Timothy M. Dolan - Formation and Priesthood

Formation and Priesthood

Dolan entered Saint Louis Preparatory Seminary in Shrewsbury, Missouri in 1964, and later obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy from Cardinal Glennon College. He was sent by Cardinal John Carberry to further his studies in Rome, where he attended the Pontifical North American College, and the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Angelicum from which he earned the degree of Licentiate of Sacred Theology in 1976.

Dolan was ordained a priest by Edward O'Meara (Archbishop of Indianapolis, then Auxiliary Bishop of St. Louis) on June 19, 1976. He then served as an associate pastor at Curé of Ars in Shrewsbury and Immacolata Roman Catholic Parish in Richmond Heights until 1979. From there he began his doctoral studies at The Catholic University of America under John Tracy Ellis with a concentration on the history of the Church in America; his thesis centered on Edwin Vincent O'Hara (Archbishop). Dolan performed pastoral work upon his return to Missouri from 1983 to 1987. During this time he collaborated with Archbishop John May in reforming the archdiocesan seminary.

He was then named secretary of the Apostolic Nunciature in Washington, D.C., serving as a liaison between American dioceses and the nunciature. In 1992, Dolan was appointed Vice-Rector of his alma mater Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, where he also served as spiritual director and taught Church history. He was also an adjunct professor of theology at St. Louis University.

From 1994 until June 2001, Dolan held the office of Rector of the Pontifical North American College in Rome. During his tenure he published Priests for the Third Millennium, and taught at the Pontifical Gregorian University and the Angelicum. He also was granted the title of Monsignor by Pope John Paul II in 1994.