Admission of International Seminarians

A Solid foundation for a new way of life

1. Ordinarily the philosophy requirement is completed prior to admission to the major seminary.
2. The TOEFL-iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language – internet-based Test) must be taken by the candidate, and scores must be sent electronically to the Registrar of the seminary. Minimum total score of 80 required, with no category lower than 20. Exceptions are considered on a case-by-case basis. [Register for the TOEFL-iBT (home edition) at https://www.ets.org/toefl. Be sure to select Institution # D231 Saint Mary Seminary and Graduate School of Theology]
3. The student has been selected and recommended by the formation faculty of the sponsoring diocesan seminary or sponsoring religious community. All academic transcripts, sacramental records, relevant formation evaluations, testimonials, and other admission documentation is sent to the Rector of Saint Mary Seminary prior to the issuance of the acceptance letter.
4. The sponsoring diocese or religious community is ordinarily responsible for financial support associated with seminary academic and formation program, including tuition, fees and living expenses.

priestly formation in an ecclesial and human context

1. The student has and presents a valid passport from the country of citizenship.
2. Saint Mary Seminary PDSO/DSO initiates the issue of the acceptance letter and I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status – For Academic and Language Students. The student presents all necessary documentation to the consulate of the country of citizenship to complete the process to be issued a valid student F-1 visa for study in the United States. It is understood that the student abides by all applicable immigration procedures at all times during the duration of the program of studies in the United States, including but not limited to international travel. Failure to cooperate may result in termination of the student visa.
3. Once all admission procedures have been completed, a travel date is set. Ordinarily, the international seminarian arrives at Saint Mary Seminary at least six months prior to the start of the academic semester to allow for a period of language, acculturation, and formational transition as a preparation for theological study and continued vocational discernment.

challenges, blessings, and opportunities

To assist the international seminarian to prepare for successful graduate study, a program of a orientation—adjusted according to the student’s needs—may include the following pastoral, language*, and formational experiences. (*Regional accrediting agencies require adequate proficiency in the English language. Saint Mary Seminary is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and requires adequate proficiency in the English language.)

PAS 501 — Formation for Fraternal Communion Goal: Personal formation and integration into the seminary community—Human and Community Accompaniment. This community leads the seminarian, through ordination, to become part of the ‘family’ of the presbyterate, at the service of a particular community. 3 Credits

PAS 502 — Discernment, Prayer, and Priestly Identity Goal: Spiritual Accompaniment—Introduction to the spirituality of the diocesan priest: The seminarian is introduced to the spiritual practices which are foundational to the priest’s life of prayer. In addition, the liturgical and devotional life of the seminary community are presented as normative and formative. 3 Credits

PAS 503 — English Language Proficiency for Graduate Theological Studies Goal: Intellectual Accompaniment—Classes are provided, either on campus, at a certified ELS site, or with the assistance of a certified ESL instructor, to assist the international seminarian in acquiring English proficiency in preparation for graduate theological studies and ongoing priestly formation. Speech therapy for accent reduction is available as needed. 3 Credits

PAS 504 — Introduction to Pastoral Ministry in an American Catholic Parish Goal: Cultural Competence for Priestly Ministry—Accompaniment for Pastoral Ministry: The program prepares candidates for priestly ministry, either incardinated in the Diocese of Cleveland, or returning to priestly ministry in their native country. 3 Credits

forming missionary disciples ready for consecration as shepherds for God’s people

• The international seminarian pursues the usual Master of Divinity Degree: Currently 113 graduate credits; minimum GPA: 2.0 on a 4-point scale.
• If the seminarian achieves a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4-point scale in the required courses of the first and second year of the MDiv program, he is eligible to also pursue the Master of Arts (Theology) degree during the remainder of the academic program.