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RELIGIOUS STUDIES
The Religious Studies Department, believing that the faith life of a Christian is developmental and that faith comes only when one is open to the working of the Spirit within one's heart and life, provides the formal setting in which to nurture growth. Intellectual insights into the teachings within Scripture, coupled with Catholic Dogma and Church Doctrines, become the backdrop to a lived commitment to Christ, through witness and prayer. This personal and communal spiritual growth is enhanced by a recognition of the value and giftedness of each student as a beloved child of God. At the same time, the student is encouraged to nurture and share her gifts to the greater glory of God for the benefit of God's people. The department emphasizes making lifestyle choices which recognize the importance of each individual's role in building God's Kingdom of justice, peace, and love..
Goals and Objectives
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| 1. |
The Department endeavors to facilitate decision-making and values clarification within a Christian framework that allows each student to deepen her participation in the Body of Christ.
a. Encouraging the student to evaluate contemporary values from an historical, analytical perspective which embraces Scripture, tradition and theology.
b. Broaden student understanding of the levels of morality on current day issues, i.e. abortion, AIDS, gender differences, etc.
c. Exposing students to the link between the religious and social dimensions of life as described in the document, "The Church in the Modern World".
d. Highlighting the need to promote the common good, to help fully achieve the perfection of humanity as stated in the document, "Christianity and Social Progress ".
e. Development of the student understanding that they must continue to grow in all areas of their life, with an emphasis on the religious, spiritual, and moral growth.
f. The study of all three lifestyles (married, single, and religious) as dignified responses to the call to be Christ in the world. |
| 2. |
The Department provides a balance of content which covers key areas of Catholic Theology: Historical Theology, Biblical Theology, Moral Theology, Sacramental Theology, and Christian Spirituality.
a. Providing a scope and sequence of coursework that meets both the Diocesan requirements and the academic and spiritual needs of our students.
b. Keeping abreast of the New Catechism of the Catholic Church and following the guidelines set forth by the Magisterium.
c. Allowing opportunities for teachers to attend workshops, conventions, etc. and sharing new insights and information with the Department.
d. Updating texts and resource materials to provide the best materials available. |
| 3. |
To promote the sacramental and prayer life of the individual now and to encourage an on-going spirituality.
a. Providing ample opportunities for students to pray individually, and in groups, within the classroom setting.
b. In cooperation with Campus Ministry, to provide liturgical and paraliturgical prayer experiences as a student body.
c. Providing experience of a variety of prayer styles.
d. Encouraging student participation as Eucharistic ministers while also providing faculty models.
e. Providing semi-annual Reconciliation opportunities, which allow priests from local parishes to meet the sacramental needs of their young parishioners.
f. Encouraging students to work within their parish program to receive the sacrament of Confirmation and cooperating with the parishes to facilitate their programs.
g. Encouraging students to become involved in the community life of their parish and thereby facilitating their future leadership roles within the parish.
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| 4. |
Application of the link of love and justice: that love of neighbor is an absolute demand for justice because charity manifests itself in action and structures that respect human dignity, protect human rights, and facilitate human development. And to encourage service as a lifelong commitment.
a. Providing the opportunity to show a preferential love for the "dear neighbor" through school-wide projects in conjunction with Campus Ministry.
b. Promoting global solidarity and our mutual obligation to promote the development of all people across the world, through relief-collection drives (Development of Peoples).
c. Requiring all students to participate in the Christian service program and be involved in works of mercy and social action.
d. Guest speakers who represent organizations that work for justice.
e. Field trips to participate in works of mercy- i. e.. Mother Theresa's convent. Woodruff Convalescent Home.
f. Implementation of Diocesan "AIDS" curriculum at Sophomore, Junior, Senior levels within the Religious Studies Department, in conjunction with Campus Ministry and the Counseling Department.
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| 5. |
Scripture - An appreciation of the Word of God as the foundation of their Christian belief and tradition and as the instrument for a closer relationship with the Lord, as they learn to live out the gospel message.
a. The use of modern tools of interpretation in the study of Scripture.
b. Assignments based on the Bible as a resource.
c. Requiring the purchase of a durable Bible that will be available all four years.
d. Using Scripture as a source of prayer and meditation.
e. Demonstrates how God's Word and action are one and the same through the example of Jesus Christ, His only Son.
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Courses
Religion I - Living Our Catholic Faith/Hebrew Scriptures
Religion II - Jesus of History, Christ of Faith/Morality
Religion III - Sacraments / Peace and Justice / Church History
Religion IV - Christian Vocations
Senior Electives - World Religions / Pastoral Ministry / Death, Dying, and Resurrection
Faculty
Please see “Faculty and Staff”
Click on one of the department names below for details
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