Certificates
CERTIFICATE OF PRE-THEOLOGY IN DIACONAL STUDIES
The Diaconate Formation Program (DFP) is for men discerning a ministry as a permanent deacon. The Archdiocese of San Antonio works closely with each applicant, who, upon admittance, completes an aspirancy year followed by four years of formation and study. Courses are typically offered Monday and Wednesday evening to accommodate students’ schedules.
The Diaconate Formation Program (DFP) is an integral formation process that focuses on the whole person covering four areas: the human, intellectual, pastoral, and spiritual dimensions of the candidates. The program also emphasizes intercultural competencies and basic counseling skills essential for all pastoral ministers who are called to fulfill the evangelizing mission in a culturally diverse church and society.
The Mexican American Catholic College partners with the diocese in the formation of future deacons, providing synchronous online courses in both English and Spanish at the regional level and in-person in the Archdiocese of San Antonio. Two options are available: a 3-year (36 credits) or a 5-year (54 credit) program.
The 5-year program course sequence appears below, and we also offer this Regional Program Summary Flyer for your review.
Requirement | Credits |
---|---|
Aspirancy (Year 1) | |
PHIL 1310 Philosophy in the Catholic Tradition | 3 |
THEO 1320 Introduction to Theology and Biblical Studies | 3 |
Catechism of the Catholic Church (2) | 1 |
Candidacy (Years 2-5) | |
PSTR 1350 Foundations of Evangelization and Catechesis | 3 |
THEO 1341 Introduction to Liturgy | 3 |
THEO 1380 Theology of the Creed: The Faith Professed | 3 |
THEO 2320 Catholic Biblical Interpretation: Old Testament | 3 |
THEO 2332 Catholic Biblical Interpretation: New Testament | 3 |
PSTR 2351 History of the Catholic Church | 3 |
PSTR 2352 Catechetical Content, Methods & Curriculum | 3 |
THEO 2382 Sacramental Theology: The Faith Celebrated | 3 |
PSTR 3330 Canon Law for Ministry in Multicultural Communities | 3 |
THEO 3381 Jesus Christ: God and Man | 3 |
THEO 3385 Moral Theology: The Faith Lived | 3 |
THEO 4320 Evangelization and the Writings of St. Paul | 3 |
THEO 4385 Catholic Spiritual Traditions: The Faith Prayed | 3 |
THEO 4387 Ecclesiology | 3 |
Elective (1) | 3 |
Practica (2): Homiletics & Liturgy* | 2 |
Total Requirement | 54 |
For students who are completing the 54-hour Certificate of Pastoral Ministry in Diaconal Studies, the following credit requirements apply:
Certificate – A minimum of 54 hours is required, including 6 hours of non-credit Practica.
Residence – Of the 54 hours of required courses, 30 must be completed at MACC. The last 24 hours of the certificate requirements must be completed at MACC.
Grades
A minimum grade of C (or a grade of 70 or higher) is required to satisfactorily complete each degree requirement/course.
For a more comprehensive understanding of the policies which apply to this program, view the most recent Academic Catalog.
Anyone discerning a vocation to the diaconate must be in conversation with the diocese’s office of diaconate. Once approved to enter the formation program, the diocese will then direct them to apply at MACC.
In the Archdiocese of San Antonio, all applicants must first visit the Office of the Diaconate. After you have gone through their application process and have been accepted as a candidate, you will complete the MACC Registration Form.
Students in Diaconal Studies are sponsored by their diocese.
CERTIFICATE OF PRE-THEOLOGY
The two-year, 54-hour pre-theology certificate is ideal for anyone who is interested in advanced studies in theology but has studied another discipline or has not yet completed post-secondary studies. Because it meets the pre-requisites for admission to many Master of Divinity programs, this program is ideal for pre-theologians in priestly formation.
*Note: Students in priestly formation should choose any two electives from this list:
PMIN 1325 and 1335 Ecclesiastical Latin I and II;
SPAN 3340 and 3342 Pastoral Spanish I and II;
PSTR 2325 Liturgical and Sacred Music; and
PSTR 2335 Sacred Art and Architecture.
