Dear Visitor,

On behalf of the entire community of the University of St. Mary of the Lake / Mundelein Seminary, I welcome you to our home on the web. As you look around, I hope that you will find the information that we have provided here about ourselves both informative and helpful.

If you are considering a vocation in the Church, we are here to assist you.  Here at Mundelein, we are guided by a vision of ministry that is specifically diocesan.  The diocese is the local church willed by Christ.  Its ministry flows from the bishop, who continues the apostolic ministry of teaching, sanctifying and pastoring.   

As the Rector / President, I am proud of the many vital ways our university serves the Archdiocese of Chicago and the other dioceses who trust us with their seminarians.

The Priestly Formation Program has students from 45 dioceses in eight different countries, giving us a truly catholic outreach.

But diocesan ministry is more than just the priesthood.  The Lay Ministry Formation Program trains both volunteer and vocational ministers to competently serve our local church.  The Diaconate Formation Program prepares men for ordination and their wives for volunteer lay ministry in the Archdiocese of Chicago which has the largest diaconate in the world.  Our Instituto de Liderazgo Pastoral provides these same ministry formation programs for the Hispanic community

In addition to the programs which prepare students to enter ministry, we also offer advanced studies to insure the highest level of competence in those who serve the diocese.  The Graduate School of Theology offers a doctor of ministry degree to women and men in full time church service. The Ecclesiastical Faculty offers specialized degrees for students who wish to pursue advanced studies for research and teaching in Sacred Theology. The Liturgical Institute will allow us to assist in the preparation of future leaders of the central aspect of the Church's life: her worship of the Triune God .  Our newest program, in Diocesan Priestly Spirituality is staffed by the Institute for Priestly Formation and will both train spiritual directors and provide ongoing formation for priests in spirituality.

Another way that USML supports the ministry of the local church is through its Conference Center.  The Center offers retreat-style conference services to the parishes, agencies and institution of the Catholic Church as well as other religious communities and not-for-profit groups.

If you think Mundelein Seminary is the place for you, or you would like more information, please feel free to give us a call or drop an e-mail.

I hope you will explore all that USML has to offer, and I look forward to meeting you in person.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Very Rev. Dennis Lyle, S.T.D
Rector/ President