THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. MARY OF THE LAKE /MUNDELEIN SEMINARY

The University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary prepares candidates for the diocesan priesthood and provides initial, post-graduate or ongoing formation for priests and those who collaborate with them in ministry.

 VISION STATEMENTS

 The Lord founded the Church with a sacred ministry of bishops, presbyters and deacons. At the core of its mission, Mundelein Seminary prepares men to be priests of Jesus Christ, priest, teacher and shepherd.     It educates men for parish pastoral ministry as co-workers with their bishops in the service of the Catholic Church.

 The Holy Spirit calls forth diverse gifts and ministries within the Church; Mundelein Seminary also educates leaders for pastoral ministry as co-workers with the bishop and his priests in service to the people of Christ. It does this through distinct programs of formation for each ecclesial role.

 The people of Christ deserve ministers committed to life-long learning and growth in holiness.     Mundelein Seminary provides post-graduate and advanced ministerial degree programs, as well as ongoing formation for all engaged in ministry.

 GOALS

 The goals of the University of St. Mary of the Lake / Mundelein Seminary are:

1. To provide a comprehensive program of theological studies that: (a) supports students in the conscious appropriation of the Catholic faith and prepares them to proclaim and to teach God's Word; (b) imparts a way of understanding, reflecting upon, interpreting and proclaiming the Catholic faith in parish ministry.

2. To provide a spiritual and human formation program that: (a) helps students grow in liturgical and personal prayer, celibate chastity and readiness for diocesan priestly life; (b) promotes self-awareness,             competence, confidence, psychological integration, healthy sexual maturity and the capacity to relate to others; (c) fosters simplicity of life, obedience and pastoral service.

3. To provide a pastoral formation program that: (a) prepares students for the ministry of priestly leadership with and for others in the Church; (b) fosters the pastoral integration of theological and spiritual formation; (c) promotes habits of prayer, study and reflection in ministry; (d) develops pastoral skills and attitudes to meet the needs of the Church in evolving, complex and multicultural settings.

 

MASTER OF DIVINITY

MISSION STATEMENT

The Master of Divinity program at Mundelein Seminary has as its goals: the intellectual, human, spiritual and pastoral formation of priests who are solidly grounded in the wisdom of the Church.     The students prepared in the program have, as their main focus, parish ministry.  The theological education is comprehensive and extensive.     It gives witness to the unity of faith, according to the tradition of the Church and the Magisterium, and to the authentic diversity of theological expression.     It is pastorally oriented, ecumenically sensitive and relevant for the multi-cultural realities of the Church in the United States. Education in the Master of Divinity program is a dynamic process in which     students personally appropriate what is taught and bring it into dialogue with the people and setting of their parish ministry.

GOALS

The sequence of courses in the first five quarters of the curriculum: 1) seeks to move the student to a conscious appropriation of his Christian Faith commitment; and 2) provides the formation in theology, acquaintance with pastoral skills, and working knowledge of Church life which will enable the student to function effectively in the Pastoral Intensive.

After the Pastoral Intensive, the general goal of the second half of the program is to provide a more     speculative and specialized understanding of the theological rationale for practical ministries. Such theological formation includes continued training and pastoral practice. Because of the experience of the Pastoral Quarter, education in both skills and understanding takes place against the backdrop of the seminarian's knowledge of the ministerial needs of the Church and his developing ministerial identity.

The Formation Program complements the Academic Program with a two-part focus on: "Discipleship" in the first two years and "Priestly Ministry" in the second two years.

The School of Theology, operating under a charter granted by the State of Illinois in 1844, with accreditation by the Association of Theological Schools, confers three professional degrees and one research degree: (1) Master of Divinity (M.Div.) to those who have successfully completed the four-year academic program;     (2) Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) to those who have had at least three years of ministry and have successfully completed an additional two-year, academic program; (3) The M.A.L. a professional degree in Liturgy and (4) The M.A. (Liturgical Studies) an intermediate academic degree in liturgical theology.

 

ECCLESIASTICAL PROGRAM

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Ecclesiastical degree program     (S.T.L.) at the University of St. Mary of the Lake / Mundelein Seminary is to foster teaching and research concerning Christian revelation, especially as understood in the Catholic dogmatic and theological tradition.

