The University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary prepares candidates for the diocesan priesthood and provides initial, post-graduate or ongoing formation for priests and those who collaborate with them in ministry.
Vision Statements
The Lord founded the Church with a sacred ministry of bishops, presbyters and deacons. At the core of its mission, Mundelein Seminary prepares men to be priests of Jesus Christ, priest, teacher and shepherd. It educates men for parish pastoral ministry as co-workers with their bishops in the service of the Catholic Church.
The Holy Spirit calls forth diverse gifts and ministries within the Church; the University of Saint Mary of the Lake also educates leaders for pastoral ministry as co-workers with the bishop and his priests in service to the people of Christ. It does this through distinct programs of formation for each ecclesial role.
The people of Christ deserve ministers committed to life-long learning and growth in holiness. USML provides post-graduate and advanced ministerial degree programs, as well as ongoing formation for all engaged in ministry.
Goals
1. To provide a comprehensive program of theological studies that: (a) supports students in the conscious appropriation of the Catholic faith and prepares them to proclaim and to teach God’s Word; (b) imparts a way of understanding, reflecting upon, interpreting and proclaiming the Catholic faith in parish ministry.
2. To provide a spiritual and human formation program that: (a) helps students grow in liturgical and personal prayer, celibate chastity and readiness for diocesan priestly life; (b) promotes self-awareness, competence and confidence, psychological integration, healthy sexual maturity and the capacity to relate to others; (c) fosters simplicity of life, obedience and pastoral service.
3. To provide a pastoral formation program that: (a) prepares students for the ministry of priestly leadership with and for others in the Church; (b) fosters the pastoral integration of theological and spiritual formation; (c) promotes habits of prayer, study and reflection in ministry; (d) develops pastoral skills and attitudes to meet the needs of the Church in evolving, complex and multicultural settings.
