Catechetical Certification
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Catechetical CertificationWE HELP TO CERTIFY PARISHES AND SCHOOLS
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The Diocese of Baton Rouge offers Catechetical Certification to parish and school catechists. Please see the information below and watch the relevant video to learn about catechetical certification through the Ministry and Theology Program. On this page, you will find information about Catechetical Certification in the Parish and for School Personnel.
Learn More About MAT Classes
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Catechetical Certification in the Parish
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- Overview
- Basic Certification
- Intermediate Certification
- Advanced Certification
- Professional Certification
- Catholic Sexual Morality
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“Laity who minister in the name of the Church within the Diocese of Baton Rouge are expected to acquire whatever theological and practical formation is necessary for the roles(s) undertaken” – from Pagella and Policies Diocese of Baton Rouge 2009
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Basic Certification is required for parish elementary catechists and parish high school catechists. Catechists may acquire Basic Certification by completing 80 hours in the basic certification courses (MAT 1).
Individual parishes may require the certification of parish ministers and catechists in various roles. This level of certification consists of eight 10-hour courses.
It is recommended that catechists acquire twenty clock hours at least per year until eighty hours are accumulated, taking no longer than four years to complete the process for Basic Certification.
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Intermediate Certification
Intermediate Certification is not required at this time of Parish Ministry personnel, but individuals are encouraged to move beyond Basic Certification.
One may acquire Intermediate Certification by completing 80 hours of advanced study in MAT II or Intermediate courses.
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Advanced Certification
Advanced Certification is earned by completing an undergraduate degree or equivalent in theology or a related field from a Catholic university. There should be a minimum of 20 hours/credits of courses that align with the basic course requirements: Liturgy, Prayer, Creed/Doctrine, Morality, Scripture, Spirituality, Sacraments, etc.
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Professional Certification
Professional Certification is required for Parish Directors of Religious Education (DRE). One may earn professional status by acquiring a Master’s degree in Theology or a related field from a Catholic college, seminary, or university.
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Catholic Sexual Morality
Catholic Sexual Morality Certification is required for those who offer education in human sexuality or participate in discussions in youth ministry or parish school of religion classrooms. Individuals must be certified through the Diocesan Catholic Sexuality Morality course or Theology of the Body Training. To learn more about the Theology of the Body training opportunities, visit the bottom of the Ministry & Theology page.
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Catechetical Certification for School Personnel
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- Overview
- Basic Certification
- Intermediate Certification
- Advanced Certification
- Professional Certification
- Catholic Sexual Morality
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Participation in the Diocesan Certification Program is an opportunity for growth in one’s own faith and to deepen one’s commitment to the mission of the Catholic School.
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Basic Certification is required for Catholic school elementary teachers, high school teachers, and school administrative personnel. Catechists may acquire Basic Certification by completing 80 hours in the basic certification courses (MAT 1). This level of certification consists of 8 ten-hour courses.
Individual schools may require higher levels of certification of certain faculty members or staff in various roles.
It is recommended that school personnel acquire twenty clock hours at least per year until eighty hours are accumulated, taking no longer than four years to complete the process for Basic Certification.
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Intermediate Certification is required for all Catholic school principals and assistant principals. It is also important that any Religion teachers also acquire Intermediate Certification. Personnel may acquire Intermediate Certification by completing 80 hours in the intermediate certification courses (MAT II). This level of certification consists of eight, ten-hour courses.
Individual schools may require higher levels of certification of certain faculty members or staff in various roles.
It is recommended that school personnel working towards this goal acquire twenty clock hours at least per year until eighty hours are accumulated, taking no longer than four years to complete the process for Intermediate Certification.
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Advanced Certification is earned by completing an undergraduate degree or equivalent in theology or a related field from a Catholic university. There should be a minimum of 20 hours/credits of courses that align with the basic course requirements: Liturgy, Prayer, Creed/Doctrine, Morality, Scripture, Spirituality, Sacraments, etc.
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Professional Certification is required for anyone wishing to teach MAT courses or offer events for Enrichment credit. One may earn professional status by obtaining a Master’s degree in Theology or a related field from a Catholic college, seminary, or university.
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Catholic Sexual Morality Certification is required for those who teach anything related to human sexuality, Religion/Theology, or who work in campus ministry. Individuals must be certified through the Diocesan Catholic Sexuality Morality course or through the Theology of the Body Training. To learn more about the Theology of the Body training opportunities, visit the bottom of the Ministry & Theology page.