GOALS

As expressed in the Statuta of the Ecclesiastical Faculty of Theology, the objectives of the Ecclesiastical Faculty are:

1. to study Christian revelation scientifically and in depth, to relate harmoniously to more recent advances of the human sciences, and to present Christian revelation in a suitable way to contemporary people (Sapientia      Christiana 2);

2. to illustrate Catholic doctrine from divine revelation in such a way that students may understand it clearly, see its relevance to their own lives, and learn to communicate it effectively to others (Sapientia Christiana  66);

3. to make available to candidates for the priesthood and also to other qualified persons a graduate course of studies in the sacred sciences (Sapientia      Christiana 2);

4. to provide scholarly collaboration with the local and the universal church, in conjunction with the hierarchy, in the whole task of evangelization (Sapientia Christiana 2);

5. to promote, in accordance with the norms of the directory for ecumenism, dialogue with Christians of other traditions, as well as with non-Christians and with non-believers, in order to seek a clearer understanding of the spiritual values of other faiths and to promote a greater degree of Christian unity.

HISTORY

University of St. Mary of the Lake / Mundelein Seminary is the major seminary and graduate school of theology for the Archdiocese of Chicago. Many of the students will serve as priests of the Archdiocese of Chicago; however, many others are studying for 33 other dioceses in the United States and abroad.

University of St. Mary of the Lake had its beginning in 1844 as St. Mary's College. Founded by the first bishop of Chicago, Bishop William J. Quarter, D.D., St. Mary's College was granted a charter by the State of Illinois, with power "to confer...such academical or honorary degrees as are usually conferred by similar institutions." Chicago welcomed St. Mary's as the first institution of higher learning in the city. St. Mary's flourished until 1866, when financial difficulties forced it to close.

In 1921, Archbishop George Mundelein opened St. Mary of the Lake Seminary under the original 1844 charter of St. Mary's College. Archbishop Mundelein was proud to show off his new seminary in 1926 when it was used as a site for the International Eucharistic Congress.

In September 1929, Cardinal Mundelein obtained from the Sacred Congregation of Seminaries and Universities in Rome a five-year grant for the theological faculty to confer the baccalaureate, the licentiate and doctorate in theology. In September 1934, this temporary grant was made permanent, and the seminary became the first American institution to be honored as a Pontifical Theological Faculty under the new Apostolic Constitution Deus Scientarium Dominus. The well-known Reverend Monsignor Reynold H. Hillenbrand was appointed Rector in 1936.

In 1961, under Albert Cardinal Meyer, the seminary opened a second campus in Niles, Illinois. The Niles campus offered liberal arts programs for the first two college years, while the Mundelein campus program encompassed upper class college studies in philosophy followed by a four-year theology curriculum. Under Cardinal Meyer's successor, John Cardinal Cody, the undergraduate program was affiliated with Loyola University of Chicago. St. Mary of the Lake Seminary, now exclusively a graduate school of theology, seminary and an ecclesiastical faculty, began a revision of the graduate and theological curriculum. The program which resulted from that revision continued to be implemented for more than a decade; its academic, formation/spiritual, and pastoral aspects guided by The Program of Priestly Formation of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops and the directives of the Sacred Congregation of Education.

In 1971, the Mundelein Seminary School of Theology became affiliated with the Association of Theological Schools of which it is an accredited member. Very Reverend Thomas J. Murphy was appointed the fifth Rector in September, 1973.     1976 saw two milestones, in cooperation with the Archdiocese of Chicago's Center for Pastoral Ministry. Mundelein Seminary began a program of study leading to the Doctor of Ministry. Also, in September, the Seminary celebrated the 50th anniversary of the first ordinations to the priesthood at the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception.

In July 1978, the Very Reverend James P. Keleher was appointed the sixth rector, replacing the Most Reverend Thomas J. Murphy, who was named Bishop of Great Falls, Montana.

In the fall of 1982, under Cardinal Cody's successor, Archbishop Joseph Bernardin, the Mundelein Seminary Faculty initiated a thorough revision of the program which had been in place for ten years. The changes had as their goal the better implementation of objectives set forth in the Third Edition (November 30, 1981) of The Program of Priestly Formation.

In November, 1984, the Rector, the Very Reverend James P. Keleher, was named Bishop of Belleville (IL) by Pope John Paul II. In December, Cardinal Bernardin appointed The Very Reverend Gerald F. Kicanas as the seventh Rector of St. Mary of the Lake.

Cardinal Bernardin announced a new development in April, 1986, which would include a new center for ministry formation: The Center for Development in Ministry (CDM). The CDM's purpose would be the ongoing development of all those in ministry in the Archdiocese of Chicago. In addition, the new center would host a variety of archdiocesan programs.

