Advanced Ministry Studies
The Advanced Ministry Studies is a certification offered by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles Office of Religious Education. It is offered to Parish Catechetical Leaders: religious education coordinators, youth ministers, catechists, OCIA teams, baptismal formation teams, etc., Catholic School religion teachers/campus ministers, lay or religious ministers and to anyone working in any ministry or apostolate in the Church. This program will help participants to advance in their understanding of the teachings of the Catholic Church and be prepared for roles in different areas of church ministry.
Formation Components:
- Catholic Spirituality
- Catholic Theology
- Evangelizing Catechesis
- Pastoral Ministry
- Pedagogy and Methodology
- The Art of Accompaniment
- Technology
For complete overview of the program please CLICK HERE.
FEES
The Advanced Ministry Studies registration fee is $20.00 and $50.00 tuition fee per class.
CATECHETICAL MINISTRY YEAR 2026-2027 CALENDAR
2026: August 22, September 26, October 17, November 21, December 19.
2027: January 23, February 20, March 13, April 17, May 22, June 5 – Retreat, June 19 – last class
This course is offered to accepted students in the Advanced Ministry Studies program. And serves as formal ongoing formation to any person serving in any ministry in the Church. E.g.: Pastors, Deacons, Master Catechists, Parish Catechetical Leaders, any person that wants to grow in faith, etc. Ongoing Formation fee $25.00
2026-2027 detailed calendar will be posted soon (for dates refer above)
The AMS Application process is hosted in the LEAD learning management system which is part of the ADLA C3 (Catholic Communication Collaboration) platform. If you do not have a C3lead account please create one here: c3.leadlms.com Once you have created an account or if you already have an account please start the process in the following link: Advanced Ministry Studies (AMS) Application.
After applying you will be contacted to schedule an interview with our admitting team. Our goal is to guide and help you understand the AMS program and commitment.
If you have questions or need assistance please contact:
Flor de Maria Luna Fluna@la-archdiocese.org or by phone to: 213- 637-7654
Elizabeth Argueta EArgueta@la-archdiocese.org or by phone 213-637-7358
Upcoming Events
Sep 26
Theological Reflection and Spirituality
This class delves into the meaning of Catholic spirituality and its necessary connection to theological reflection. Through a brief review of core themes of Catholic spirituality and how spiritual traditions have developed in the life of the Church, the participants will understand how spirituality and spiritual practices are always grounded in religious tradition and thereby mediated by cultural ... READ MORE »
Oct 17
Principles of Catholic Theology and Revelation
This theology course provides space for students to engage in central concepts of the nature and sources of Catholic Theology on Divine Revelation. Among other objectives the course will: explain reasons for belief in the existence of God. Give examples of how God communicates with us from Scriptures, tradition, and lived experience. Explain how God's plan of salvation came to fullness through J... READ MORE »
Nov 21
Hebrew Scripture – Old Testament – Salvation History
This course provides the doctrinal foundations and principles for Catholic biblical interpretation. Unfolding the overarching narrative and themes of Old Testament salvation history. The Context of the Pentateuch & the relationship of Genesis, science, and Catholic doctrine. How can that be in the Bible? How to handle challenging Old Testament texts in light of the divine pedagogy. The Seco... READ MORE »
Dec 19
Christian Scripture – New Testament Introduction – Catholic Letters
This course provides the historical context of the New Testament. Intro to the Gospel, the synoptic Problem, and the relationship of John with the Synoptics. Key events in the life of Christ. The early Church in Acts of the Apostles, major themes of the Pauline literature and overview of theological and pastoral themes in the Catholic letters. Date: Saturday, December 19, 2026 || Time: 9:00 am... READ MORE »
Jan 23
Christology and Soteriology
This is an introductory course to contemporary Catholic Christology. Examines Jesus Christ as a historical figure and object of faith and the Christian answer to the human situation. Participants will reflect on who Jesus was and what he taught by studying how he has been perceived by his followers, from very early times to the present. Participants will briefly explore the formative developments ... READ MORE »
Feb 20
Ecclesiology and Pneumatology
This course introduces students to a sound understanding of the Church and the action of the Holy Spirit in the Church. Equips participants with a foundational understanding of the Theology of the Church and the place of the Church in society. Date: Saturday, February 20, 2027 || Time: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (Breaks and Lunch time included) || Format: Zoom Live Class || Cost: $50 REGISTER HE... READ MORE »
Mar 13
Eschatology, Mary and the Saints
This class will examine the role and significance of Jesus’ mother Mary in the New Testament. In addition to her role at the center of the Church and her presence in the communion of saints, we will examine the aspects of one of Mary’s manifestations as the Virgin of Guadalupe and her continued relevance to Christians today. Eschatology has been a foundational aspect of the Christian life fr... READ MORE »
Apr 17
Catholic Moral Theology and Contemporary Issues
Catholic Moral Theology studies the foundational aspects of the Christian life since its beginning. The basic principles of the Christian moral life are based in the awareness that every person bears the dignity of being made in the image of God. He has given us an immortal soul and through the gifts of intelligence and reason enables us to understand the order of things established in his creatio... READ MORE »
May 22
Liturgy, Sacramentality and Sacraments
This course introduces students to a sound understanding of the Sacraments and their context within the Liturgy. It will also give an overall understanding and difference between sacramentality and sacraments. Equips participants with foundational understanding of the Theology of the Sacraments and Liturgy. Date: Saturday, May 22, 2027 || Time: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (Breaks and Lunch time include... READ MORE »
Jun 19
Catholic Social Teaching
Too many Catholics have never heard the good news of the Catholic Social Teaching of the Church. Our ability to share this “best kept secret” has the potential to transform our relationship with God and the world. Join us as we explore the history and development of the Church’s Catholic Social Teaching, its methodology, and its implications for a life of missionary discipleship lived out th... READ MORE »
Catechist Formation
Return to the main page and learn more about the California Catechist Certification process.
