabet and pronunciation, the class proceeds with translating very simple phrases from the Tanakh (the Hebrew bible or Old Testament). By memorizing vocabulary and inductively learning how the language works through the superb, user-friendly textbook, the class learns how to translate Biblical verses increasing very gradually in length and difficulty.Full Course Description (“Green Book” page)
BS621 Literature & Theology of the Hebrew BibleTuesdays 6-8:30 pmDr. Katherine BrownPR/CR = BS600, TH601.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 (“Green Book” page)
BS/ES668 Jewish Christian Studies Course on CreationThursdays 6-8:30 pmDr. Rebecca Hancock and Rabbi Nina CardinThis course will explore biblical texts on creation, various interpretations of those texts in Jewish and Christian traditions, and how those texts and interpretations have shaped theologies of creation. We will consider the implications of various theologies for understanding the relationship between humans and their place in creation, and how that informs ethical commitments and faith practices in different faith communities.Full Course Description (“Green Book” page)
BS690 Readings in Biblical Greek (1 credit)Thursdays 4:15-5:15 pmDr. Michael J. GormanPR = one year of biblical Greek or classical Greek.A one-credit course reading, translating, and analyzing 1 Corinthians. An additional goal will be to review and expand students’ knowledge of Greek vocabulary and grammar in order to become better at exegesis. Note: depending on enrollment preferences, this course may be online only.Full Course Description (“Green Book” page)
BS760 1 CorinthiansThursdays 6-8:30 pmDr. Michael J. GormanA careful historical/social, literary/rhetorical, and theological analysis of Paul’s first canonical letter to the Corinthians as a letter that addresses both the ancient and the modern church, with special attention to such topics as Christ crucified as divine power and wisdom, counter-imperial existence, church unity, social status and social justice, holiness and sexual ethics, freedom and responsibility, love, worship, spiritual gifts, and the resurrection of the dead. Note: depending on enrollment preferences, this course may be online only.Full Course Description (“Green Book” page)
DM869 Healing Trauma (DMin students only)Thur. Sept. 15. 6:00-8:30 PM/Fri. Sept. 16, 9:00 AM-2:30 PMThur. Oct. 13. 6:00-8:30 PM/Fri. Oct. 14, 9:00 AM-2:30 PMThur. Nov. 3, 6:00-8:30 PM/Fri. Nov. 4, 9:00 AM-2:30 PMThur. Dec. 8, 6:00-8:30 PM/Fri Dec. 9, 9:00 AM-2:30 PMDr. John HayesPR = MDiv or MDiv Equivalence.Almost every human being has been touched by trauma in some form, and so have many congregations, communities, and institutions. Therefore, all ministry occurs in the context of trauma. This course provides an immersion in understanding the spectrum and nature of trauma, along with its profound effects on the brain, psyche, and spirit. Students will be encouraged to consider the traumas in their lives and their contribution (positive or negative) to the way they do ministry. This course will equip the minister or pastoral helper to be a non-anxious presence, providing witness to suffering, and to assess the need for other kinds of care, including referral when indicated.Full Course Description (“Green book page”)
H601 Early & Medieval Church HistoryMondays 6-8:30 pmDr. Stephen LloydPR/CR = TH601.A survey of the major theological and historical developments of the Christian church from the early church to the eve of the Reformation.Full Course Description (“Green Book” page)
MT/SP625 The Moral & Spiritual Vision of Wendell BerryMondays 6-8:30 pmDr. Brian VolckThis course will explore the essays, fiction, and poetry of one of America’s finest living authors, Wendell Berry. We will consider the moral, spiritual, social, and ecological dimensions in the thought of this singular and prolific writer. Special attention will be devoted to themes of embodiment, health, food, community, peacemaking, creaturely limits, and care of the land. In-class activities will include close reading of texts, group discussion, video/slide programs, conversations with guest speakers, and student presentations.Full Course Description (“Green Book” page)
PT601 Foundations of Christian MinistryMondays 6-8:30 pm, ONLINE ONLYDr. Pat FosarelliA survey of the biblical, theological, and spiritual foundations of ministry, and of the expression of lay and ordained ministry in various Christian traditions.Full Course Description (“Green Book” page)
PT719 Crafting the SermonTuesdays 6-8:30 pmDr. Tony HuntA practical introduction to preaching and methods of developing sermons from conception to delivery. The course examines various methods, styles, and perspectives on preaching through the study of best practices, reflection, shared experience, and practical application, with the delivery of three sermons.Full Course Description (“Green Book” page)
SS836 First Corinthians as Christian Theology(STL students; CAS & MAT students by permission only)Thursdays 1:00-3:00 pmDr. Michael J. GormanThis is an advanced seminar for STL students on the theological dimensions of 1 Corinthians. With the instructor’s permission, it is open to CAS students and advanced MAT students in the E.I. The seminar will examine the letter for its contributions to theology proper (the doctrine of God), Christology, pneumatology, Trinitarian theology, ecclesiology, soteriology, eschatology (including the resurrection of the dead), sacramentology (baptism and Eucharist), and the theology of ministry, justice, human sexuality and marriage, love, and spiritual gifts. The seminar is scheduled to be held in person, but a virtual option may be possible.Full Course Description (“Green Book” page)
ST601 Foundations of Systematic TheologyThursdays 6-8:30 pm, ONLINE ONLYDr. Mark GormanPR/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 (“Green Book” page)
ST693 Readings in Systematic Theology (1 credit)Wednesdays 7:30-8:30 pm, ONLINE ONLYDr. Mark GormanIn this course we will explore theological dimensions of Scripture by reading and discussing Augustine’s Teaching Christianity and Esau McCaulley’s Reading While Black. Students and the instructor will meet weekly by Zoom for an hour.Full Course Description (“Green Book” page)
TH601 Introduction to Theological StudyTuesdays 6-8:30 pmDr. Brent LaythamPR = 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, and write critically and faithfully, through a focus on what Christians believe in common.Full Course Description (“Green Book” page)
Nazarene Theological Seminary courses available for cross-registration:
*If you are interested in taking a course at NTS, please contact Dr. Hancock. Cross registration at NTS requires Dean’s approval.