Theology Course Offerings

The freshman theology course offers students a foundational understanding of Christianity. Set in the context of the Old Testament revelation of God, this course seeks to bring out the purpose of the coming of Christ so the students will recognize that He is the authentic answer to the fundamental questions and needs which are inside every human being.

Prerequisites: None

Grade 9 · Full Year · 1 Credit

The sophomore theology course begins where the 9th-grade course ends, with an examination of the Church as an outgrowth of Christ’s mission and work. The aim of this course is to answer the questions:  What is the church? Why does it matter to me?  This is a course in ecclesiology rather than a history of the Church, although students will become familiar with the significant persons, issues, and events of Church history.

Prerequisites: None

Grade 10 · Full Year · 1 Credit

God’s norms for our moral conduct and religious practice are presented within the context of the Ten Commandments and sacraments. The Catechism  – emphasizing the purpose of the magisterium – augments the student text. Real-life struggles to live Christian morality are discussed and practical help is offered. The place and structure of marriage and the family are vigorously defended as central to a society’s morals. Current news items provide additional fodder for class discussion. 

Prerequisites: None

Grade 11 · 1 Semester · .5 Credit

This course is primarily concerned with the social vocation of man.  Students will be introduced to the basic principles of Catholic social teaching to address certain questions such as how should society be structured to protect the dignity and rights of the human person, to foster justice and to limit or eliminate injustice, and to encourage and promote the common good? The answers involve not only my individual moral choices; it also involves everyone else in our society at the civil, economic, and political level.  The purpose of this course is to introduce the reasonableness of Catholic social principles as a way to begin to address societal issues. 

Prerequisites: None

Grade 11 · 1 Semester · .5 Credit

A “defense of the faith,” apologetics leads students through a critical review of Christian doctrine. Because faith is belief, apologetics often seeks not so much to prove belief but to refute objections to belief. This is done through the context of creed (what we believe), code (how we live), and cult (how we worship). The course includes a comparison with other religions, a detailed exploration of the Apostles’ Creed, and an examination of the “sad divisions in Christianity” and what can be done together in Christ.

Prerequisites: None

Grade 12 · Full Year · 1 Credit

The goal of this course is to give students the necessary tools to defend their Faith in a world that is often hostile to it. The first semester will focus on the “larger” religious questions such as; “What proof is there for the existence of God?” and “Isn’t it intolerant to believe that Christ is the only way to Heaven?”  In the second semester, we will focus on issues more specific to Christianity, like; “Why do Catholics pray to saints?” and “How can the Church believe that the pope is infallible”?  Periodically, we will engage in in-class debates, where students will be asked to “think on their toes” and to give a “reason for the hope that is in them” (1 Peter 3:15). Throughout the year, we will be looking at current events, for apologetics is nothing if it is not “current.” The goal of this course is not only to enable the students to argue their faith more effectively but also for them to realize that their faith is worth the argument. Along with reading the assigned texts, students will be asked to complete written as well as oral assignments to demonstrate they can cogently express their faith to fair-minded skeptics. 

Grade 12 · Full Year· 1 Credit

This course will focus heavily on Papal writings, particularly from Popes Benedict XVI and John Paul II. There will also be an extensive investigation of the natural law, with special emphasis on the thought of St. Thomas Aquinas. Summer reading is required, with a 3-page paper due during the first week of the course.

Grade 12 · Full Year · 1 Credit

Is there a connection between sexuality and the search for meaning in our lives?  Following Pope John Paul II’s theology of the body, the study of God as revealed through our bodies, this course is designed to help the students understand the meaning of their bodies, the significance of their sexuality, the purpose of their lives, and how they were uniquely created for greatness.  The course will end with students planning and implementing a retreat day for the sophomores on the theme of “Dating and Relating.”

This course is a one-semester elective. It will consists of in-class lectures, training, orientation, and in-service ministry to the school community. The goal of Peer Ministry is to have the participants grow in their own faith by serving the needs of the school, especially the spiritual and personal needs of the student body. A peer minister is responsible for the direction and facilitation of school moments of prayer and service, and helps with school liturgies and activities. It is intended for students who seek a greater involvement in the spiritual life of the school  and who wish to share their gifts, talents, and Christian faith with the SJCS community. It requires a personal commitment to the program and to Christ. Students fulfill their Service requirements as part of this course. 

Grade 12 · 1 Semester · .5 Credit

This one-semester course examines the origins, development, and interpretation of Biblical texts. Students will examine several interpretive and hermeneutical approaches to Scripture. Special emphasis will be given to the historical significance of the first five books of the Bible, Wisdom literature, the Gospels, and the life and works of Paul. 

Grade 12 · 1 Semester · .5 Credit

Fundamentals of Christianity: Who is Jesus · 101

Theology of the Church · 102

Morality · 103

Catholic Social Teaching · 105

Apologetics · 104

Honors Apologetics · 114

Honors Faith and Reason · 115

Theology of the Body · 108

Peer Ministry · 109

Biblical Studies · 110