Curriculum » Theology Department

Theology Department

This course leads the students toward a deeper understanding of the Bible and the history of our salvation presented within it. The students learn to navigate the Bible and use basic exegetical skills. They examine the relationship among Revelation, Inspiration, and vocation. They learn why salvation history is necessary. They then come to know the people of salvation history: the early leaders of Israel, the judges and kings, and the prophets. They come to understand that Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of salvation history and of the Israelites’ covenant relationship with God.
Prerequisite: None - A semester course open to freshmen. Required for graduation.
This course is designed to give students an appreciation and understanding of the celebration of the Paschal Mystery of Jesus Christ through the study of the Mass, the Sacraments. The three Sacraments of Initiation Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist and the two Sacraments of Healing—Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick are examined as communal celebrations with attention to both scriptural and historical contexts. The Sacraments of Service— Matrimony and Holy Orders are introduced but are covered in-depth during the senior level course, Catholic Spirituality and Vocations.
Prerequisite: None - A semester course open to Freshmen.
This course leads the students toward a deeper understanding of the history of the Church from the time of Christ to the twenty-first century. It includes the origins of the Church, the Age of the Church Fathers, the development of core doctrines of faith, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the Protestant Reformation, the spread of the Gospel to the New World, the Enlightenment, and the growth of the Church in the United States. The first semester covers the early church, doctrinal developments, and the early Middle Ages. The second semester concludes with the birth of the Church’s social doctrine and the Church of the twentieth and twenty first centuries, including the Second Vatican Council.
Prerequisite: None - A semester course open to sophomores. Required for graduation.
This course is designed to provide comprehensive overviews of the history, beliefs, and practices of the six major religions of the world (Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism). The students will research, read primary documents used by the major religions, analyze similarities and differences between the religions and explore the global impact of the religious traditions. Upon completion of each unit, the students will demonstrate an understanding of the following concepts regarding each major religion: origins/historical development, Sacred texts, Traditions and rituals, key theological individuals, and Global impact of the religion. The course is in direct response to Pope Francis and Archbishop Wester’s call for inter-religious dialogue and study. Additionally, the material will satisfy the students’ desire to gain a fundamental understanding of the major world religions.
Prerequisite: None - A semester course open to juniors. Required for graduation.
This course will present the moral teaching of the Church with an emphasis on the dignity of the human person made in the image and likeness of God. Reflecting on the truth that we are all made for communion with God, with each other, and with creation, the students will learn how living a moral life satisfies our deepest desires and leads to our ultimate fulfillment in Christ.
Prerequisite: None - A semester course open to juniors. Required for graduation.
This course leads the students toward a deeper understanding of the rich tradition of Catholic social teaching. The course starts by examining the foundations of Catholic social teaching in Scripture and Tradition. The students then explore the tremendous growth in this teaching over the last century as the Church has responded to our rapid and far-reaching changes in society. Later units explore specific social issues, such as protecting human life at its beginning and at its end, poverty and hunger, war and peacemaking, economic justice, and environmental justice. Over the course, the students are called to reflect on Christ’s call to live justly and confront sinful social structures using the "two feet of love in action", charity and justice.
Prerequisite: None - A semester course open to seniors. Required for graduation.
The rich spiritual heritage is explored through the writings of St. Augustine, St. Teresa of Avila, St. Ignatius of Loyola, Pope John Paul II, and Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Vocational guest speakers including priests, deacons, sisters, married couples, and single persons present a detailed study of the three Catholic vocations: Marriage, Holy Orders, and the single life.
Prerequisite: None - A semester course open to seniors. Required for graduation.
8th Grade
In this course, students will learn the structure and history of the Church. The primary focus of the class is identifying and describing the foundations of the Church. Students will look at the first 500 years of Church history and how it formed the foundation of the modern-day Church. Students will build upon the knowledge of the Gospels in order to properly understand the foundations upon which the Church was built while continuing to develop their familiarity with the Bible. Each student will also examine the impact of saints, Church leaders and important events that shaped Christianity. A basic introduction to ethics and morality is also interwoven throughout the themes of this course.