Application Process

Admission Checklist
 M.Div. 
Lay
M.Div.
 Priesthood 
 M.T.S. 
M.A.
 Lit.Mus. 
 M.A.M. 
M.A.T
 Th.M. 
Application Form √ √ √ √ √ √ √
Official Transcript √ √ √ √ √ √ √
Letters of Recommendation 3 3 3 3 3 3 2
Written Narrative √ √ √ √ √
Autobiography √
Writing Sample √
Resume/CV √ √ √ √ √ √ √
Certificate of Baptism and Confirmation √
Physician's Note √
Audition/Interview √
Supplemental Priesthood Questionnaire √

*Please see additional information for International Applicants. 

OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT

An official transcript from an accredited college or equivalent must be sent directly from the Registrar's Office to the Director of Admissions at Saint John's School of Theology and Seminary, P.O. Box 7288, Collegeville, MN 56321.

  • M.A. in Liturgical Music applicants must have a bachelor's degree in music or the equivalent from an accredited institution.
  • Th.M. applicants must have a Master of Arts in Theology degree, a Master of Divinity degree, or equivalent.

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

Applicants for M.Div., M.T.S, or M.A degrees must have three letters of recommendation from educational or professional contacts who can attest to the academic ability, leadership qualities, communication skills, and overall readiness of the applicant for graduate theological study.  Click on the link, copy and paste the url into an email to your recommenders: Recommendation Form.

  • Lay applicants for the Master of Divinity: One of the three letters must come from an employer who can speak to the applicant's potential for ministry.
  • Monastic priesthood applicants for the Masters of Divinity: One of the three letters must be from your abbot (or major superior if from a non-monastic order). In addition to discussing your ability for graduate study, your abbot must also state that you are a monk (or religious) in good standing and that you have his permission to study at Saint John's.
  • Diocesan priesthood applications for the Masters of Divinity: One of the three letters must come from the bishop, vocation director or religious superior.
  • Applicants for the Master of Arts in Liturgical Music: Two of the three letters must come from music instructors.
  • Applicants from religious communities: One of the three letters must come from a major superior.

Th.M. Applicants require two letter of recommendations from professors at the institution where you completed your graduate theological degree.

WRITTEN NARRATIVE

Lay M.Div., M.T.S., and M.A. applicants are required to submit a typewritten narrative of 1250-1500 words:Describe the life experiences that have had a significant impact on your personal growth and development with particular attention to the ways these experiences have revealed both your strengths and areas for improvement. Describe your view of the Church in the next decade and the role you might have in the ministry of the Church. Outline the desired goals you wish to achieve at Saint John's and how Saint John's can assist in the fulfillment of your personal, professional, and educational goals.

Documents can be submitted as email attachments to [email protected].

AUTOBIOGRAPHY

Priesthood applicants are required to submit a 7-10 page autobiographical paper emphasizing their faith journey to the priestly vocation.

Documents can be submitted as email attachments to [email protected].

WRITING SAMPLE

Th.M. applicants are required to submit a writing sample of 15-20 pages, including bibliography and footnotes. A graduate paper or chapter of a thesis is acceptable. A personal statement of not more that 750 words is also required:

  • Reflect upon the development of your personal and professional goals since you began graduate theological study. Why do you wish to study at Saint John's?

Documents can be submitted as email attachments to [email protected].

RESUME

Applicants are required to submit an updated résumé outlining personal, educational and professional backgrounds.

Documents can be submitted as email attachments to [email protected].

CERTIFICATE OF BAPTISM AND CONFIRMATION

Priesthood applicants are required to submit certificates of Baptism and Confirmation (photocopies are accepted if the religious community has the original documents).

Documents can be submitted as email attachments to [email protected].

PHYSICIAN'S NOTE

Priesthood applicants are required to submit a statements from a physician indicating the results of a recent physical examination.

Documents can be submitted as email attachments to [email protected].

AUDITION/INTERVIEW

M.A. in Liturgical Music applicants are required to audition and interview with the music faculty: Audition and Interview expectations.

INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS

International students, along with the MAT/GRE, are required to take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)or MELAB (Michigan English Language Assessment Battery)to demonstrate proficiency in the English language.

SUPPLEMENTAL PRIESTHOOD QUESTIONNAIRE

Priesthood applicants are required to complete a supplemental questionnaire.

Documents can be submitted as email attachments to [email protected].