THEOLOGY DEPARTMENT
THEOLOGY DEPARTMENT
The Theology Department at Central Catholic supports parents as the primary religious educators as we encourage students to live out the Gospel mission. The Theology Department leads and challenges students in faith formation through the faculties of both faith and reason. We aim to build an informed Eucharistic community by pursuing academic rigor and encouraging faith reflection and growth. With a focus on Jesus’ mission, the Theology Department fosters academic sophistication, interfaith awareness, and respect in accordance with Catholic Social Teaching. We strive to answer our universal call to holiness by living out the Church’s mission of service and stewardship and, in doing so, we guide our students to realize their full human potential.
Grade Level: 9
Credit: 1.0
The purpose of this course is to give students a general knowledge and appreciation of Sacred Scripture. Through the study of the Bible, they will come to encounter the living Word of God, Jesus Christ. In the course they will learn about the Bible and its value to people throughout history. Students will learn how to read the Bible and become familiar with its major sections, its content and structure, the different types of literature it contains, and the major people, places and events of Salvation History. The course will pay particular attention to the Gospels and offer students opportunities to grow in their love and knowledge of Jesus Christ. In addition, students will engage in activities to become part of the community at Central Catholic. Introductory units will help students learn about the mission and charism of Central Catholic and give them the tools they need to be successful in our four-year Theology curriculum
Credit Status: Requirement
Grade Level: 10
Credit: 1.0
This course provides an in-depth exploration of the sacred scriptures of the Bible, focusing on the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures. Students will delve into the historical, literary, theological, and spiritual dimensions of the Bible exploring the text using a Three Worlds approach (the world behind the text, the world within the text, the world in front of the text). The first semester of the course will focus on the Torah, Historical Books, & Wisdom Literature of the Tanak. The second semester of the course will focus on the Biblical Prophets, Gospels, Acts of the Apostles, Letters and the Book of Revelation. Throughout this course, students will develop a stronger sense of Biblical literacy and develop exegetical skills of Biblical interpretation.
Credit Status: Requirement
Grade Level: 11
Credit: 1.0
During the first semester students will be on a journey into the Church. They will explore what it means to be a community that is trying to continue what Jesus started. During each era of the Church’s history, we will be asking questions of the people and their actions during that time about how well they did or did not follow the example of Jesus. Students will also explore the nature of sacrament and the seven Sacraments of the Church. The historical development of “sacrament” will be discussed alongside the historical roots and development of its practice and symbols of each of the seven sacraments. Class interaction and participation in reading, discussions, prayer, student liturgies and personal reflection will be essential to attaining the benefits of this course. During the second semester this course is designed to engage the students in developing a personal morality, study moral issues and the teachings of the Catholic Church regarding moral issues. The course will cover topics such as the foundations of morality, secular, and Christian teachings, and study of moral questions from the perspective of the Catholic Church. Students will be tasked with understanding the foundations of morality, developing one’s conscience and character, and applying moral principles and decision making in their everyday life.
Credit Status: Requirement
Grade Level: 12
Credit: 1.0
First Semester: World Religions
Second Semester: Social Justice
Students will learn about the beliefs and customs of non-Christian religions. The course begins with an inquiry into the concepts of sacred mystery, God, faith, and religion. It then analyzes religious traditions beginning with the nature of indigenous religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. Social Justice is designed to raise students’ awareness regarding social issues in our world. After learning the fundamentals of Catholic Social Teaching, the students will analyze various economic and social injustices based on these principles. Topics include, but are not limited to: discrimination, local and world poverty, hunger and oppression, and life issues. Students will draw upon their service experiences throughout the course.
Credit Status: Selective NCAA approved (first semester only)
Dual Credit Option: 4 PCC Credits for World Religions (R 210) portion
Grade Level: 12
Credit: 1.0
First Semester: Christian Relationships
Second Semester: Social Justice
This course is based on the realities that God is Trinity, Father, Son, and Spirit, and that we are created in God’s image. Being made in the image of a relational God, we are made for relationships. In this course, students will explore the dimensions of relationships through a Christian lens and using Jesus Christ as an example, reflecting on topics like communication, love, sexuality, and the Christian modes of life (marriage, ordained religious life, and consecrated religious life). Students are invited to put their values, the values that the world proclaims, and Christian values into conversation. Students are challenged to consider how they can live lives of service to others through their vocation and relationships. The second semester is designed to raise students’ awareness regarding social issues in our world. After learning the fundamentals of Catholic Social Teaching, the students will analyze various economic and social injustices based on these principles. Topics include, but are not limited to: discrimination, local and world poverty, hunger and oppression, and life issues. Students will draw upon their service experiences throughout the course.
Credit Status: Selective