RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Mission Statement: Religious instruction is a scholastic discipline with the same systematic demands and rigour as other courses. Far from an accessory, religious instruction presents the Christian message and the Christian event in an engaging and inter-disciplinary manner. The presentation of the Christian message influences the way in which the origins of the world, the sense of history, the basis of ethical values, the function of religion in culture, the destiny of [humankind] and [their] relationship with nature, are understood. Through inter-disciplinary dialogue religious instruction underpins, activates, develops, and completes the educational activity of the school.

HRE13 Religious Education – Be with Me Grade 9, Open This course invites students to a deeper understanding of the covenantal relationship between God and the Jewish people and to Biblical records and passages which are a primary source of God’s revelation. Students will explore a variety of topics related to the themes of personhood, interpersonal relationships, and sexuality. They are encouraged to understand and nurture within themselves the virtues which will enable them to deepen their relationship with God in and through Christ in the context of a Spirit-filled community. Prerequisite: None

HRE23 Religious Education – Christ and Culture Grade 10, Open This course examines the relationship between the person and message of Christ and the dominant attitudes of contemporary culture. Central to this course is the sacramental nature of Jesus and through His incarnation, the sacramentality of the Catholic Church, persons, and all of creation. Beginning with students’ own life experience in the light of the Gospel narratives, students acquire a deeper and more systematic knowledge of Christ, his message, and his Church. Prerequisite: None

HRE4M Church and Culture Grade 12, University/College Preparation This course is directed and designed to expose the maturing student to the rich tradition of the Catholic Christian Story. To identify what it is to be Catholic, to explore Catholic Morality and Ethics, to discover Catholic Social Teaching and Catholic doctrines and teachings and to rediscover Jesus, the Gospels and their application to the Grade 12 student’s life. Much attention will be given to the interaction between Church and Culture. The modern world is often characterized by a multiplicity of values, philosophies and ideologies. In a democratic and pluralistic society, these concepts may creatively reinforce one another, or they may compete with and contradict one another. To be a Catholic often means to stand opposed to the values and norms of society and it is a challenge to live in the society and yet not “of” society. “Church and Culture” will explore these shifting dynamics while preparing the student for graduation and a lifelong journey with the Church, with others and the world, with themselves and ultimately with God. Course Requirement: KAIROS retreat Prerequisite: None

HRE4M1 Leaders in Church and Culture Grade 12, University/College Preparation For course description refer to HRE4M. This course places an emphasis on experiential leadership in a Catholic context and encourages students to explore their role as a leader within the Church and the greater community. All applicants to this course must participate in a three-day training retreat in September and a week-long mission trip to work with Habitat for Humanity and Catholic Social Services. Seminars will be held regularly on Monday evening from 6:00p.m.–9:00p.m. Through various texts, experiences and guest speakers, we hope to expose students in a new way, to the Catholic Church. Course Requirements: KAIROS retreat, Habitat for Humanity excursion Prerequisite: None