Institutional Goals

• To provide priesthood candidates with a formation program that is in conformity with The Program of Priestly Formation and The Ratio Fundamentalis, and which fosters a dialogical disposition of listening with the ear of the heart to which the Rule of Saint Benedict intends.
• To provide all our students, priesthood candidates, candidates for the permanent diaconate and laypersons alike with degree programs and other offerings that instill a deep understanding of the contents of our Catholic faith and an ever-deepening awareness of the God who grounds all history and, in His mystery, hears and comprehends even the most subtle murmurs of the heart.
• To offer the Master of Divinity, Bachelor of Sacred Theology, and Master of Arts degree programs to all qualified persons and to do so in a way that fosters a spirit of openness to the Lord in every element of life and, most especially, in every person that we meet.

Program Goals

Ordination Program

The goals of the priestly formation program are as follows:
• To provide priesthood candidates with a formational curriculum that is in conformity with The Program of Priestly Formation and The Ratio Fundamentalis, and that offers the Master of Divinity, Bachelor of Sacred Theology, and Master of Arts degrees;
• To direct students in the formation process of human and Christian development through prayer, study, supervised pastoral experience, discernment, and evaluation;
• To test, nourish, and guide students’ priestly vocations through Seminary formation conferences, spiritual direction, fostering devotion, and faith sharing;
• To prepare students for effective ministry of the Word, of worship, and of parish service through study and pastoral practice;
• To assist students in the development of an ecclesial identity and readiness to accept leadership roles of service in the Church through a formative environment, witness of a committed faculty and administration, pastoral supervision, and personal guidance.

Masters of Divinity Degree Program

The Master of Divinity program is open to diocesan, religious, and lay students. This is a four-year program. The curriculum consists of four major areas: Sacred Scripture, Systematic Theology, Church History, Spiritual and Pastoral Theology, and Pastoral Studies.
“The Master of Divinity degree is the normative degree to prepare persons for ordained ministry and for general pastoral and religious leadership responsibilities in congregations and other settings. It is the required degree for admission to the Doctor of Ministry degree program, and the recommended first theological degree for admission to advanced programs oriented to theological research and teaching” (The Association of Theological Schools Bulletin 46, Part 1, 2005, p. 193).

The goals of the program are as follows:

• To give students a further opportunity to develop a personal appropriation of the heritage of the Roman Catholic Church through academic classes in Systematic Theology, Sacred Scripture, Church History, Pastoral and Spiritual Theology, and Pastoral Studies, as well as integration seminars and structured opportunities for faith sharing;
• To provide students with the academic and professional competency needed to begin ecclesial ministry by involving them in pastoral skills development, leadership training, and field education experiences;
• To nourish students’ spiritual lives in the spirit of the Gospel, especially through the study of Sacred Scripture and theology, and by offering a spiritual formation program;
• To assist students in understanding the cultural context in which they will minister by providing them information and experiences of the multi-cultural dimensions of the Church.

Bachelor of Sacred Theology Program

Bachelor of Sacred Theology
The Bachelor of Sacred Theology (S.T.B.) degree is granted in affiliation with the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, D.C. and is open to priestly formation candidates. The curriculum follows closely the Program of Priestly Formation of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and successful completion of the requirements for the S.T.B. degree prepares a seminarian academically for priestly ordination in the Catholic Church. This four-year program consists of five major areas: sacred scripture, systematic theology, pastoral and spiritual theology, church history, and pastoral studies. The program consists of eight regular semesters.

The goals of the program are as follows:

• To present priestly formation candidates with an organic exposition of the whole of Catholic doctrine, together with an introduction to theological scientific methodology (Sapientia Christiana, 72);
• To provide priestly formation candidates with a solid, organic, and complete basic instruction in theology, which will enable them either to go on to the next cycle’s higher studies or to exercise some office in the Church (Norms of Application for the Implementation of “Sapientia Christiana,” 52).

Master of Arts Degree Program

The Master of Arts program is open to diocesan, religious, and lay students. It is a two-year program leading to a Master of Arts degree with a concentration in Sacred Scripture, Systematic Theology, or Monastic Studies. Students are equipped with the tools for critical thinking and research on a graduate level and have the flexibility of working out a plan of study best suited to their backgrounds, interests, and anticipated needs. Each candidate must choose an academic advisor in the area of concentration.
“The purpose of these degree programs (such as Master of Arts) is to provide a basic understanding of theological discipline for further graduate study and for general educational purposes” (The Association of Theological Schools, Bulletin 46, Part 1, 2005, p. 209).

The goals of the program are as follows:
• To assist students in attaining academic competency in theology with a concentration in either Systematic Theology, Sacred Scripture, or Monastic Studies through academic classes in theology and the special areas of concentration;
• To augment the students’ knowledge of the faith tradition of the Church by engaging in research on the graduate level through participation in at least three graduate research seminars;
• To prepare students for critical theological reflection through the academic program and discussion of research topics;
• To assist students to integrate what they have learned in the process of preparing for written and oral comprehensive examinations.
The courses in the Seminary curriculum acceptable for the Master of Arts program are in the 800 series. The courses in the 700 series, with additional work, may also be acceptable, if first approved by the Academic Dean.

Other Services

Saint Vincent Seminary wishes to share its educational resources in every way possible. This occurs basically through two programs, i.e., education of men for the Permanent Diaconate and Continuing Education.

Continuing Education for Clergy and Laypersons

The Seminary welcomes students interested in taking classes on a continuing education basis to deepen their understanding of the Christian life and faith. We provide opportunities for continuing education in Sacred Scripture, Spirituality, Systematic Theology, Church History, and Monastic Studies. Those enrolled as continuing education students normally possess a bachelor’s degree and the necessary background for the courses they wish to take. The Academic Dean admits continuing education students into the courses. Students pay the regular tuition rate unless they audit the courses.

Circuit-Riding Faculty

Saint Vincent Seminary faculty members are available to teach courses and lead workshops for clergy, Catholic schoolteachers, parish catechists, and other interested adults providing opportunities for ongoing education and formation. Faculty members from the Seminary have served as major presenters and spiritual directors at annual priests’ days and have delivered talks and other conferences to parish communities upon request. It is our way of reaching out to the wider community. Typical efforts include, among other things, Advent and Lenten series, days of spiritual reflection, preparation and training of lay ministry, and presentations on an ecumenical or inter-religious theme. Please contact the Academic Dean to explore how Saint Vincent Seminary might help address your educational needs.

Permanent Diaconate Training

Saint Vincent Seminary has been actively involved for many years in preparing candidates for permanent diaconate in various theological disciplines. We presently work with local dioceses, including the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown and the Diocese of Greensburg, and we have worked with the Diocese of Pittsburgh. The Seminary is pleased to share its expertise, to offer faculty and assistance in planning to any interested diocese.
We are also exploring the possibility of distance learning courses and a formal degree or certificate program sponsored by the Seminary and designed for permanent diaconate candidates. Please contact the Academic Dean for more information.