Catholic Theology and Catechesis Certificate

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The Catholic Theology and Catechesis certificate builds the theological foundation necessary for individuals who feel called to serve God by serving others. Students enrolled in the Catholic Theology and Catechesis certificate program are equipped to understand and teach the Catholic faith.  

School
School of Arts and Sciences
Career
Catechists, directors of religious education, school teachers, and individuals who want to better understand and teach their faith

What can you do with a certificate in Catholic Theology and Catechesis?

This certificate allows people to gain a sufficient Theological background to effectively share the Catholic faith with others in a variety of contexts.

Students will have a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith, and will learn how to read scripture, understand church history, and engage with moral theology.

Admission Requirements

Applicants should have a high school diploma. 

Tuition

For more information about tuition, please contact:

David L. Whidden III, PhD
Office: (225) 490-1651
David.Whidden@franu.edu

Tuition assistance is available through the Catholic Education Trust Fund. 

Catholic Theology and Catechesis FAQs

When are classes?

Classes are on Monday evenings and Saturday mornings to allow for people employed and elsewhere to attend.  

Who are in the classes?

Deacon candidates, theology majors, undergraduate students, and other students in lay formation programs will be taking these classes.  

What will this certificate allow me to do?

This certificate will aid one in teaching religion at Catholic schools, serving as catechists, becoming directors of religious education at parishes, and becoming youth ministers

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 role(s) undertaken.  These are the mandatory requirements for formation of lay ministers in the diocese:

The Certificate in Catholic Theology and Catechesis meets all of the following required minimal levels of catechetical certification:  

  1. Catechists in Catholic elementary schools and parochial elementary and high school programs of religious education are required to obtain “Basic Certification.” (MAT-DIOBR)  
  2. Principals of Catholic schools are required to obtain “Intermediate Certification.” (MAT-DIOBR)  
  3. Catechists in Catholic high schools, religion coordinators in Catholic schools at any level, and parochial coordinators of religious education and of sacramental preparation are required to obtain “Advanced Certification.”

How long will this program take?

This certificate is meant for a 2-year track, but it can go up to 4 years (1 course a semester).  

Accreditation

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees.  Contact the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University.

Curriculum Notes:

This certificate is meant for a 2-year track, but it can go up to 4 years (1 course a semester).

**Theology Elective: (Choose ONE of the following)

- Philosophy- PHIL 2330

- Church History- THEO 2315

- Christology- THEO 3330

- Catholic Social Teaching- THEO 3350