Religion
Mr. Gerry Leonard, Dept. Chair
RELIGIOUS STUDIES - Required each semester at Paraclete
Religion I Catholic Faith and Sacraments. Year Course 9
Required for all freshmen
Students will learn the essential aspects of the Catholic Church’s theology and sacraments(worship). They will examine its origin, development, role, teaching and ecumenical movement. They will study its work as God’s instrument to transmit authentically the truths of faith. Students will learn of the Church’s life through the study of the various forms of worship as expressed in the liturgy, the celebration of the sacraments, in personal and communal prayer, through special devotions and the feasts of the liturgical year.
Religion II Hebrew Scripture/Christology. Year Course 10
Required for all sophomores
In the first semester this course is designed to help students arrive at a new understanding of what the Bible is so that they can comprehend why Christians believe it to be the Word of God. Study of the physical makeup of the Bible is combined with a practical and prayerful reading of selected passages. By finding inspiration in the Word of God, they will be helped to appreciate the values it presents which are at the heart of Christian vision of life. During the second semester the students will focus on the person of Jesus Christ. Through the Gospels, they will attempt to know Him better in order to make a more-mature faith-choice. Considered specifically in the course will be the events that led to His death and resurrection, His miracles and parables, the question of His humanity and divinity and what it means to be a follower of Christ in our time.
Religion III Morality/Social Justice - Year Course 11
Required for all juniors
Students will become acquainted with the principles guiding Christian ethics and its relationship to law and freedom. They will study the role of conscience in making sound moral judgments. Also, by studying some of the most pressing current social issues, they will examine their responsibility to society and their call to work for justice and peace.
Religion IV Great Religions of the World, Christian Life-styles Year Course 12
Required for all seniors contains:
a)*Great Religions of the World Grade 12 only - One semester course
In this comparative course, students will examine Eastern versus Western thought and the various expressions of world views in religion including primitive concepts of God and society. The major world religions will be studied: Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, and Judaism.
b) Christian Life-styles Grade 12 only - One semester course
This course is designed to aid students in facing the challenges of young adulthood so that they can
shape a future that is hopeful, healthful and full. The underlying belief is that living a Christian life-style is the optimal way to grow and be fully alive.
*History of Philosophy - Year Course elective 11, 12
Prerequisite: 2.75 GPA
To develop insights about man’s nature, the nature of human knowledge, and the realities of the universe through the study of Western Civilization’s greatest philosophers. The course examines each writer’s critique of earlier thought and their creative contribution at the growing edge of philosophy. Interdisciplinary in its nature, the course will draw upon the social sciences, pure sciences, and theology to gain a better understanding of the material. The focus will be on the central problems, conflicts, and contributions of philosophic thought in the West, including the reconciliation of faith and reason.