Requirement | Credits |
---|---|
Philosophy, Theology, Scripture Foundation | |
THEO 1320 Introduction to Theology and Biblical Studies | 3 |
PHIL 2321 Ancient Philosophy | 3 |
PHIL 2321 Ancient Philosophy | 3 |
THEO 2382 Sacramental Theology: The Faith Celebrated | 3 |
THEO 3380 Theology of the Creed: The Faith Professed | 3 |
THEO 3385 Moral Theology: The Faith Lived | 3 |
THEO 4385 Catholic Spiritual Traditions: The Faith Prayed | 3 |
Concentration in Philosophy | |
PHIL 1311 Classical Logic | 3 |
PHIL 2323 Medieval Philosophy | 3 |
PHIL 2342 Philosophy of Nature and Being | 3 |
PHIL 3325 Modern Philosophy | 3 |
PHIL 3327 Contemporary Philosophy | 3 |
PHIL 3351 Philosophical Anthropology | 3 |
PHIL 3384 Epistemology | 3 |
PHIL 4363 Natural Theology | 3 |
PHIL 4386 Philosophical Ethics | 3 |
Electives (2*) | 6 |
Total Requirments | 54 |
For students who are completing the 54-hour Certificate of Pre-Theology, the following credit requirements apply:
Certificate – A minimum of 54 hours is required, including 6 hours of electives.
Residence – Of the 54 hours of required courses, 30 must be completed at MACC. The last 24 hours of the certificate requirements must be completed at MACC.
Grades
A minimum grade of C (or a grade of 70 or higher) is required to satisfactorily complete each degree requirement/course.
For a more comprehensive understanding of the policies which apply to this program, view the most recent Academic Catalog.
Apply for admission
To complete the application for admission, click here.
Apply for financial assistance
Limited institutional aid is available and MACC students are not eligible for federal aid. To apply for tuition assistance, click here. Students can apply each academic year.
Apply for housing accommodations
On campus housing is available. For more information, click here.
Register for classes
Students register in the Office of Degree-Based Programs during their advisement appointment with the Dean of Students. Students cannot register without the Dean’s consent, and members of other organizations may have additional restrictions. Email the Dean of Students to schedule an appointment.
Create and Log in to Populi
All students receive an automatic notification from our record system, Populi. Use it to create your password, login to Populi, and review your schedule. This is also where you’ll check your grades. Some instructors will also post assignments and additional resources there. You can also print your schedule to present it for help at the Bookstore.
Prepare for Classes
The Office of Degree-Based Programs provides new students Orientation information. All students must attend as designated. During orientation, you will also have the opportunity to visit the bookstore to purchase your textbooks and obtain your MACC student ID card.
Attend Classes
Adhere to the policies and guidelines provided in the Academic Catalog, Student Handbook and your course syllabi.
These projections are calculated utilizing the current tuition and fees schedule for a new student, entering during the Fall term.
Payment Policies
Payments and inquiries associated with payments should be submitted directly to the Finance Department as indicated below:
Mexican American Catholic College
Finance Department
3115 W. Ashby Place San Antonio, TX 78228-5104
210-732-2156, extension 7129
210-732-9072, fax
Payment Deadlines. All accounts are expected to be paid in full prior to the first class day of the semester or session or no later than the first scheduled class meeting. If alternate financial arrangements are needed, students must seek and finalize arrangements with the Director of Finance before registration or at the time of registration at the latest. When a payment agreement is applicable, absolutely no final payment deadlines are extended past the midterm, as identified within the associated academic calendar.
Payment Arrangements. Two alternative methods of meeting financial obligations are available to students, excluding auditors.
Option 1. During the Fall and Spring semesters, half (50%) of the total balance is to be paid at registration with the remaining balance due within 30 days. During the Summer semester, half (50%) of the total balance is due at registration with the remaining balance due within 10 days.
Option 2. Upon the approval of the Finance Director, half (50%) of the total balance is due at registration. The registrant must first propose a contract, scheduling the monthly payments of the remaining balance.
Auditors. Payment arrangements are not available to auditors. Full payment is due upon registration.
Additional Balance. When a change of balance occurs due to changes in the registration schedule, the additional balance is due immediately if arrangements are not made with the Finance Director.
Drop for Nonpayment. Students who do not adhere to MACC’s payment policy and/or the approved payment agreement may be institutionally withdrawn from class(es). A registration hold will be placed on the student’s education record prohibiting enrollment until his/her financial obligation is met.
Record Hold. In addition to the student being prohibited from enrollment, data pertaining to the education record (grade reports, transcripts, and diplomas) will not be released until the student clears his/her delinquent status.
Limited institutional aid is available. To apply for tuition assistance, click here. Students can apply each academic year.
