As with all dioceses, seminary studies for the diocese of Erie are divided into two parts, called minor seminary and major seminary. They correspond exactly to four years of undergraduate college study, and then four years of graduate, or post-college study. In all, the seminary program requires a minimum of eight years of school after high school. For those who complete their bachelor's degree outside of the seminary system, an additional two year Pre-Theology Program is usually required.

 Minor Seminary for the Diocese of Erie

 The diocese of Erie runs its own minor seminary, called St. Mark Seminary, in conjunction with its very own university, called Gannon University. Both the seminary and the university are located in Erie. The principal focus of the minor seminary is growth in Christian discipleship and spirituality. Seminarians live, pray, and work at the seminary while taking classes each day at the university. Upon graduation from minor seminary, seminarians earn bachelors degrees from Gannon and then, with the approval of the diocese, move on to major seminary. Students who complete their bachelor's degree outside of the seminary system should see below under "Pre-Theology Program."

 Major Seminary for the Diocese of Erie

 Because the diocese has no major seminary of its own, seminarians from the diocese are sent to one of four major seminaries outside of the diocese. They are Christ the King Seminary in East Aurora, New York; St. Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, Pa.; St. Mary's Seminary and University in Baltimore, Maryland; and the North American College at the Vatican. Major seminary is four years of  theological, scriptural, and pastoral training for the priesthood. The principal focus of the major seminary is ordination to the priesthood.

 Pre-Theology Program

 Some students apply to the diocese of Erie after having completed a bachelor's degree outside of the seminary system. Customarily, such students enroll at St. Mark Seminary in Erie and attend Gannon University for a period of two years in a program called the Pre-Theology Program. During this time, they complete a minor in philosophy, develop a foundation in the study of theology, take related courses such as Latin, and strive to develop a strong spiritual foundation through the seminary formation program. At the completion of the Pre-Theology Program, with the approval of the diocese, these students move on to major seminary.

Financial and Curricular Information is available upon request.  Inquiries are welcome.