Sulpicians: St. Mary’s Center for Continuing Formation, Baltimore, MD

St. Mary’s Center for Continuing Formation, Baltimore, MD

Vivere summe Deo in Christo Jesu
To live completely for God in Christ Jesus
– Sulpician motto, from the writings of Fr. Olier

St. Mary's Center for Continuing Formation

St. Mary's Center for Continuing Formation

St. Mary’s Center for Continuing Formation offers programs specifically for priests at all stages of their ministry, for other ministers and laypersons and students.

about the Center for Continuing Formation, click here.

Since 1996, the Sulpicians have had a premier site for the ongoing support, formation, and education of those in priestly ministry. Through the Center for Continuing Formation at St. Mary’s Seminary & University in Baltimore, the Sulpicians are able to provide continuing formation programs for priests in the spirit of the U.S. Bishops' Basic Plan for the Ongoing Formation of Priests.

From an early priesthood support program to a sabbatical month for priests to an annual retreat for "veterans of the campaign," the Center for Continuing Formation allows the Sulpicians to fulfill its mission of ongoing formation of priests.

During the month-long sabbatical, priests at any stage of ministry can step away for theological and pastoral updating, receive spiritual direction and participate in a community of prayer. Learning with other priests offers invaluable sharing of experiences and insights into ministry. The program also offers presentations by nationally recognized theologians and expert seminary professors.

A recent study on the first five years of priesthood uncovered areas of serious concern for priests in the critical first years of ministry. At the Center for Continuing Formation, a five-day program twice a year focus on these important transitional issues. From private conferences on priestly spirituality in these times to biomedical ethics to workshops on leadership and communication skills, young priests are helped to devise a personal plan for ongoing formation.

A three-day retreat offered each spring is designed to meet the needs of senior priests ordained 30 years or more.

In addition to these programs especially for the ongoing formation of priests, the Center for Continuing Formation also offers an annual ecumenical scripture seminar, parish staff development workshops, and a theological studies program for high school juniors selected for their capacity to do college level work in theology.