701 Introduction to Catholicism/ Christian Sexuality

Grade 9: 1st Semester

Students focus on faith development. The students read, write, and study the basics of Catholic faith and Catholic religious practices. They also explore basic issues in the development of self-esteem, respect, and a healthy, responsible, and Christian view of sexuality. Each student participates in required service projects to complement the studies of the corporal works of mercy. (1/2 credit)

751 Honors Introduction to Catholicism/ Christian Sexuality

Grade 9: 1st Semester

A placement test and approval by the Theology Department is a prerequisite for this class.

This course is for students who have mastered the basics of the Catholic faith: creed; sacraments; morality; and prayer. This course includes advanced level activities, presentations, and research projects which promote a prayerful study of the Sacred Scriptures, Liturgy and Ministry in the Church. Each student participates in required service projects to complement the studies of the corporal works of mercy. (1/2 credit)

711 Hebrew Scripture

Grade 9: 2nd Semester

Students explore major themes such as Creation, Exodus, Covenant, and Revelation as they learn how to read the Bible and begin to pray with a Biblical perspective. The students act as present-day prophets through their community service. (1/2 credit)

702 Christian Scripture

Grade 10: 1st Semester

Students focus on the person of Jesus and the Gospel call to conversion. The students undertake an in-depth, critical study of the Gospel of Mark, as well as a thorough reading of selected portions of the other synoptics, and the Acts of the Apostles, in order to become familiar with the message of Jesus, the meaning of the Paschal mystery, its relationship to the first century and to the daily lives of the students. Students examine the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Anointing of the Sick. Each student receives the opportunity to experience prayer, to proclaim the Gospel, to prepare prayer services, and to participate in service commitment as she learns to make practical application of the gospel message. (1/2 credit)

752 Honors Christian Scripture

Grade 10: 1st Semester

A placement test and approval by the Theology Department is a prerequisite for this class.

In addition to all of the material from Christian Scripture, the students in this honors course also read a biblical historical novel. Students examine the Epistles more extensively, including writing two research papers to be presented in both written and oral form and additional readings and assignments. Students develop the skills of Biblical exegesis as well as the skill of using Scripture to research a particular theological theme or topic. Students implement these skills in their written and oral assignments throughout the semester. (1/2 credit)

712 Moral Theology

Grade 10: 2nd Semester

Students review basic Christian morality. This study includes the development of a Christian conscience; the basis of moral decision-making within a Catholic Christian context; stewardship and responsibility; current social conditions, and interiorizing Catholic moral principles which will promote the scriptural version of social justice. Students focus particularly on the appreciation and celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. They discover that the response to the demands of Christian moral life is met in serving the needs of others. (1/2 credit)

703 Christology

Grade 11: 1st Semester

Students learn about and encounter the person of Jesus through topics including: Jesus’ divine and human natures, his presentation in the four Gospels, the councils, the poor and oppressed people of the world, and Christian witnesses, from the past and present. Students share in the early Church’s growing sense of who Jesus was and grow in their understanding of the contemporary Church, especially through the celebration of the sacrament of the Eucharist. The Christian service commitment is an integral component of this study of the person of Christ. (1/2 credit)

753 Honors Christology

Grade 11: 1st Semester

A placement test and approval by the Theology Department is a prerequisite for this class.

Students learn about and encounter the person of Jesus Christ  through topics including: the Eucharist ascending and descending Christology, suffering and joy in the Christian life, the nature of the human person, the poor and oppressed people of the world, the historical reality of Jesus, and Christian witnesses, past and present. The Christian service commitment is stressed as an integral component of the person of Christ.  Students’ assessments include independent research, projects and papers, critical Biblical study, oral presentations, and exams. (1/2 credit)

715 The Christian Lifestyle

Grade 11: 2nd Semester

Students explore the spiritual, psychological, relational, and practical issues involved in living a Christian life, whether in marriage, in the priesthood, in a religious community, or as a single person. Students examine means of effective communication and conflict management, the traits of healthy families, parenthood, establishing and maintaining a budget, and self-respect. They develop an understanding of chosen lifestyles as direct answers to a call from God and, therefore, sacramental. Because these lifestyles are Christian, students explore ministry in service to others. (1/2 credit)

704 Church History

Grade 12: 1st Semester

By tracing the history of the Church from its founder Jesus Christ to the present, the student learns that the Catholic Church of today developed directly from the Church founded by Christ. The student discovers how the Church kept intact the Gospel message, developed its understanding of Christian doctrine over time, and spread this teaching throughout the world. As the history of the Church is traced, the student learns that church history is a core component of the history of the western world. They learn how it has influenced the development of culture, human values, and political rights throughout the entire world. (1/2 credit)

754 Honors Church History

Grade 12: 1st Semester

A placement test and approval by the Theology Department is a prerequisite for this class.

The Honors Church History student achieves the goals of the regular Church History course, but attains a deeper understanding of the concrete contributions of the Catholic Church to western civilization and the preservation of the Christian ethic in the contemporary world. The Honors student also comes to appreciate the complexities of political and social problems with which the Church has struggled through both millennia. The course strives to objectively evaluate the historical triumphs of the Church, and her failures. Honors Church History focuses on enlightening students to the need for all those within the Body of Christ to rely on God’s wisdom and courage in order to avoid the pitfalls of the past, while trying to achieve Augustine’s concept of the City of God on earth. (1/2 credit) 

716 Justice and Faith

Grade 12: 2nd Semester

Students integrate their religious studies and their experience of Church through discussion, research, and the completion of a major project. Students work toward developing a mature understanding of those personal and societal issues which demand a Gospel response. Each student responds to current social conditions and promotes justice through serving the community in different ways. (1/2 credit)

732 The Church Through Sacred Music and Art

Grade 12: 2nd Semester

The students examine the growth of the Church as reflected in her Sacred Music and Art. The study includes such topics as statuary, iconography, church architecture, stained glass, Gregorian chant, classic oratorical works, and congregational hymnody. (1/2 credit)

733 World Religions

Grade 12: 2nd Semester

Students examine the world’s religious traditions. Students identify the origins, history, communal identity, and practices of major religions. They reflect upon their own religious traditions and obtain a knowledge base that allows them to dialogue with people of other faiths. (1/2 credit)

736 Philosophical Foundations of Theology

Grade 12: 2nd Semester

Students are introduced to basic terms and themes of classical philosophy. Students explore philosophers such as Socrates, Plato, Aquinas, Augustine, Kant, Dostoyevsky, Nietzsche, John Paul II and others. This foundation leads students to a deeper understanding of the human person and her relation to God and others. (1/2 credit)

737 Theological Themes in Artistic Productions

Grade 12: 2nd Semester

The student studies theological themes, in a range of artistic portrayals of Christ and in works that have themes relatable and relevant to Christianity. The course includes written critical papers and graded class discussions. (1/2 credit)