Instruction
The daily study of Catholic theology is an integral part of the curriculum. Courses are “Christ-centered” (Christological) as outlined by the U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops. The course of studies is varied and shows the relevance of Theology for everyday life. Ultimately, Catholic theology courses seek to bring students closer to God through the Holy Catholic Church.
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The Theology program is at the heart of the mission of a Catholic school. Theology courses are required for every student, five days a week. All Theology courses are consistent with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Curriculum Frameworks for Catholic Schools.
God’s Word, God’s Presence, Sacraments
The students explore the essence of Catholicism and study the lives of the saints. Students study the Mass, learning about the liturgy, its history, art, music, and its place in our lives today. The students study the seven sacraments, their history, symbolism, and importance. In addition, prayer, parables, and Church history are also studied.
Old Testament
In this course, the students are provided with an overview of the Old Testament. The narrative history of the Hebrew people is followed. The Torah, the Wisdom Books, the Prophetic Books, and the Historical Books are studied in order to examine God’s covenant with His people. These ancient scriptures are studied in the light of their relevance to our lives today and in their connection to the New Testament. The students continue to examine the lives of the many men and women who answered God’s call.
New Testament
This course focuses on the Christian Scriptures (New Testament) and continues to build upon the students’ understanding of the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament). Students focus on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ as understood by the Roman Catholic Church. Within this context, students also learn more specifically about the Church’s social teachings in the hope that they will be able to apply their academic religious studies to their everyday lives as followers of Jesus Christ.
Church History
The curriculum focuses on the history of the Roman Catholic Church beginning with the founding of the Apostolic Church, and continuing to the present time. Students learn a theology of church and come to understand how the Church continues to develop under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Other Christian denominations are explored in order to investigate how they relate to the Roman Catholic Church. Lastly, students are introduced to the basic moral teachings of the Church as they apply to students of their age.
Scripture:
The Revelation of Jesus Christ in Scripture
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. If they have not been taught this earlier they will learn how to read the Bible and will 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.
Christology: Who is Jesus Christ?
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ, the living Word of God, the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity. Through study of the Paschal Mystery, students will understand that Jesus Christ is the ultimate Revelation to us from God. In learning about who he is, the students will also learn who he calls them to be.
Church History
This course is a survey of the history of the Roman Catholic Church from its beginning to the present day. The history of the Church is one of a pilgrim people united, as the Mystical Body of Christ that has developed over the ages. The purpose of this course is to supply the students with a general knowledge of the Church’s history from apostolic times to the present. They will be introduced to the fact that the Church was founded by Christ through the Apostles and is sustained by him throughout history through the Holy Spirit. They will explore major events and movements that have been part of the Church’s development and be introduced to the major players in the history of the institution.
The Church: Jesus Christ’s Mission Continues
The purpose of this course is to help the students understand that in and through the Church they encounter the living Jesus Christ. They will be introduced to the fact that the Church was founded by Christ through the Apostles and is sustained by him through the Holy Spirit. The students will come to know that the Church is the living Body of Christ today. This Body has both divine and human elements. In this course, students will learn not so much about events in the life of the Church but about the sacred nature of the Church.
Sacraments:
Privileged Encounters With Jesus Christ
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, and especially through the Eucharist. Students will examine each of the sacraments in detail so as to learn how they may encounter Christ throughout life.
Christian Morality: Life in Jesus Christ
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.
Social Justice:
Living as Disciples of Jesus Christ
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the Church’s social teaching. In this course, students are to learn how Christ’s concern for others, especially the poor and needy, is present today in the Church’s social teaching and mission.
Mission and Evangelization in the 21st Century
Roman Catholics have a unique way of looking at the world and responding to its many challenges. Guided by the teachings of the Church, Sacred Scripture and the perspective of Catholic writers, informed Catholics live as active members of the Body of Christ in an increasingly secular society. This course encourages the seniors to think about their role as lay people in the modern Roman Church, and citizens in a global society. Using the Documents of the Church, Scripture and the work of Catholic authors, students will consider how to meet the challenges of living their lives as Catholics in the modern world and preaching the Gospel in a secular society.
Catechetical Practicum
An elective course for seniors who are practicing Catholics and well versed in Catholic Theology. Working under the direction of the Freshmen Theology teacher the students will act as Theology tutors to International students. These students will work with International students individually or in small groups and instruct them in the basics of Catholic Faith and practice with a goal preparing the international students to move into the regular theology program after a semester or two of individualized instruction. Working with the Theology instructor the students will plan and execute lessons and keep a record of the material covered; they will develop assignments and assessments to measure students progress.