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Ministry and Theology Classes
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What are Ministry and Theology Classes?The Ministry & Theology (MAT) Program, which started in 2005, followed the Foundations for Ministry Program (1988-2005) as the new Diocese of Baton Rouge’s two-tiered educational (catechetical) series. It is designed to give adults a basic foundation concerning the Catholic faith. Its topics are based on the four pillars of The Catechism of the Catholic Church. These courses are available to any interested adult wishing to expand his or her knowledge of the Catholic Church’s core teachings. One can also complete this series as a means to earn catechetical certification. Individuals have the opportunity to earn a Basic Certification or an Intermediate Certification. We also offer Catholic Sexual Morality Certification through the Theology of the Body Training (see below for more information). To learn more, please watch our MAT Overview Videos.
Go to LearnCat
Certification Info
MAT Fall 2025 & Spring 2026 SCHEDULE
Meet the Instructors
MAT Course Descriptions
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Theology of the Body Classes
In addition to our MAT Certification Program, we also offer Catholic Sexual Morality (CSM) Certification. CSM Certification can be earned by completing one of our diocese's regularly offered Theology of the Body Trainings. Registration is offered through LearnCat.
According to the Catholic School Administrator's Manual: Catholic Sexual Morality Certification/Theology of the Body Certification is required for any Catholic Elementary and High School administrator, teacher, campus minister, counselor and medical personnel whose teaching or interaction with students contains Christian Anthropology, including the dignity of the human person, identity, what it means to be human, what it means to be male and female, created in God’s image, the meaning of the human body and God's plan for marital relationships. Specific academic subjects include but are not limited to religion, science, social sciences, literature, health and physical education, psychology, counseling and administration.
These trainings have been offered in the past:- Image & Gift Program with Jennifer Prather
- Theology of the Body: Across the Curriculum with Allison Dreher
- Training by Ascension in-person (Brian Butler or Colin MacIver) in Envision: Theology of the Body for Middle School and/or You: Life, Love & Theology of the Body (for Teens)
- K-12 Theology of the Body Curriculum with Ruah Woods Institute
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Additional Methods to Obtain CSM/TOB Certification
- Immersion programs are available through the Theology of the Body Institute
- There is a Theology of the Body Training Certificate course offered by Ascension - however, to earn certification for our diocese, individuals must take this in a GROUP setting and not alone as an individual. Reach out to our office to inquire about this process.
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