Religious Studies

The Department of Religious Studies focuses instruction so that students will be able to communicate as well as demonstrate the Word of God through a personal understanding of the principles of the Catholic Faith.
 

FRESHMAN RELIGION

The Revelation of Jesus Christ in Scripture

Grade 9 | One Semester (First Semester)

The purpose of this course is to give students a general knowledge and appreciation of the Sacred Scriptures. Through their study of the Bible, they will come to encounter the living Word of God, Jesus Christ. In the course they will learn about the Bible, authored by God through Inspiration, and its value to people throughout the world. They will learn how to read the Bible and become familiar with the major sections of the Bible and the books included in each section. The students will pay particular attention to the Gospels, where they may grow to know and love Jesus Christ more personally.

Who is Jesus Christ?

Grade 9 | One Semester (Second Semester)

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the mystery of Jesus Christ, the living Word of God, and the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity. In this course students will understand that Jesus Christ is the ultimate Revelation to us from God. In learning about who Jesus is, the students will also learn who he calls them to be.

The freshman course is in compliance with the Catholic Bishops’ Framework for the High School Curriculum.

SOPHOMORE RELIGION

The Paschal Mystery – Christ’s Mission of Salvation

Grade 10 | One Semester (First Semester)

This course leads the students toward a deeper understanding of our need for redemption and how Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promise of redemption. The course explores how, through his suffering, death, Resurrection, and Ascension, Jesus makes our redemption possible. The course also addresses how we continually experience the Paschal Mystery in our lives and the liturgy of the Church. Paired with the ninth-grade course Jesus Christ: God’s Love Made Visible, The Paschal Mystery provides students with an extensive understanding of Christology.

The Church – Christ in the World Today

Grade 10 | One Semester (Second Semester)

This course leads the students toward a deeper understanding of the Church as the means to encountering the living Jesus. The course explores the origin, the human and divine elements, and the ongoing mission of the Church. Additionally, the students explore the Church’s ongoing efforts to gather all into the People of God through the ecumenical movement and interreligious dialogue. Over the course of the eight units, the students reflect on their role in the Church and Christ’s invitation to actively participate in and contribute to the life of the Church.

The sophomore course is in compliance with the Catholic Bishops’ Framework for the High School Curriculum.

JUNIOR RELIGION

The Sacraments

Grade 11 | One Semester (First Semester)

The purpose of this course is to help students understand that they can encounter Christ today in a full and real way in and through the sacraments.

Students will examine each of the sacraments in detail so as to learn how they may encounter Christ throughout life.

Catholic Morality

Grade 11 | One Semester (Second Semester)

The purpose of this course is to help students understand that it is only through Christ that they can fully live out God’s plans for their lives.

Students are to learn the moral concepts and precepts that govern the lives of Christ’s disciples.

The junior course is in compliance with the Catholic Bishops’ Framework for the High School Curriculum.

SENIOR RELIGION

Social Justice

Grade 12 | One Semester (First Semester)

The purpose of this course is to lead the students toward a deeper understanding of the rich tradition of Catholic social teaching.

“Through the lens of the Social Justice Principles of the Church, students will gain an understanding of how to apply the basic moral teachings of the Church to the goal of building a more just and compassionate society. Particular attention is paid to the meaning of the Common Good, the interconnected of human beings and the natural world and the unique, precious and consistent dignity of human life.”

Vocations

Grade 12 | One Semester (Second Semester)

The purpose of this course is to help students to understand the vocations of life: how Christ calls us to live.

In this course, students should learn how all vocations are similar and how they differ. The course will focus on the married life, single life, priestly life, and consecrated life.

Students should learn what it means to live life for the benefit of others and the value in considering a vocation in service to the Christian community.

The senior course is in compliance with the Catholic Bishops’ Framework for the High School Curriculum.