Theology
Course Name |
Credit Type |
Description |
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Theology 1 |
Core |
Freshman Level - Bible Study |
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Freshman level theology is divided into two separate focuses for each semester. The first semester will focus on the revelation of Jesus Christ in scripture and the second semester focuses on the question of who Jesus Christ is. Both semester, while working under these two major topics, will have a particular emphasis on how these topics mean for us today. Using the Bible as the primary resource for the class, we will explore the topics of Jesus' revelation in scripture and the person of Christ as they relate to us today in our daily lives. Using such a remarkable resource and such rich content, the class challenges each of the students to engage in a lifelong journey of discovering how faith and the teachings of Jesus and the Bible can play a crucial role in the life they will lead. |
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Theology 2 |
Core |
Sophomore Level - Church History |
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This course will introduce students to the major content of the first pillar of the Catechism -The Profession of Faith (Creed). We will examine the key teachings contained in the Apostle’s Creed, one of the ancient professions of faith prayed by the Catholic Church. The main emphasis will be on God’s deeds which the Creed professes in faith and which are applied to us in the sacraments. We will also study the fourth pillar of the Catechism - Christian Prayer (Prayer). We will study prayer in various forms and discuss why we as Catholics pray the way we do. Students will also be introduced to “apologetics”--being able to give a reasoned explanation for the Catholic faith. A Catholic apologist charitably explains and defends Catholic doctrine using Scripture, history, and common sense. Apologetics fulfills the command of St. Peter: “Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, but do it with gentleness and reverence” (1 Peter 3:15-16). Throughout the course, students will also learn that a Catholic catechism is a systematic presentation of faith and morality. It outlines the basics of Catholic belief and the implications of that belief for personal behavior. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) will serve as a resource to help reference what has been taught in class and as a guide to help us express the Catholic faith more precisely. |
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Theology 3 |
Core |
Junior Level - Catholic Creed & Prayer |
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1st Semester: Sacraments - The content of the course includes a review of the gospel message; the sacramental view of the world unique to Catholicism; a discussion of how faith, love, and worship are intimately connected; and a focus on the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church. In an effort to cultivate an appreciation for the rich liturgy and prayer life of the church, emphasis is placed on the origin of each sacrament, studying the symbols, rituals, and effects of each. 2nd Semester: The Church; Our Story - Students study the church’s meaning and history in order to come to a deeper appreciation of the significance of living as a member of the Catholic Church. In an effort to understand what it means to be Catholic today, we study the history which led to the development and acceptance of all that makes Catholicism unique. Therefore, ecclesiology and church history are explored together. Emphasis is on helping students identify contemporary issues, questions, or dilemmas that can be evaluated within the context of a living, dynamic faith supported by the voice of the church. |
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Theology 4 |
Core |
Senior Level - Family Life & Social Justice |
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This course covers the third pillar of the Catechism - Life in Christ (Morality) and the “best kept secret” of our faith community, Catholic Social Justice. We will experience Christian prayer and worship, with emphasis on sacramental and liturgical worship; we will also explore Christian teenage spirituality and how our personal spirituality permeates all aspects of our lives. As we study the Life in Christ, we will find the moral teachings of the Church that guide us to live our lives through Christ. We will study the principles of Catholic social teaching and their application to some contemporary social problems, most notably 1. life issues--abortion, euthanasia, and capital punishment; Students will also continue to study Catholic “apologetics,” as defined within the course description for Theology 3. Throughout the course, students will learn that a Catholic catechism is a systematic presentation of faith and morality. It outlines the basics of Catholic belief and the implications of that belief for personal behavior. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) will serve as a resource to help reference what has been taught in class and as a guide in helping express the Catholic faith more precisely. |
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Christian Life |
Elective |
Sacristan, school service coordination |
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The significance of service and ministry within the Catholic faith is explored in this course. Christian Life is designed to provide students with faith-building experiences and opportunities. Students will be actively involved in the planning of liturgical celebrations and retreats. They will serve as ambassadors to the local parishes and community at large. Community Service hours may be earned in this course. |
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