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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does 'Athenaeum' mean and how is it pronounced?'Athenaeum' was a name in ancient Rome for a place of learning, derived from Athena, the goddess of wisdom. It was the name given to the first seminary in Cincinnati in 1829, whose tradition the current Athenaeum continues. The correct pronunciation is 'Ath-uh-nee-um.' Back to Top2. Is the Athenaeum a seminary for diocesan priests?Yes, Mount St. Mary’s Seminary of the West prepares men for ordination to the Roman Catholic priesthood to serve in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and, in some cases, in the Dioceses of Toledo and Youngstown. The seminary is one of three divisions for study at the Athenaeum. Graduate programs of study leading to the Master’s Degree in Biblical Studies, Theology or Pastoral Counseling are also offered through the Special Studies Division. This division also includes the Deacon Formation program. The Lay Pastoral Ministry Program offers classes leading to the Master’s Degree in Pastoral Ministry as well as non-degree enrichment studies for those who wish to serve in ministry or who seek to develop their own spirituality Back to Top3. How many students are studying at the Athenaeum ?Currently there are 40 seminarians and 218 lay students enrolled for study at the Athenaeum, for a total student population of 258. 4. Can anyone take a class at the Athenaeum?Qualified students may enroll in most Athenaeum courses, on a credit or audit basis, without having been admitted to a degree program. Such students must give evidence that they possess competence to pursue the level of course work for which they register. In the case of graduate courses, this ordinarily means that they must have earned a bachelor’s degree. They must also have fulfilled the prerequisites for any given course. Persons interested in enrolling in any Athenaeum course should contact the Office of the Registrar.5. Are the Athenaeum building and grounds open to the public?Visitors are welcome to the Athenaeum chapel and library at any time when classes are in session. The public is also invited and encouraged to attend scheduled events, such as performances by the Athenaeum Chorale. Other visitors should stop by the Business Office before proceeding in the building or on the grounds. Back to Top6. What is the permanent deacon program?The permanent diaconate is a vocation for lay men to serve special functions of ministry. A full description of the ministry and its requirements is given on our Deacon Formation page. For more information contact Barry Mersmann at the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Back to Top7. Are Athenaeum faculty members available as speakers?Athenaeum faculty are often requested for lectures and parish talks. The Athenaeum Events calendar includes upcoming lectures, which are sometimes given by faculty members. For more information, contact Walt Schaeffer, Director of Communications, at 233-6130. Back to Top8. Is there a Sunday Mass I can attend at the Athenaeum?On Sundays the Athenaeum resident priests and seminarians help out in local parishes so there is no Sunday liturgy at the Athenaeum. Back to Top9. Is the Athenaeum available for weddings and receptions?No, the Athenaeum facilities are not available for weddings. Wedding pictures may be taken on the grounds with prior permission. Please call the Business Office at 231-2223 to schedule a time. Back to Top10. How is the Athenaeum supported financially?The Athenaeum receives funding primarily through the yearly appeal from the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, tuition and fees, and the generosity of hundreds of benefactors. For information on the Annual Fund and other ways you can help support our mission, please see our Ways to Give page. Back to Top
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6616 Beechmont Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45230 |