Term | Fall 2019 | Spring 2020 | Total |
---|---|---|---|
Credits | 15 | 12 | 27 |
Tuition | $9,600 | $7,680 | $17,280 |
New Student Fee | $60 | $0 | $60 |
Student Services Fee | $220 | $220 | $440 |
Room & Board | $7,240 | $7,240 | $14,480 |
Commuter TOTAL | $9,880 | $7,900 | $17,780 |
On-Campus TOTAL | $17,120 | $15,140 | $32,260 |
CERTIFICATE FOR LAY ECCLESIAL MINISTRY (CLEM)
The New CLEM program is a collaborative effort between local Dioceses and MACC in offering an Integral Formation Program for Lay Ecclesial Ministers preparing them for evangelization and mission in a Culturally Diverse Church and Society. (See National Pastoral Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry)
The CLEM Certificate Program is designed to support:
- Lay Ministers who serve as Evangelization Directors/Coordinators
- Catechetical Leaders (Director/Coordinator in Religious Education/Catechesis)
- Youth Ministers (Director/Coordinator Youth, Young Adult, or Campus Ministry),
- Liturgical Ministers (Director/Coordinator of Worship, Liturgy)
- Marriage and Family Life Minister (Director/Coordinator of Marriage/ Family Life)
- Pastoral Ministry (Director/Coordinator of Multiple Ministries)
The Mexican American Catholic College is currently forming volunteers and lay ministers to serve in leadership roles in the Church. The Certificate for Lay Ecclesial Ministry formation program is a threeyear systematic process that forms all who the Spirit moves to serve in ministry as Lay Ecclesial leaders in their local parishes.1 The Church has used the term Lay Ecclesial Ministry to reflect vital elements of the specific lay vocation.2 As it supports the Southwest region, MACC engages dioceses to partner with and offer this vital program collaboratively.
The program includes a discernment process focusing on five formation areas (human, spiritual, intellectual, leadership, and pastoral). Human formation focuses on critical qualities to form wholesome relationships and a healthy, well-balanced personality; spiritual formation focuses on animating true hunger for holiness, promoting constant conversion fostering attitudes and disposition to the Spirit; adequate knowledge in theological and pastoral studies is the focus of the intellectual formation; leadership formation focuses on increasing competencies for ministers to lead groups and communities under Servant Leadership values; and pastoral formation cultivates the knowledge and attitudes—and skills—that directly pertain to effective functioning in a ministerial setting.3
For three years, candidates undergo a process of discernment and formation better to serve the Lord in the Church’s pastoral ministry. Besides this being a formation process for service in the Church, it is also a preparation to assist participants in their faith journey. Upon completing the formation process, a final suitability determination is made regarding their competencies for service in the Ecclesial Ministry of the Church. Finally, the local Arch/Bishop commissions them to minister in the Diocese.
View the Program Summary Flyer in your preferred language:
- Certificate for Lay Ecclesiastical Ministry (CLEM) – English
- Formación para el Ministerio Eclesial Laico (FMEL) – Español
1 Cf. Ecclesiae de Mysterio: Practical Provisions, articles 1,2.
2 Cf. Christifideles Laici, 23.
3 Cf. Ibid., p 34.
To offer high standards, practical methods, and comprehensive goals, the (Arch)diocesan Certificate for Lay Ecclesial Ministry (CLEM) needs to have the following components of formation shared between Mexican American Catholic College and the Partnering Diocese
The Partnering Diocese
Diocesan Coordinator
Whenever possible, the partnering Diocese appoints a seasoned leader to oversee the formation of candidates to the Lay Ecclesial Ministry by:
- Maintaining a direct relationship with the Regional Director of the Certificate Lay Ecclesial Ministry at MACC to ensure the student’s academic progress.
- Assisting Pastors in the discernment process of possible participants in the CLEM.
- Identifying and accompanying Formation Advisors (see a brief description of the Formation Advisor below).
- Appointing a Formation Advisor to each candidate.
- Assisting candidates in finding a Spiritual Director.
- Leading candidates’ annual assessment process to ensure readiness for candidacy.
Formation Advisor
A seasoned local leader entrusted with accompanying participants in the formation process. They meet with a participant once per semester to offer concrete feedback regarding their human development, spiritual growth, academic work, and pastoral progress.
Annual Evaluation
Each year, the Diocesan Coordinator meets with the participant’s formation advisor and pastor to assess the participant’s suitability and continuation in the formation program. A formal letter is sent to the candidate with a copy to the Director of the Regional Institute for Lay Ecclesial Ministry and Service at MACC. The director at MACC periodically communicates with the diocesan coordinator to ensure sufficient information is being shared during the year.
Pastor Accompaniment
It is uniquely the role of the pastor to select those who will serve on his pastoral team. All lay men and women involved in the Lay Ecclesial Ministry Formation Program must have the endorsement and support of their pastor and, of course, the bishop. Discernment for ministry is done with the community’s cooperation and with the pastor’s and direct supervisor’s support and prayers.
