Priesthood Formation

Vision of Formation Human Formation Spiritual Formation Academic Formation Pastoral Formation Propaedeutic Year How to Apply Cost and Finances Frequently Asked Questions

The process of applying to the seminary begins in consultation with the vocation director of your home (arch)diocese or religious community.

When you have reviewed the requirements for admission and your vocation director tells you that you have been accepted as a seminarian, follow these steps to apply to Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology.

APPLYING TO SAINT MEINRAD

  1. Your vocation director writes a letter informing Saint Meinrad that you have been accepted as a seminarian for your diocese or religious community.

  2. You request an application from Saint Meinrad's director of admissions, including your mailing address.

  3. The application packet will be sent via the U.S. Postal Service.

  4. Complete the application forms, obtain the necessary documents, and request your transcripts and recommendations.

  5. Submit your completed application by mail to: 
    Director of Admissions
    Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology
    200 Hill Drive
    St. Meinrad, IN 47577

All recommendations and transcripts are to be sent directly to the Director of Admissions. Saint Meinrad will acknowledge receipt of your application and guide you in the process. Completed applications are reviewed by the Seminary Admissions Committee. 

Following the committee's review, your admissions status will be communicated to you and your vocation director.

DOCUMENTATION FOR INTERNATIONAL CANDIDATES

International seminary candidates will need to work with both their vocation director and the seminary, particularly the Registrar, to ensure they have filed the necessary applications and documents to acquire the appropriate status for study in the United States.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION

  • Sponsorship/affiliation with your (arch)diocese or religious community

  • A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university

  • An academic GPA of 2.5 or higher during college or university

  • A minimum TOEFL score of 500 (61 on the internet-based test) to take 9 credit-hours; 550 (80 on the internet-based test) to take 12-15 hours.

  • The completion of the entire application process

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS 

Gathering these documents will help you get a head start on your application:

  • Official Certificate of Baptism 

  • Official Certificate of Confirmation 

  • Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended 

  • Recent photograph 

  • Concise autobiography (3-page, 1,800-word maximum), including: 

    • Description of your home life and relationships with family members

    • Central people and events that influenced your decision to study for priesthood, especially a priest who has been important to you

    • Work experiences since high school, especially when you weren't going to school

    • Social relationships outside your home

    • Reasons for desiring to become a priest.