Theology

2 Semesters 

During Freshman Theology students will explore what it means to be a follower of Christ through Scripture and Mercy. We begin with a foundational overview of the Old Testament as the first part of the story of God's redemption of His creation. During this study of the Old Testament, students will explore and understand some of the basic themes of the Biblical narrative. Students will also develop essential Bible study skills and use them in engaging ways throughout the semester. The study of the Old Testament will give students many opportunities to apply the powerful truths that mercy brings.    

The second semester is a study of the New Testament including the Synoptic Gospels, the writings of John, the Acts of the Apostles, and the writings of Paul. Students will come to new understandings of the scripture by both prayer and study. The goal of this course is to integrate scripture into the lives of the students. Our faith is based on God's Revelation through the Holy Scriptures and Tradition. During this course, the students will begin to understand the Biblical relationship to the Catholic Mass. The Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy will be identified in the Bible throughout the course.   

2 Semesters  

Sophomore Theology will begin with the Sacraments of Initiation as they flowed from the Early Church connecting scripture with Church History. Church History will supply students with a strong foundation for the history of the Catholic Church from Apostolic Times through the Counter-Reformation. Additionally, women in the church through the historical lens of Mercy will serve as the culmination of Church History and will highlight Mercy Women who have worked within the Church to respond to the needs of the times and the call to service for all members of the Church. 

2 Semesters 

The first semester of this course seeks to provide the student with an introduction to the fundamental principles of Catholic moral teachings and the application of those teachings to contemporary moral issues. The concepts of the dignity of the human person, conscience, freedom, personal and social responsibility, law, sin, and forgiveness will be explored in the light of Scripture and the moral tradition of the Church, along with a focus on decision-making skills. Areas to be addressed include: life issues, sexuality, authority, and truth.   

The second semester of this course is designed to introduce the student to the rich social teaching of the Church on the many political, economic, ethical, and cultural issues and how they relate to the common good. This course will also focus on people who are on the margins of society and how best to answer Christ's call in the Gospel to love and serve the poor. The Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy, Anti-Racism, Nonviolence, Immigration, Women, and Earth, will be studied in depth. Man’s Search for Meaning will be used as a connection between Morality and Catholic Social Teaching. 

Service-learning is an integral part of this course. Students will participate in at least 15 hours of service and complete a journal on their experience by March 31st. Using the Circle of Social Action, there will be 5 hours of advocacy in April. The Service-learning criteria will be shared through the Office of Ministry.   

2 Semesters 

The first semester of this course is designed to provide students with a foundation in the basic concepts of Catholic spirituality and teach them the fundamental principles of prayer and meditation in order to prepare them for a “vital and personal relationship with the living and true God” (CCC 2558). This course also examines the Christocentric, biblical, sacramental, ecclesial, and Marian aspects of spirituality and explores some of the major Catholic spiritual traditions. Furthermore, through the reading of both primary and secondary sources, students will become acquainted with some of the great classics of Catholic spirituality as well as the spiritual practices and lives of the saints. 

The second semester of this course provides a historical overview and doctrinal survey of the Church’s seven sacraments along with an introduction to the theology of grace and the general principles of sacramental theology. This course also considers the sacraments as living encounters with Christ, and it places a special emphasis on the Eucharist, which is the “source and summit of the Christian life” (CCC 1324).