The Services of the Mexican American Catholic College
Faculty
Besides teaching courses in theology, pastoral ministry, and leadership, faculty members maintain contact with the students and offer advice regarding academic progress.
Intellectual Formation that Facilitates Integration
Theological formation goes hand in hand with spiritual, human, leadership, and pastoral praxis. Undergraduate-level coursework is required for the core curriculum. The Certificate for Lay Ecclesial Ministry Program Director evaluates any prior undergraduate or graduate coursework. Nevertheless, all participants are required to meet with an appointed local Formation advisor to set annual goals in all areas of their discernment processes.
Cohorts
As much as possible, participants are part of cohorts formed as a group and meet online twice each semester with the program director at MACC. It is hoped that the formation program lays the foundations for a more collaborative ministry between the parishes they serve.
Academic requirements
Intellectual formation is foundational for ministry and intrinsically related to spiritual formation. Lay Ecclesial Ministers are expected to minister alongside priests and deacons. Therefore, their intellectual formation must be aligned with the local Arch/diocesan Pastoral Vision for effective pastoral service in the Church. The Certificate for Lay Ecclesial Ministry program requires the completion of 36 credits. All courses are in English and Spanish and available online through weekly synchronous meetings.
Apply for admission
To complete the application for admission, click here.
Apply for financial assistance
Limited institutional aid is available and MACC students are not eligible for federal aid. To apply for tuition assistance, click here. Students can apply each academic year.
Apply for housing accommodations
On campus housing is available. For more information, click here.
Register for classes
Students register in the Office of Degree-Based Programs during their advisement appointment with the Dean of Students. Students cannot register without the Dean’s consent, and members of other organizations may have additional restrictions. Email the Director of the Office of Student Affairs to schedule an appointment.
Create and Log in to Populi
All students receive an automatic notification from our record system, Populi. Use it to create your password, login to Populi, and review your schedule. This is also where you’ll check your grades. Some instructors will also post assignments and additional resources there. You can also print your schedule to present it for help at the Bookstore.
Prepare for Classes
The Office of Degree-Based Programs provides new students Orientation information. All students must attend as designated. During orientation, you will also have the opportunity to visit the bookstore to purchase your textbooks and obtain your MACC student ID card.
Attend Classes
Adhere to the policies and guidelines provided in the Academic Catalog, Student Handbook and your course syllabi.
Financial Elements
The 2023 tuition cost for the Certificate for Lay Ecclesial Ministry program is $740 per credit. Through current generous funding, 40% of tuition scholarships are available at MACC, making the yearly approximate cost less than $5,700. Students take up to 12 credits, or four classes, per year. Candidates are responsible for a $295 technology and registration fee per year, a one-time $20 application fee, a one-time graduation fee of $80, and books and other non-tuition-required materials needed for the program.
Payment Policies
Payments and inquiries associated with payments should be submitted directly to the Finance Department as indicated below:
Mexican American Catholic College
Finance Department
3115 W. Ashby Place San Antonio, TX 78228-5104
210-732-2156, extension 7129
210-732-9072, fax
Payment Deadlines. All accounts are expected to be paid in full prior to the first class day of the semester or session or no later than the first scheduled class meeting. If alternate financial arrangements are needed, students must seek and finalize arrangements with the Director of Finance before registration or at the time of registration at the latest. When a payment agreement is applicable, absolutely no final payment deadlines are extended past the midterm, as identified within the associated academic calendar.
Payment Arrangements. Two alternative methods of meeting financial obligations are available to students, excluding auditors.
Option 1. During the Fall and Spring semesters, half (50%) of the total balance is to be paid at registration with the remaining balance due within 30 days. During the Summer semester, half (50%) of the total balance is due at registration with the remaining balance due within 10 days.
Option 2. Upon the approval of the Finance Director, half (50%) of the total balance is due at registration. The registrant must first propose a contract, scheduling the monthly payments of the remaining balance.
Auditors. Payment arrangements are not available to auditors. Full payment is due upon registration.
Additional Balance. When a change of balance occurs due to changes in the registration schedule, the additional balance is due immediately if arrangements are not made with the Finance Director.
Drop for Nonpayment. Students who do not adhere to MACC’s payment policy and/or the approved payment agreement may be institutionally withdrawn from class(es). A registration hold will be placed on the student’s education record prohibiting enrollment until his/her financial obligation is met.
Record Hold. In addition to the student being prohibited from enrollment, data pertaining to the education record (grade reports, transcripts, and diplomas) will not be released until the student clears his/her delinquent status.
Limited institutional aid is available. To apply for tuition assistance, click here. Students can apply each academic year.