In January, 1995, the Very Reverend Gerald Kicanas was named by Pope John Paul II as an Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago. In February, the Very Reverend John Canary was named as the eighth Rector of Mundelein Seminary.

During the spring quarter of 1996, members of the Bishops' Seminary Committee visited the Seminary. After an extensive series of meetings with faculty and students, the members of the committee gave a strong recommendation to the seminary program.

The present Chancellor of the University of St. Mary of the Lake is Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I. His appointment as the eighth Archbishop of Chicago was announced by Pope John Paul II on April 8, 1997. He succeeded the late Joseph Cardinal Bernardin who was the Archbishop of Chicago from 1982 until 1996.

Currently the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary has 190 students studying for the diocesan priesthood. Seminarians come from 33 dioceses in the United States, as well as many international dioceses.  Mundelein Seminary is the largest priesthood preparation program in the United States.

At the direction of the Archbishop of Chicago, Cardinal George, in February, 2000, the Archdiocese dissolved the Department of Ministry Formation in the Pastoral Center and transferred the Diaconate Formation Program, the Lay Ministry Program and the Instituto de Liderazgo Pastoral to the University of St. Mary of the Lake.     These three agencies became programs of the University.  While remaining separate and distinct from the Priestly Formation Program, all are to cooperate under the University aegis in advancing the efforts of ministry preparation and formation for all those involved in pastoral ministry.

In the following year, Cardinal George established the Liturgical Institute at the University of St. Mary of the Lake.     The Institute is dedicated to training, research, and publication in the fields of sacramental theology and liturgy.     The Institute offers three programs:     an M.A. in Liturgy, an M.A. (Liturgical Studies), and an S.T.L.

Of particular note is the Feehan Memorial Library. This specialized library has over 180,000 books. It is one of the outstanding libraries in the country in the fields of Patristics and Church History. The library maintains subscriptions to over 453 American and foreign language serial publications related to theology. Through the inter-library loan system of the Association of Chicago Theological Schools, an ecumenical consortium of eleven seminaries, students have further access to endless number of books or periodicals throughout the United States.

In 2004, the William and Lois McEssy Theological Resource Center was completed. The TRC increases the storage capacity and study space of the Feehan Memorial Library as well as bringing state of the art technology to the study of theology.

In 2005, the archdiocesan programs for Ongoing Formation were placed under USML’s direction. The additional programs and the Conference Center were reorganized as the USML Department of Ministerial and Continuing Education, which oversees all non-degree programs.

In 2006, the Very Reverend John F. Canary was named Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Chicago.     Cardinal George named the Rev. Msgr Dennis J. Lyle as Rector/President of the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary. Father Lyle is the seminary’s ninth Rector.

Mission Statement The mission of Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology is the initial and ongoing formation of priests, permanent deacons, and lay ministers to minister together effectively in the service of the Roman Catholic Church. The long tradition and rich Benedictine heritage of Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology instill: a love of learning integrated with a lifelong seeking of God, a strong grounding in tradition and an ability “to attend to the signs of the times” (Gaudium et spes 4), a love of the Church’s liturgy and a personal commitment to a life of prayer, a sense of hospitality that welcomes Christ in each person and in the community of disciples gathered in Christ’s name Realizing the Mission Realizing this mission requires attention to the distinctive identity and formation of priests, permanent deacons, and lay ministers as well as the development of professional skills to assist them in working together for effective ministry in the Church and for the world. The mission is carried out through programs in three areas: Priesthood formation, Saint Meinrad’s traditional and central work, faithful to the teachings of the Magisterium and in accord with Pastores Dabo Vobis and the Program of Priestly Formation 5th Edition of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, prepares seminarians for ministry in a multicultural Church. Ongoing formation for priests is provided by the Institute for Priests and Presbyterates. Permanent Deacon formation works in partnership with dioceses to prepare men for diaconal ministry in accord with The National Directory for the Formation, Ministry, and Life of Permanent Deacons in the United States. Additional offerings are provided for ongoing formation. Lay Ministry formation integrates human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral formation directed toward Church ministry.

Twice a year (once in the Fall and once in the Spring), Conception Seminary College hosts the Encounter With God's Call weekend. Young men considering a possible call to the priesthood are welcome to spend a weekend geared toward helping them with their vocational discernment. They interact with and hear a series of talks by the seminarians of Conception Seminary College. Participants are able to experience the seminarian's daily routine and gain a fuller understanding of what life as a seminarian entails. It is an opportunity to meet and interact with other young men who are asking themselves the same questions and struggle with the same fears and anxieties. It is a weekend of prayer and fellowship.

