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Master of Divinity – Priesthood Studies
The Master of Divinity (MDiv)
The education and formation of priesthood candidates assists them to discern their gifts and to prepare for a ministry of service to their communities and to the people of God as ordained monks. Formation addresses topics particular to priestly ministry, such as living celibacy as a gift and a discipline, in addition to competencies for pastoral ministry, such as preaching and pastoral care.
At a Glance
Formats
In-Person
Length
4-5 Years
Application Deadline
Rolling Admission
Professional Outcomes
Priesthood
At Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary, we form and accompany men discerning a call to sacred orders, walking with them as they reflect deeply on what it means to be a priest in an evangelizing Church. We challenge them to take seriously the nature of the Church’s mission in the United States and around the world. Situated at the heart of Saint John’s Abbey, our seminarians live and pray with the monastic community, participating fully in its spiritual and liturgical life.
Master of Divinity – Priesthood Studies – Overview
The M.Div – Priesthood Studies degree requires the completion of 108 credits, or roughly 4-5 years of full-time study. This M.Div includes 60 credits of study in the Collegeville Core, 24 credits in pastoral ministry, 12 credits in Field Education, and 12 credits in Monastic Priesthood formation. Seminarians are formed under the guidance of the Seminary Rector.
Degree Breakdown
Master of Divinity – Priesthood Studies – 108 Credits
Collegeville Core Courses – 60 credits total:
- History of Christianity: 6 Credits
- Sacred Scripture: 12 Credits
- Systematic Theology: 15 Credits
- Liturgy: 12 Credits
- Monastic Studies/Spirituality: 15 Credits
Pastoral Ministry – 24 Credits Total:
- Courses in evangelization, catechesis, pastoral care, and church administration
Field Education – 12 Credits Total:
- Clinical Pastoral Education: 3 Credits
- Field Education: 9 Credits
Monastic Priesthood Formation – 12 Credits Total:
- Study the Theology of Holy Orders and Priesthood studies, ministerial ethics, celibacy, sacramental practicum, and liturgical arts
For a detailed list of specific courses required for the Master of Divinity – Priesthood Studies program, please contact the Seminary Rector, Fr. William Orbih, Ph.D.
Degree Outcomes
The requirements for the Master of Divinity Degree leading to ordination follow the Program of Priestly Formation (USCCB) implemented according to the Formation for Presbyteral Ministry in Institutes of Religious Life (CMSM) approved by the Vatican in October 2011.
Ordination candidates who graduate with the Master of Divinity Degree will:
- Demonstrate a knowledge of the history and development of the Bible and Catholic theology, including the Church’s sacramental life, ministries, moral and social teachings.
- Exercise leadership which incorporates practical theological reflection on worship, catechesis, biblical interpretation and preaching, pastoral care, administration, and social ministries.
- Demonstrate Christian maturity through ministerial ethics, respect for cultural diversity, and commitment to lifelong learning about the Christian faith as well as to celibacy lived as both a gift and a discipline, with awareness of its theological, personal, and pastoral meaning.
- Incorporate the Benedictine charisms of biblical, liturgical, and communal life into their presbyteral identity and practice.
The Seminary
Seminarians live within the monastery of Saint John’s Abbey and report directly to a Benedictine superior, the Dean of the Seminary.
Priestly Formation and the Rule of Saint Benedict
The Rule of Benedict describes the unique position of a monk chosen by his abbot for ordination to the priesthood, pointing out that “The monk so ordained . . . will have to subject himself all the more to the discipline of the rule” (Rule of Benedict 62).
Benedict’s brevity on this subject makes his words even more powerful, emphasizing the importance of deeply integrating the Rule into the life of a monk who becomes a priest.
Saint’s John’s fosters this integration during a monk’s time as a seminarian by using the Rule of Benedict as the guide for priestly formation and education (see the USCCB’s Program of Priestly Formation, 5th edition, numbers 26-31).
Having a specifically monastic priestly formation allows ordained monks to help their home monasteries maintain the rich monastic character of their various apostolates which are as necessary to the church as they have always been.
Theological Integration
Academic Excellence
- Obsculta Journal – Each year students, with the oversight of a faculty member, publish a student journal of theology.
- Language Training – Saint John’s regularly offers coursework in Greek, Latin, and Hebrew.
- Alcuin Library – Home to the Saint John’s Bible and the Hill Museum and Manuscript Library, Alcuin contains one of the largest theological collections in North America.
- Conference Support – Saint John’s financially supports students to attend conferences to hone their academic writing.
Spiritual Formation
- Midday Prayer & Convivium – Every Thursday students, faculty, and staff gather for an ecumenical midday prayer and shared meal.
- Monastic Horariums – Saint John’s Abbey and The Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict pray the Liturgy of the hours every day.
- Spiritual Direction – While not required in the MTS curriculum, students are able to take advantage of Spiritual Direction with the monastic communities.
- Daily Mass – There are many options for daily Mass with in the local community, and Tuesday Mass is offered in Emmaus Hall.
Student Experience
- Community Retreat – Every year Saint John’s hosts a community day of retreat for all students, faculty, and staff.
- Student Government – Events are planned throughout the year by the student government for students.
- Student-Led Retreats – Student government hosts two student retreats a year, one in the fall and one in the spring.
- Embedded Experience – our graduate students have full access to the dining halls, sporting events, fine arts programming, weightrooms, campus ministry, etc. of the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University.
Application Process
Saint John’s uses a robust application software, Slate, for the application process. Prospective students will create a username and password, and then upload/request pertinent information directly into Slate. After beginning an application, students can log back into the application portal and check their progress.
If you have any questions/concerns about Slate and the admission process, please reach out to the Admission Office: [email protected]
Autobiography
In 3-5 pages, please write a concise autobiography, including:
- Description of your family life and upbringing.
- Core people and events that have influenced your decision to pursue ordination to the priesthood.
- Reason for interest in studying particularly at Saint John’s Seminary.
Letters of Recommendation
- MDiv – Priesthood Studies applicants are required to request 3 letters of recommendation, from educational or professional contacts, within the online application system. The MDiv – Priesthood studies program requires: A letter of good-standing/permission from your direct religious superior/Bishop to pursue seminary formation.
- Letters of recommendation must be requested through the Slate Portal and cannot be sent directly from the applicant to the admission office.
Official Certificate of Baptism and Confirmation
- Applicants to the Seminary can upload copies of their official certificate of baptism and confirmation into Slate.
Physician’s Note
- Contact the Seminary Rector for more information.
Resume / CV
Applicants are required to submit an updated résumé outlining personal, educational and professional backgrounds. This can be uploaded directly into the application portal, Slate.
Transcripts
Official transcripts of post-secondary coursework must be sent from the Registrar’s Office to the Admissions Office
Contact Information for Sending Transcripts:
Admissions at Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary
P.O. Box 7288
Collegeville, MN 56321
Next Steps
Pursue a specialized vocation, an impactful ministry, or advanced academic research through a Doctoral program in theology. Explore the Master Divinity (Priesthood) degree—request detailed information, arrange a campus visit, or begin your application today.