White Holy Apostles Logo with crest

Where Faith and History Meet

Discover the rich legacy and timeless mission of Holy Apostles College and Seminary.
Explore Our Story

Where Faith and History Meet

Explore Our Story
Academic Building at Holy Apostles

A Campus Steeped in History

Our journey begins with the Ranney House, Cromwell’s oldest residence, now St. James Hall. Built by one of the town’s founding families, it later became home to Capt. John Riley. His incredible survival story, after being shipwrecked and enslaved in Africa, was immortalized in the bestseller Skeletons on the Zahara.

Adjacent to this historic home stands St. Peter’s Hall, originally the Ebenezer Beckwith Octagonal House, built in 1854.

The campus’ extraordinary natural setting was enhanced through the work of the famed Olmsted landscape architecture firm whose founder Frederick Law Olmsted designed New York City’s Central Park. 

A New Mission Takes Shape

In 1956, Rev. Eusebe Menard, O.F.M., breathed new life into this historic site by founding Holy Apostles Seminary. His vision was clear: to help older men discern their calling to the priesthood.

By 1972, the seminary expanded to include lay students and consecrated religious, becoming a college that offered a solid Catholic education.

In 1978, the seminary was authorized to operate as a major theologate, preparing men for ordination with the Master of Divinity degree.

A New Mission Takes Shape

In 1956, Rev. Eusebe Menard, O.F.M., breathed new life into this historic site by founding Holy Apostles Seminary. His vision was clear: to help older men discern their calling to the priesthood.

By 1972, the seminary expanded to include lay students and consecrated religious, becoming a college that offered a solid Catholic education. In 1978, the seminary was authorized to operate as a major theologate, preparing men for ordination with the Master of Divinity degree.

A New Chapel For A Growing Community 

To meet the needs of Holy Apostles’s growing student population, a new chapel, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of the Apostles, was built by Sullivan Brothers, LLC of Wolcott, CT, and dedicated in 2010. The chapel replaced a structure that only held 80 students.

The chapel has an unusual – but spacious – octagonal design, reflecting the other historic buildings on campus, and encompasses a cathedral ceiling that replicates a 5th-century Byzantine design.

Pioneering Catholic Education

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1956

Founded

Holy Apostles Seminary founded by Franciscan Eusebe Menard as a college-level preparatory seminary entrusted to the Missionaries of the Holy Apostles.

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1972

Welcoming Laity

To serve the growing ministries of the Church, Holy Apostles welcomed laity, including women, to study theology and philosophy on campus.

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1998

Online Pioneer

Launched online graduate programs, including Master of Arts in Theology and Master of Arts in Philosophy.

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2007

Cardinal Newman College

Named in the inaugural issue of the Cardinal Newman Society Recommended College Guide (and every year since!)
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2011

New MAPS Program

Launched the Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies with concentrations such as Apologetics and Pastoral Counseling.

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2014

Undergraduate Programs

Launched 100% online undergraduate programs (Associate of Arts and Bachelor of Arts).
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2021

Online MDiv Program

Launched a 100% online Master of Divinity in the New Evangelization, one of the first fully online MDiv programs in the country.
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2024
Master of Sacred Scripture

In the Spring of 2024, Holy Apostles launched the only 100% Online Catholic Master of Sacred Scripture program.

Shaping Leaders for Tomorrow

Today, Holy Apostles College and Seminary continues its mission to form Catholic leaders for the Church and the world. From its historic buildings to its cutting-edge online programs, it remains a place where the past inspires the future, and faith fuels discovery.

Holy Apostles is dedicated to providing students with a Catholic college education that is Faithful, Affordable, and Flexible.

We look forward to you becoming part of our mission!

Find Your Mission Here

Be part of a story that began centuries ago and continues to flourish. Whether you’re discerning the priesthood, deepening your faith, or seeking a Catholic education, Holy Apostles offers a place where history, faith, and learning come together.

 

Have questions? We’re here.
Reach out to us—get your personalized academic advising session today.

Find Your Mission Here

Be part of a story that began centuries ago and continues to flourish. Whether you’re discerning the priesthood, deepening your faith, or seeking a Catholic education, Holy Apostles offers a place where history, faith, and learning come together.

Have questions? We’re here.
Reach out to us—get your personalized academic advising session today.

Explore the Possibilities

Looking for information on programs, admissions, or financial aid? We're here to help.

 

Speak to your personal Admissions Counselor today for more information.

Admissions Phone :
860-632-3000

Admissions Email:
[email protected]

Contact Information