Certificates
CERTIFICATE IN DIACONAL STUDIES
In year one, aspirants complete the six credit hours of foundational coursework. In years two through five, students proceed to candidacy and complete coursework in Biblical Studies and the History of Christianity (12 hours), Catholic Doctrine (18 hours), and Diaconal Leadership (18 hours).
The Archdiocese of San Antonio works closely with local applicants. Students representing other dioceses follow the same academic program yet work with their local formators and the Director of Regional Programs.
Courses in English are typically offered Monday and Wednesday evening, while Spanish courses often fall on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. At times, space and other constraints may cause a change in this cycle, with changes announced on a timely basis before the first day of class.
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. To download a PDF of the approved plan of studies, please click HERE.
| Requirements: | |
|---|---|
| Foundations (6 credit hours) | |
| PHIL 1310 Philosophy in the Catholic Tradition | |
| THEO 1320 Introduction to Theology and Biblical Studies | |
| Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition (12 credit hours) | |
| THEO 2320 Catholic Biblical Interpretation: Old Testament | |
| THEO 2332 Catholic Biblical Interpretation: New Testament | |
| PSTR 2351 History of the Catholic Church | |
| THEO 4320 Evangelization and the Writings of St. Paul | |
| Catholic Doctrine (18 credit hours) | |
| THEO 1380 Theology of the Creed: The Faith Professed | |
| THEO 2382 Sacramental Theology: The Faith Celebrated | |
| THEO 3385 Moral Theology: The Faith Lived | |
| THEO 4385 Catholic Spiritual Traditions: The Faith Prayed | |
| THEO 3381 Jesus Christ: God and Man | |
| THEO 4387 Ecclesiology | |
| Diaconal Leadership & Ministry (18 credit hours) | |
| PSTR 1110 Catechism of the Catholic Church | |
| THEO 1341 Introduction to Liturgy | |
| PSTR 1350 Foundations of Evangelization and Catechesis | |
| PSTR 1372 Intercultural Competencies for Pastoral Ministries | |
| PSTR 3330 Canon Law for Ministry in Multicultural Communities | |
| PSTR 4191 Homiletics Practicum | |
| PSTR 4192 Liturgical Practicum | |
| PSTR 4355 Homiletics |
For students who are completing the 54-hour Certificate in Diaconal Studies, the following credit requirements apply:
Certificate – A minimum of 54 hours is required.
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 comprehensive statement of the policies which apply to this program, please 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 IN 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.
Solicitar la admisión
Para llenar la solicitud de admisión, haga click here.
Solicitar ayuda financiera
Hay ayuda institucional limitada disponible y los estudiantes de MACC no son elegibles para ayuda federal. Para solicitar ayuda para la colegiatura, haga click here. Students can apply each academic year.
Solicitar hospedaje
Hay hospedaje disponible en el campus. Para mayor información, haga clic aquí..
Inscribirse en las clases
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 Student Affairs para programar una cita.
Crear e iniciar una sesión en Populi
Todos los estudiantes reciben una notificación automática de nuestro sistema de registro, 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.
Prepararse para las Clases
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.
Asistir a las clases
Adhiérase a las políticas y lineamientos proporcionados en el Catálogo Académico y en el plan de estudios de su curso.
These projections are calculated utilizing the current tuition and fees schedule for a new student, entering during the Fall term.
Políticas de Pago
Los pagos y las preguntas asociadas con los pagos deben hacerse directamente al Departamento de Finanzas como se indica abajo:
Mexican American Catholic College
Finance Department
3115 W. Ashby Place San Antonio, TX 78228-5104
210-732-2156, extension 7129
210-732-9072, fax
Fecha de Límite de Pagos. Se espera que todas las cuentas se paguen en su totalidad antes del primer día de clases del semestre o sesión, o a más tardar para la primera clase. Si se necesita hacer arreglos financieros alternos los estudiantes deben buscar y ultimar los arreglos con la Directora de Finanzas antes de la inscripción o a más tardar el día de la inscripción. Cuando algún plan de pago es aplicable, absolutamente ningún plazo de pago final se extiende más allá de los exámenes de medio semestre, como se identifica en el calendario académico asociado.
Planes de Pago. Hay dos métodos alternativos para que los estudiantes cumplan con sus obligaciones financieras, a excepción de los estudiantes oyentes.
Opción 1. Durante los semestres de Otoño y Primavera, se debe pagar la mitad (50%) del saldo total al inscribirse y el resto en los siguientes 30 días. Durante el semestre de Verano, la mitad (50%) del saldo total debe pagarse al inscribirse y el resto en los siguientes 10 días.