If you think God might be calling you to the priesthood and would like to experience firsthand what seminary life is like, we invite you to our Encounter With God's Call weekend.Christ is calling young men to pick up their cross in a life of sacrifice and of generous service.

About Vocation

What is a vocation?
The word vocation comes from the Latin word "vocare" which means "to call". Throughout history, God has called his people. As members of God's people, we believe he calls us too. God made us and He knows why He did so. God has a plan for our lives. His plan is our vocation. For some, that vocation means marriage, for others it's in priesthood and religious life, for still others through the single life. But for all of us our vocation is to live as God desires us to live, to be holy.

How do I know what my vocation is?
Knowing one's vocation is a process of discovery. We discover our vocation as we come to learn more about God, about ourselves and about others. As we come to know God through our prayer, the sacraments and our living of our Christian life, we come to hear his call. We learn to hear his voice and what he is inviting us to do.

As we come to know ourselves, discovering our gifts and talents, our likes and dislikes, we come to find particular desires in our heart. A desire for a family may point to a vocation to Marriage. A desire for service and ministry may point to a vocation to Priesthood or Religious Life.

Finally, as we grow in our relationship with others, we begin to find our vocation. Often other people serve as "mirrors" to us. They help us to see ourselves, our gifts and talents. People may ask us, "Did you ever think about becoming a priest?" Such a question can help serve as a great consideration to one who is discerning.

About Priesthood

Who is a Catholic priest?
A Catholic Priest is a man who has been called by God to serve the Church in the person of Christ the Head. He is a man who loves God, the Church and the People he serves. He Exercises this love thru his promises of celibacy, obedience and simplicity of life. He is a man rooted in prayer, who joyfully and sacrifically lives his life for others.

Who is a diocesan priest?
A Diocesan priest is a parish Priest. "Diocesan" comes from a Greek word meaning "to keep house," and "parish" (also a Greek word) means "A dwelling beside or near." A diocesan priest is the priest involved in the day-to-day lives of people. He "lives near them" in every way, and helps the local bishop to "keep house" in the family of God, either as an Associate Pastor or as a Pastor (and sometimes in ministries like teaching, or serving as a campus minister, or as a chaplain in a hospital, a military base, or a prison). A parish priest in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is committed to the family of God living in the five counties of Southeastern Pennsylvania.

What's the difference between a religious priest and a diocesan priest?
A religious priest (a member of a religious order or society) takes the vow of poverty as well as vows of celibacy and obedience. Usually, he lives with a number of other priests or brothers of his religious community. His service to the Church may extend beyond the diocese: he can expect to be sent anywhere in the world where his community is working. A diocesan priest, on the other hand, ordinarily serves within the diocese for which he is ordained. He makes a commitment to his bishop. He does not, however, take a vow of poverty. Instead, he is paid a salary from which he must pay for his own car, gas, insurance, clothes and personal needs.

FAQ's about Vocations | FAQ's about Priesthood | FAQ's about Seminary

About Seminary

What's seminary life like?
Seminary life is a life of community. It is a unique environment in which men who are thinking about being priests are gathered together to learn and discern more about their vocation. This discernment takes place through study (there are academic classes) Daily Mass and prayer, service (apostolic/volunteer work) and community life. In coming to know more about God, one another and the priesthood, the seminarians are able to grow more certain in the plan God is calling them to.

How long does it take to become a priest?
It depends on your previous education and when you enter the seminary. Some will enter the seminary right from high school, others will enter with some college credits completed and still others will enter with a college degree.

For those entering without any college background, the seminary will take at least 8 years to complete: Four years of college and four years of Theology studies.

For those entering with some college credits, those credits may be applied to the college program when possible and the seminarian can transfer into the appropriate college class.

For those entering the seminary with a college degree , the seminary will take at least 6 years to

omplete. These men must complete a 2 year Pre-Theology Program and four years of Theology studies.

During the college years, a seminarians study Philosophy, languages and theology. Upon graduating college, he receives a Bachelor of Arts Degree. The Theology studies make up the final four years of the seminary program. Upon completion of these studies, a seminarian receives a Masters of Divinity Degree.

The Pre-Theology Program is a two year program which affords a man already with a college degree, to gain some Philosophy credits and formation prior to Theology Studies.