The primary mission of Saint John's Seminary is to prepare candidates for ordination as diocesan priests in the Roman Catholic Church and to recommend them to sending bishops. The Seminary enrolls candidates for the priesthood from Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life in its several degree programs of priestly formation. The Seminary’s Master of Arts in Ministry and Master of Theological Studies Programs provide formation for laypersons, permanent deacons, and religious. The Seminary offers opportunities for ongoing formation of clergy as well.