Opción 2. Con la aprobación de la Directora de Finanzas, la mitad (50%) del saldo total debe pagarse al inscribirse. El solicitante debe proponer primero un contrato, programando pagos mensuales del resto del saldo.
Oyentes. Los planes de pago no están disponibles para los estudiantes oyentes. Se debe hacer el pago completo al inscribirse.
Saldo Adicional. Cuando hay un cambio de saldo debido a cambios en el calendario de inscripciones, el saldo adicional debe hacerse inmediatamente si no se hacen arreglos con la Directora de Finanzas.
Baja por Falta de Pago. Los estudiantes que no se adhieran a las políticas de pago de MACC y/o los arreglos de pago aprobados pueden ser dados de baja institucionalmente de la(s) clase(es). Se pondrá una retención en la inscripción en el expediente del estudiante prohibiendo su inscripción hasta que él/ella cumpla con su obligación financiera.
Retención del Expediente. Además de que al estudiante se le prohiba la inscripción, la información relacionada con el expediente de educación (reporte de calificaciones, certificados y diplomas) no se entregarán hasta que el estudiante salde el pago retrasado.
Hay ayuda institucional limitada disponible. Para solicitar ayuda para la colegiatura, haga click here. Students can apply each academic year.
| Término | Otoño 2019 | Primavera 2020 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credits | 15 | 12 | 27 |
| Colegiatura | $9,600 | $7,680 | $17,280 |
| Cuota de Estudiantes de Nuevo Ingreso | $60 | $0 | $60 |
| Cuota de Servicios Estudiantiles | $220 | $220 | $440 |
| Hospedaje y Alimentos | $7,240 | $7,240 | $14,480 |
| TOTAL | $9,880 | $7,900 | $17,780 |
| TOTAL en el Campus | $17,120 | $15,140 | $32,260 |
CERTIFICATE IN 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.
Solicitar la admisión
Para llenar la solicitud de admisión, haga click here.
Solicitar ayuda financiera
Hay ayuda institucional limitada disponible y los estudiantes de MACC no son elegibles para ayuda federal. Para solicitar ayuda para la colegiatura, haga click here. Students can apply each academic year.
Solicitar hospedaje
Hay hospedaje disponible en el campus. Para mayor información, haga clic aquí..
Inscribirse en las clases
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 para programar una cita.
Crear e iniciar una sesión en Populi
Todos los estudiantes reciben una notificación automática de nuestro sistema de registro, 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.
Prepararse para las Clases
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.
Asistir a las clases
Adhiérase a las políticas y lineamientos proporcionados en el Catálogo Académico y en el plan de estudios de su curso.
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.
Políticas de Pago
Los pagos y las preguntas asociadas con los pagos deben hacerse directamente al Departamento de Finanzas como se indica abajo:
Mexican American Catholic College
Finance Department
3115 W. Ashby Place San Antonio, TX 78228-5104
210-732-2156, extension 7129
210-732-9072, fax
Fecha de Límite de Pagos. Se espera que todas las cuentas se paguen en su totalidad antes del primer día de clases del semestre o sesión, o a más tardar para la primera clase. Si se necesita hacer arreglos financieros alternos los estudiantes deben buscar y ultimar los arreglos con la Directora de Finanzas antes de la inscripción o a más tardar el día de la inscripción. Cuando algún plan de pago es aplicable, absolutamente ningún plazo de pago final se extiende más allá de los exámenes de medio semestre, como se identifica en el calendario académico asociado.
Planes de Pago. Hay dos métodos alternativos para que los estudiantes cumplan con sus obligaciones financieras, a excepción de los estudiantes oyentes.
Opción 1. Durante los semestres de Otoño y Primavera, se debe pagar la mitad (50%) del saldo total al inscribirse y el resto en los siguientes 30 días. Durante el semestre de Verano, la mitad (50%) del saldo total debe pagarse al inscribirse y el resto en los siguientes 10 días.
Opción 2. Con la aprobación de la Directora de Finanzas, la mitad (50%) del saldo total debe pagarse al inscribirse. El solicitante debe proponer primero un contrato, programando pagos mensuales del resto del saldo.
Oyentes. Los planes de pago no están disponibles para los estudiantes oyentes. Se debe hacer el pago completo al inscribirse.
