Religion Curriculum The mission of the Religion Department is to invite students to deepen their awareness of God’s presence in their lives, to appreciate the rich history of the Catholic Church, to make informed choices guided by the teaching tradition of the Church and to worship intelligently in the school and parish communities. To achieve this end, a series of courses covering the person of Jesus, the teachings of the Catholic Church, Catholic morality, the Scriptures, peace and justice, world religions and Christian life are presented to the students. Each student enrolls in a religion course every semester.
Spring
Fall Grade 9
Grade 10
Grade 11
The Revelation of Jesus Christ in Scripture A general introduction to the Bible and especially to Jesus’ message in the Gospels.
A very specific focus on the person of Jesus Christ and his place as the revelation of God among us and his place in the Trinity.
The Mission of Jesus Christ (The Paschal Mystery)
Jesus Christ’s Mission Continues in the Church
A view of Jesus emphasizing his life, death, and resurrection and what that means for us as disciples.
Seeing the Church as empowered by the Holy Spirit and the means through which we can encounter Jesus.
Sacraments as Privileged Encounters with Jesus Christ
Life in Jesus Christ
An examination of the seven sacraments and especially the Eucharist as encounters with God through Jesus.
Grade 12
Who is Jesus Christ?
Reflecting the Beatitudes in our lives and observing the commandments as we mirror God’s love reflected in Jesus’ life.
Social Justice
Christian Life
An introduction to the Church’s social teaching; students learn how Christ’s concern for others, especially the poor and needy, is present today in the Church’s social teaching and mission. Special emphasis is given to the Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching.
An introduction to Christian spirituality and the life of prayer for contemporary living. A special emphasis on the Scriptures as an indispensable source of inspiration. OR
Honors Exploration of Human Rights, Genocide, and the Pursuit of Justice This course provides students the ability to explore human rights violations, and the evolution resistance to injustice, and consequences of genocide. The course employs religion, history, literature, music, art, and philosophy to critique injustices.
Ecumenical and Interreligious Issues Examines the relationship of the Church to other traditions. OR
Honors Philosophy An honors course which examines the questions of existence and how these pertain to the self and Jesus Christ.