Pontifical North American College - Structure and Enrollment

Structure and Enrollment

The College now consists of a Seminary, which prepares candidates for the Catholic priesthood; the Casa Santa Maria, for Catholic priests pursuing graduate studies, the continuing formation Institute for Continuing Theological Education (ICTE) and the Bishops' Office for U.S. Visitors to the Vatican, which serves pilgrims who come to Rome from the United States. The College also serves persons who travel to Rome from the United States on College or Holy See matters, particularly members of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. It has received numerous illustrious visitors, including four Popes, President John F. Kennedy, and the Rev. Billy Graham.

The Board of Governors of the College consists of one diocesan or auxiliary bishop from each of the fifteen regions into which the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is divided. The current Chairman of the Board of Governors is the Most Reverend John J. Myers, Archbishop of Newark; and the current Rector of the College is the Reverend Monsignor James F. Checchio, a priest of the Diocese of Camden, New Jersey.

For the 2012–2013 academic year, enrollment in the Seminary will be 255, at the Casa Santa Maria approximately 75; and at each of two continuing formation sessions, approximately 30.

Enrollment in the College is available to properly qualified Catholic seminarians and priests who are citizens of the United States of America, nominated for such enrollment by a diocesan bishop of the United States of America, and approved for enrollment by the Rector. Enrollment of students studying for other dioceses or not American citizens is by decision of the Board. The students of all departments may, as approval by their bishop and the Board of Governors, attend any Pontifical University or other educational institution approved by the Holy See. Human, pastoral and spiritual formation is provided by the faculty of the College.