Saldo Adicional. Cuando hay un cambio de saldo debido a cambios en el calendario de inscripciones, el saldo adicional debe hacerse inmediatamente si no se hacen arreglos con la Directora de Finanzas.
Baja por Falta de Pago. Los estudiantes que no se adhieran a las políticas de pago de MACC y/o los arreglos de pago aprobados pueden ser dados de baja institucionalmente de la(s) clase(es). Se pondrá una retención en la inscripción en el expediente del estudiante prohibiendo su inscripción hasta que él/ella cumpla con su obligación financiera.
Retención del Expediente. Además de que al estudiante se le prohiba la inscripción, la información relacionada con el expediente de educación (reporte de calificaciones, certificados y diplomas) no se entregarán hasta que el estudiante salde el pago retrasado.
Hay ayuda institucional limitada disponible. Para solicitar ayuda para la colegiatura, haga click here. Students can apply each academic year.
CERTIFICATE IN LAY ECCLESIAL MINISTRY FORMATION -ARCHDIOCESE OF SAN ANTONIO
The Lay Ecclesial Ministry Formation Certificate for the Archdiocese of San Antonio is composed of eleven courses:
Courses:
- PHIL1310 Philosophy in the Catholic Tradition
- PSTR1372 Intercultural Competencies for Pastoral Ministry
- THEO2320 Catholic Biblical Interpretation: Old Testament
- THEO2332 Catholic Biblical Interpretation: New Testament
- PSTR2351 History of the Catholic Church
- THEO2382 Sacramental Theology: The Faith Celebrated
- THEO3381 Jesus Christ: God and Man (Christology)
- THEO3385 Moral Theology: The Faith Lived
- THEO4387 Ecclesiology
- Ministry Specialization Courses (Two electives)
For students who are completing this certificate, the following credit requirements apply:
Certificate – A minimum of 33 hours is required.
Residence – Of the 33 hours of required courses, 27 must be completed at MACC.
Grades
A minimum grade of C (or a grade of 70 or higher) is required to satisfactorily complete each course requirement.
For a more comprehensive understanding of the policies which apply to this program, view the most recent Academic Catalog.
Academic requirements
Admission to the undergraduate certificate requires:
- Conversation with the program director for guidance and accompaniment. Click here for information clic aquí..
- Pastor Recommendation Form
- Solicitar la admisión clic aquí..
The cost for the Lay Ecclesial Ministry three-year program for those in the Archdiocese of San Antonio is offered at a highly discounted rate. The full approximate tuition cost for the courses for this program is $27,291 but again, thanks to the Archbishop’s Appeal and our local ordinary’s commitment to the formation of the lay leaders, participants only pay a fraction of the cost. As of August 2026, the full tuition cost of one course is $2,481, but students in this program are only responsible for 10% of it which is $248 per course or $2,728 for the 11 courses. This comprises the total cost of courses, seminars and retreats. This cost is recommended to be shared between the parish and the participant.
These fees are paid by courses taken. Please note the tuition rate may have a small increase each year. Participants are responsible for books or other non-tuition required materials needed for the courses and a graduation fee at the end of the program.
CERTIFICATE IN ACOLYTE AND LECTOR FORMATION-ARCHDIOCESE OF SAN ANTONIO
The undergraduate Certificate in Acolyte and Lector Studies is composed of the following courses:
- Introduction to Theology and Biblical Studies
- Introduction to Liturgy
- Catholic Biblical Interpretation: Old Testament
- Catholic Biblical Interpretation: New Testament
- Sacramental Theology
- Cross-Cultural Competencies for Pastoral Ministry
Candidates must also complete the Archdiocesan Lector or Acolyte Practicum
For more information, please visit this link HERE.
For students who are completing this certificate, the following credit requirements apply:
Certificate – A minimum of 18 hours is required.
Residence – Of the 33 hours of required courses, 15 must be completed at MACC.
Grades
A minimum grade of C (or a grade of 70 or higher) is required to satisfactorily complete each course requirement.
For a more comprehensive understanding of the policies which apply to this program, view the most recent Academic Catalog.
Academic requirements
Admission to the undergraduate certificate requires:
- Conversation with the program director for guidance and accompaniment. Click here for information clic aquí..
- Pastor Recommendation Form
- Solicitar la admisión clic aquí..
The MACC tuition for 1 course is $2,481 (as of August 2026). Thanks to the Archbishop’s Appeal, candidates in the Archdiocese of San Antonio will only pay 15% of the cost of each course ($372 per course, with a minimal increase annually).
