Theology

1 Credit  

Grade 9 

During Freshman Theology, students will explore what it means to be a follower of Christ through Scripture. The first semester of this course contains 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 explore and understand basic themes of the Biblical narrative. Students develop essential Bible study skills and use them in engaging ways throughout the semester. The study of the Old Testament gives students many opportunities to apply the powerful truths of the Catholic faith.

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 through both prayer and study. The goal of this course is to integrate scripture into the lives of the students.

1 Credit  

Grade 10 

The first semester of this course is designed to introduce students to the major events and doctrines in the history of the Catholic Church, as founded upon Christ and His apostles.  This course will also examine the development of beliefs, customs, and practices of the Catholic Church as led by the Holy Spirit through the centuries. 

The second semester of this course provides a historical overview and doctrinal examination of each of the Church’s seven sacraments along with an introduction to the theology of grace and the general principles of sacramental theology. Students will learn to encounter Christ through the sacraments, and special emphasis will be placed on the Eucharist, which is the “source and summit of the Christian life” (CCC 1324).

1 Credit  

Grade 11 

This course seeks to provide students with an introduction to the fundamental principles of Catholic moral teachings and their application to contemporary moral issues, while also exploring the rich social teaching of the Church on political, economic, ethical, and cultural matters as they relate to the common good. The concepts of human dignity, conscience, freedom, personal and social responsibility, law, sin, and forgiveness will be examined through Scripture and the Church's moral tradition, with emphasis on decision-making skills and how to answer Christ's Gospel call to love and service.

Service-learning Requirements:

Service-Learning is a method of teaching, learning, and reflecting that integrates academic coursework with meaningful, face-to-face service in the greater community, especially with those who are in need or on the margins of society. Students will select an agency or organization where they will participate in at least 20 hours of direct service. Students reflect on their experience both in a journal, which is due by March 1st, and by attending three separate reflection sessions with their peers through the year. Students engage in the circle of social action by first developing awareness through their service hours, then moving into analysis as they connect their experiences to issues of social justice through a research paper, and finally into advocacy as they consider ways to work toward systemic change, during the spring semester.

1 Credit  

Grade 12

This course is designed to provide students with a foundation in the basic concepts of Catholic spirituality and to teach them the fundamental principles of prayer, especially mental prayer, in order to prepare them for a "vital and personal relationship with the living and true God" (CCC 2558). This course examines the Christocentric, biblical, sacramental, ecclesial, and Marian aspects of spirituality and analyzes some of the major Catholic spiritual traditions. Through engagement with some of the great classics of Catholic spirituality, students will explore the lives and spiritual practices of the saints who shaped the major spiritual traditions.

Dual Enrollment Option

1 Credit

Grade 12

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 in order to prepare them for a “vital and personal relationship with the living and true God” (CCC 2558). Students will examine the Church’s teaching about the three major expressions of prayer, vocal, meditative, and contemplative, and they will be introduced to different prayer and devotional practices such as Eucharistic adoration, the rosary, the Divine Mercy chaplet, the Examen, lectio divina, visio divina, and the Liturgy of the Hours. This course will focus on the three stages of the spiritual life as a map for the spiritual journey, the lifelong process of ongoing personal conversion, the importance of living a sacramental life, and how to answer the universal call to holiness announced in Lumen Gentium at the Second Vatican Council to which all baptized Christians must respond.

This course will also consider the Christocentric, biblical, sacramental, ecclesial, and Marian aspects of spirituality and will explore 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 such as St. Augustine’s Confessions, St. Catherine of Siena’s Dialogue, St. Ignatius of Loyola’s Spiritual Exercises, and St. Teresa of Avila’s Interior Castle as well as with their lives and spiritual practices.

Please note that this is a writing and discussion intensive course.

Prerequisite:  Students who wish to be considered for placement into Honors Theology must complete an application and accompanying essay, available through the Theology Department; final placement is contingent upon review and approval by the department. 

Note:  Optional dual enrollment is available for this course with the School of Theological Studies at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary.  The Seminary will grant three undergraduate level credits to any senior who completes this course with at least a grade of C or higher.  An associated fee will be due upon the student's registration for dual enrollment.