Saint Mark Seminary
Very Rev. Scott W Jabo, Rector
Rev. David M Renne, Vice-Rector
In cooperation with the Diocese of Erie, Gannon University offers a variety of academic degree programs to seminary students in the discipleship stage of formation at St. Mark Seminary. The immediate aim of seminary formation at the college level, in accordance with the Program for Priestly Formation (PPF) 6TH ed., is to help the seminarian mature as an educated human person, committed to Christ and to the service of his neighbor.
Bishop Lawrence Persico, Ordinary of the Erie Diocese, responding to the aims and objectives of the Unites States Conference of Catholic Bishops, continues a tradition begun by the University’s founder, Archbishop John Mark Gannon. The seminarian’s academic life at the University is under the guidance of the seminary in the development of the human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral dimensions of priestly formation. College seminarians matriculate as full-time students of the University. The wide-range of academic programs enables the seminarians to have close contact with their peers and University professors.
Academic Requirements
Seminarians must be full-time students in good standing at Gannon University in a Bachelor’s degree program or in the two-year seminary studies program.
While Philosophy remains a highly recommended major for preparation for graduate studies in theology, some other majors offered by Gannon University are deemed appropriate. The choice of an undergraduate major as well as a change from one to another must have specific approval of the St. Mark Seminary.
All students pre-register twice per year after consulting with the St. Mark Seminary Academic Advisor.
All students must be full-time to a maximum of eighteen (18) semester hours unless specific approval for more than eighteen (18) hours or less than fifteen (15) hours is secured from the St. Mark Seminary Academic Advisor. A fifteen (15) hour load is the norm for seminarians.
Students are not permitted to take late afternoon or evening classes without the specific approval of the St. Mark Seminary Academic Advisor. The normal time for all classes to be finished is 3:00 p.m.
Regardless of major, all seminarians beginning as freshmen are required to include in their four-year programs of study the following courses.
Philosophy (30 credits required as a minimum)
Philosophy and the Good Life, course
Philosophy of God, course
Logic, course
Philosophy of Knowledge, course
Philosophy of Ethical Responsibility, course
Metaphysics, course
History of Philosophy Series
Theology (12 Credits)
Foundations of Theology and Christian Morality, course
The Bible: an Introduction, course
Theology Elective (two courses)
Latin (12 Credits)
Introductory Latin I. course
Introductory Latin II, course
Intermediate Latin I, course
Intermediate Latin II, course
Seminary Studies Program for Those Entering the Discipleship Stage with a College Degree
A separate program of studies (2 year) is designed for a man entering the discipleship stage of formation with a college degree. Consideration is given to any undergraduate and graduate work which he has previously completed and his needs in preparation for theological studies, especially with regard to the minimum hours of philosophy and theology.
Human Dimension
In addition to the intellectual dimension of seminary formation, the discipleship stage at St. Mark Seminary focuses on human formation. The human personality of the priest is to be “a bridge and not an obstacle for others in their meeting with Jesus Christ, the Redeemer of the human race” (See PPF, #182). The unique relationship between St. Mark Seminary and Gannon University affords seminarians the opportunity to take classes with male and female students and be engaged in campus activities. In this environment, the seminarian can continue to “integrate his own self-awareness into a desire to grow in affective maturity as he relates to others” (See PPF, #193).
Spiritual Dimension
The formation program at St. Mark Seminary can be described as both a place and a process for men to explore the possibility that Christ might be inviting them to make a lifelong commitment to the priesthood. Through daily Mass, the Liturgy of the Hours, and regular eucharistic adoration, the seminarian in the discipleship stage of formation demonstrates “a growing openness to the Holy Spirit as the primary agent of formation in his life” and “recognizes God’s grace enabling him to grow and discern with the grateful assistance of his formators” (See PPF, #236).
Pastoral Dimension
Through the seminarian’s involvement in campus ministry activities as well as weekly pastoral placements in the Erie community, he will further develop pastoral skills such as “relating well with others,” “freedom from prejudices against any class or group of individuals,” “a willingness to work with people of diverse cultural backgrounds,” “generosity to the poor,” and “the willingness and ability to work collaboratively as a member of a team” (See PPF, #374).
Information/Application
Inquiries for additional information and/or to apply for seminary status may be directed to:
The Very Rev. Scott W. Jabo, Rector
429 E Grandview Blvd.
Erie, Pennsylvania 16504
Office Phone: (814) 824-1198