Theology

Senior High Curriculum

In 2007 the United States Catholic Bishops published the document, Doctrinal Elements of a Curriculum Framework for the Development of Catechetical Materials for Young People of High School Age. Benilde-St. Margaret’s continues implementation of this framework, resulting in some exciting changes to our theology course offerings. Benilde-St. Margaret’s is a national service-learning leader school. As such, we have embedded service-learning into our curriculum. Upon graduation, all students will have a four-year electronic portfolio of their service and justice work. Students are required to enroll in one theology course each semester.  

Freshman

Freshmen will be exposed to a broad experience of service through the required curriculum.

Theology 9:  Introduction to Scripture (S1)       

This course gives students a general knowledge and appreciation of the Sacred Scriptures. Through their study of the Bible, students will come to encounter the Living Word of God, Jesus Christ. In the course, students will learn about the Bible, authored by God through inspiration, and its value to people throughout the world. Students will learn how to read the Bible and become familiar with the major sections of the Bible and the books included in each section. Throughout the course students will be introduced to a broad range of service experiences as they relate to understanding the Bible.

One semester, one credit, required.

Theology 9:  Christology:  The Person of Jesus (S2)

This course introduces students to the mystery of Jesus Christ, the Living Word of God, and the second Person of the Blessed Trinity. In this course, students will understand Jesus Christ is the ultimate revelation to us from God. In learning about who He is, the students will also learn who He calls them to be. Throughout the course students will be introduced to a broad range of service experiences as they come to know Jesus on a more personal level.

One semester, one credit, required.

Sophomore

Sophomores will incorporate servant leadership into their lives through the required curriculum.

Theology 10:  The Paschal Mystery (S1)        

The word “paschal” comes from a Hebrew word meaning “the passing over” and refers to the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus.  It is a fundamental core belief of Christian churches. This course will focus on how we as believers share in the promise of the resurrection. Students will explore elements of the Paschal Mystery in their daily lives and will also be introduced to what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. Servant leadership is the primary way students will practice their discipleship.

One semester, one credit, required.

Theology 10:  Jesus Christ’s Mission in the Church (S2)

This course introduces students to the sacred nature of the Church. The course will focus on the models of church and on the foundation of the church by Christ through the Apostles. Students will begin to understand that through the Church they can encounter the living Jesus.  Each student will practice servant leadership as a way of modeling what Jesus taught.

 One semester, one credit, required.

Junior

Juniors will engage in a service practicum through the required curriculum.

Theology 11: Discipleship in Society (S1)
Through this course students will deepen and broaden their understanding of the Gospel message and the church’s social teaching. Students will learn how Christ’s concern for others, especially the poor and vulnerable, is present today in the church’s social teaching and mission. Learning about the cycles of poverty and injustice that keep people oppressed, students will discern their role in service to others. Each student will participate in a service practicum completing 40 hours with one agency during the semester.

One semester, one credit, required.

Theology 11:  Individual Discipleship/Morality (S2)
Through this course students will discern how they can fully live out God’s plan for their lives. Students will learn moral concepts and precepts that guide the development of conscience and a life of Christianity. The class will include a study of moral principles based on scripture and church documents. Students will develop moral decision making skills and apply those skills to complex issues of today.

One semester, one credit, required.

Senior

Seniors are required to enroll in one Theology course each semester and may choose from the electives listed below. Courses may not be repeated.

Arts in the Church (S1) (S2)        

This course will introduce students to the role of different art forms in the life of the Church. The course will engage students in understanding how best to integrate the arts into the life and mission of the Church, respecting both the Church’s theology and history and the artist’s work. Particular attention will be given to the liturgical arts (visual arts, architecture, dance/movement, poetry, drama, and music) and their role in worship, social action, and spiritual life. 

One semester, one credit, open to seniors.

 Christian Prayer (S1) (S2)  

This course is designed for students who have a more developed interest in theology and spirituality, and for those who have made a foundational commitment to God in their lives. This class will address the origins and sources of prayer in the Bible and in the life of Jesus as well as examining various traditional and contemporary approaches and styles of prayer. Students will also learn, take part in, and develop skills in composing prayers and prayer services, as well as deepening their own prayer leadership abilities.

One semester, one credit, open seniors.

Christian Vocations (S1) (S2)        

This course is a study of adult Christian life and the process of discerning a vocation in it. Students will learn how all vocations are similar and how they differ. The course will be structured around married life, single life, priestly life and consecrated life. Students will study the uniqueness of marriage, the changing roles of men and women, communication and conflict resolution, family planning and sexuality. Students will learn what it means to live life for the benefit of others and the value in considering a vocation in service to the community.

One semester, one credit, open to seniors.

Sacraments (S1) (S2)
This course is a study of the sacraments and liturgy in the Roman Catholic Church. It covers such topics as liturgical history, ritual, sacrament, symbol, the structure of the current rite and the liturgical year. The purpose of this course is to help students understand they can encounter Christ today through the sacraments.

One semester, one credit, open to seniors.

World Religions (S1) (S2)        

This course studies the major non-Christian religions of the world: Islam, Primal Religious Traditions, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Judaism. Students will explore seven primary dimensions for each religion:  mythical, material, doctrinal, experiential, ethical, ritual, and social. Students will be expected to participate in class discussion and activities, and attend a non-Christian worship service.

One semester, one credit, open to seniors.

Junior High Curriculum

Religious Studies 7

This course introduces all major aspects of Christ’s life including the prophets' foretelling of Jesus’s birth, the infancy narratives, the beginning of His ministry, His parables and lessons as well as Christ’s death and resurrection. The course also includes a survey of Scripture, which focuses on the development and creation of the Bible and the historical background of the gospel writers. Much of the course includes the study the gospels and the context in which they were written.

Year-long course, meets every other day, required of 7th graders.

Religious Studies 8

This course provides students with themes of Christian leadership and componenets of Catholic Social Teaching to help them explore their spirituality and a sense of self-identity. A survey of historical figures deepens students' understanding of the Catholic faith tradition and challenges them to relate Christian values to their lives. Through researching the lives of Christian role models and significant events in the Church's history, students gain an appreciation for a contributing community. Students also explore themes such as community-building, forgiveness, decision-making, morality, sexuality, and justice, as they develop skills in Christian leadership.

Year-long course, meets every other day, required of 8th graders.

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