ACADEMICS: Religion

Grade 9: Scripture, Creed and Personal Growth 1 (2 semester.)

Religion 9 is a survey of the Old Testament and the Gospels as well as the basic beliefs of Catholic Christianity as expressed in the Nicene Creed and the traditions of the church. Students become familiar with the major events, people and themes expressed in these books (Creation, the Exodus, Prophecy, the Exile and Restoration and the Atonement of sin by Jesus of Nazareth) with particular emphasis on the biblical concepts of covenant, sin, reconciliation, love of others and salvation history. The faith experiences of biblical characters will be examined in order to apply them to the students’ own faith experiences. In addition there is a unit on human sexuality the latter part of the second semester addressing the psychological, social and spiritual dimensions of adolescent development with unit on AIDS, how it is not transmitted, how it affects the human body, and church declarations on AIDS and victims.

Grade 10: Christian Heritage, Worship and Personal Growth II (2 semesters)

In Christian Heritage the student studies the place and role of the Catholic Church and Christianity today with emphasis on church as a community manifested by worship, service to others, a preserver and teacher of the Word, and a community that is organized and is mutually supportive. Through a survey of a church rooted in two thousand years of history and traditions, each student is called upon to reflect upon the role each of us is to embrace as a Christian, and the role of the church in society at large. The second semester will be divided between Worship and Personal Growth. The course familiarizes students with the principles and forms of Catholic/Christian worship with particular emphasis on the Mass and sacraments. In addition to a review of the concepts covered in Religion 9, there will be an emphasis on relationships, media portrayal of human relationships, the physical and biological dimensions of sexuality and a review of basic concepts of AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases.

Grade 11: Morality and Social Justice (2 semesters)

These two courses seek to promote in the student those moral attitudes necessary for Christian witness in modern society. Moral issues, particularly those issues of major concern in contemporary society, are discussed to provide the student with knowledge and background needed to make moral decisions in real-life situations, particularly in terms of individual behavior. The second semester will focus on Social Justice. This course concentrates on increasing student awareness and interest on how the policies, laws, institutions and organization of our society affect the ability to make as present as possible a civilization based on Gospel values.

Grade 12: Christian Lifestyles/World Religions (2 semesters)

This course looks at the process of self-discovery and discernment leading to the choice of one of the three main vocations of Christian life – single, consecrated (priest, sister, brother, etc.), and married – with an emphasis on marriage. Students have an opportunity to study personality, relationships, dating, sexuality, communication, parenting, finances, Catholic teaching on moral issues, etc. The course also includes a survey of major world religions, with an emphasis on history, basic beliefs, and spirituality. The seminar portion of the course gives students the opportunity to explore other topics related to religion which may not have been studied in depth during the previous three years of religion class. Students complete three major projects – a wedding project, a finance/baby project, and the Senior Seminar project.

Teacher’s Aide ‑ Religion Department

Prerequisite: Restricted to senior students who have obtained the permission of the Dean of Curriculum and the respective teacher.

The aide will, under the direction of the teacher, assist the teacher by correcting homework, quizzes and tests, preparing materials for class, care for the classroom environment and otherwise assist the teacher as needed.