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Welcome to the University of Saint Mary of the Lake

At the University of Saint Mary of the Lake we educate and form Priests and lay leaders to serve the Church and its people. Our campus is home to Mundelein Seminary and The School of Parish Leadership and Evangelization a major seminary and school of theology for the Archdiocese of Chicago and beyond for over a century.

Located just north of Chicago, it is home to seminarians from nearly 30 dioceses across the country and around the world. Solidly grounded in prayer, pastoral formation and rigorous academic training, USML’s distinctive curriculum includes an innovative Teaching Parish Program, two full-time internships, simulation lab, and a study-pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

Mundelein Seminary graduates are people of prayer whose hearts are burning to serve as a holy bridge between God and His people. They are formed in tradition, trained in compassion, and prepared to shepherd.

Our faculty is among the largest in the country, and many of our professors are recognized as leaders in their fields. USML professors serve as members or experts to pontifical academies, councils and the International Theological Commission. They are sought-after speakers nationally and internationally.

Mundelein Seminary and the School of Parish Leadership and Evangelization grants degrees through the University of Saint Mary of the Lake, chartered in 1844 and has been in continuous operation since 1921. It is one of only seven schools in North America established as a Pontifical Faculty of Theology by the Holy See. Those who wish to become Permanent Deacons complete their studies through our Deacon Formation Program. In a given year, the campus serves full and part-time lay students in the School of Parish Leadership and Evangelization and Escuela de Liderazgo para la Evangelización degree and certificate programs.

The Conference Center hosts group retreats, meetings and functions with approximately 25,000 – 35,000 people annually .

Our beautiful Feehan Memorial Library and McEssy Theological Resource Center offer students access to over 200,000 print volumes and a broad spectrum of electronic resources, and our vibrant Conference Center is available for retreats, meetings or company outings in the breathtaking setting of our campus.

Our address is 1000 E. Maple Ave., Mundelein, IL 60060.

University Mission Statement

To form a Church that consecrates the world to God, according to the heart of Christ through the Holy Spirit

University Vision Statement

To form priests, deacons, and the laity for parish leadership, ministry, and evangelization – adhering to timeless Truth while adapting to constant change.