School of Theology Catalog 2021

Creation of a Formational Community:
The early Sulpicians were convinced that a
seminary must be a true formational community
(communauté éducatrice) where priesthood
is modeled effectively by the priests on
the faculty who come to know those in formation
well through their personal encounters
with them. St. Mary’s reaffirms the irreplaceable
importance of personal presence and
effective witness to those in formation, not
only in the classroom but also in prayer and
community life.
Collegiality:
The Sulpician tradition stresses collegiality as
an essential aspect of priestly formation. St.
Mary’s considers collegiality crucial to effective
leadership, for maintaining a strong and
unified program, and for modeling collaboration
in ministry.
Cultivating an Apostolic Spirit:
The Sulpician tradition forms priests who
have a strong sense of mission imbued with
the apostolic spirit of Christ. Responding to
the needs of the Church today, St. Mary’s
encourages those in formation to develop zeal
for evangelization and a love for pastoral service.
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