Path of a Priest

Mount St. Mary’s Seminary is the oldest division of the Athenaeum. The seminary has as its mission the preparation of candidates for the Catholic priesthood—a gift of God and the fruit of an integrated approach to formation. As part of the seminary community, a man in formation continues his personal human and spiritual formation while appropriating and integrating theological and pastoral experiences. Following Pastores dabo vobis and the Program of Priestly Formation, Mount St. Mary’s Seminary seeks to form candidates for the priesthood after the Heart of Jesus by integrating the four “pillars” or dimensions of formation: human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral.

Baptized and confirmed Catholic men, who have completed a Bachelor of Arts or its equivalent, can be admitted to the seminary and its Master of Divinity degree program. For those interested in priesthood but who have not previously been in seminary formation or who have not completed the pre-requisites in philosophy and theology, specified by the 5th edition of the Program for Priestly Formation, there is a two-year Pre-Theology program. A seminarian in Theology or Pre-Theology must meet the requirements specified by the 5th edition of the Program for Priestly Formation prior to ordination.

Admission Requirements

1. Obtain Sponsorship from his local Church and bishop or a religious superior;
2. Submit an application with the required documentation (physical exam, academic transcripts, sacramental records, etc);
3. Have a favorable recommendation to a theologate, if the candidate attended college seminary;
4. Complete the appropriate psychological testing and feedback and be found suitable for admission;
5. Interview with the Seminary Admissions Committee and receive a favorable review; and
6. If transferring from another seminary, supply previous recommendations and evaluations and comply with the norms specified by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Pre-Theology Program

Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary offers a two-year Pre-Theology program for those who do not have an undergraduate degree in philosophy and/or have not previously been enrolled in a seminary or formation program. The Pre-Theology program requires seminarians to take 33 semester hours of undergraduate philosophy in those areas specified by the Program for Priestly Formation and 12 semester hours of theology. Additionally, seminarians take courses in Latin.

The course of study for the Pre-Theology program is completed in two years. At the conclusion of the Pre-Theology program, seminarians may earn a Master of Arts degree in Catholic Studies by completing a comprehensive exam and thesis.

Theology Program

Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary offers a five-year theology program, which includes a pastoral internship year. The seminarian earns the Master of Divinity degree by taking 112 semester hours in the areas of biblical studies; pastoral and professional studies; Church history; sacramental and liturgical studies; systematic theology; moral theology; and spirituality. Eight semester hours of Pastoral Spanish are also required. Additional elective courses and a thesis track are required for seminarians pursuing a second Master’s degree. The seminary should not be seen merely as an academic program but also as a formation program that integrates the various dimensions of formation: human, spiritual, pastoral and intellectual.

For more information about the Mount St. Mary’s Seminary please call,
(513) 231-2223