Students are required to complete one year of Theology for each year enrolled at Juan Diego Catholic High School. 

Freshman

1131/1132 Freshman Theology I/II: The Revelation of Jesus Christ in Scripture

This course is an introduction to what it means to be a Juan Diego student as well as an introductory investigation of the revelation of Jesus Christ as found in Sacred Scripture. The purpose of this course is to give students a general knowledge and appreciation of the Bible. Through their study, they will come to encounter the living Word of God, Jesus Christ. Students will learn about the Bible, as authored by God through inspiration, and its value to people throughout the world. Students new to reading scripture will learn how to read the Bible and become familiar with the major sections of the Bible. Alongside scripture study this program addresses various spiritual, social, and emotional developmental issues that challenge and confront adolescents today. Topics presented and discussed are rooted in Gospel values and virtues, using Jesus’ greatest commandment as the foundation for the development of both a character and conscience that demonstrates who Jesus calls us to be. 

Sophomore

1231 Sophomore Theology I: The Mission of Jesus Christ (The Paschal Mystery) 

The purpose of this course is to help students understand all that God has done for us through his Son, Jesus Christ. Through this course of study, students will learn that for all eternity, God has planned for us to share eternal happiness with him, which is accomplished through the redemption Christ won for us. Students will learn that they share in this redemption only in and through Jesus Christ. They will also be introduced to what it means to be a disciple of Christ and what life as a disciple entails.

1232 Sophomore Theology II: Jesus Christ’s Mission Continues in the Church 

The purpose of this course is to help the students understand that in and through the Church they encounter the living Jesus Christ. They will be introduced to the fact that the Church was founded by Christ through the Apostles and is sustained by him through the Holy Spirit. The students will come to know that the Church is the living Body of Christ today. This Body has both divine and human elements. In this course, students will learn not so much about events in the life of the Church, but about the sacred nature of the Church.

Junior

1331 Junior Theology I: Sacraments as Privileged Encounters with Jesus Christ 

The purpose of this course is to help students understand that they can encounter Christ today in a full and real way through the sacraments, and especially through the Eucharist. Students will examine each of the sacraments in detail so as to learn how they may encounter Christ throughout life. 

1332 Junior Theology II: Life in Jesus Christ 

The purpose of this course is to help students understand that it is only through Christ that they can fully live out God’s plan for their lives. Students are to learn the moral concepts and precepts that govern the lives of Christ’s disciples. Students will examine and discuss ethical theories from antiquity to the Christian era, learning how to analyze modern social concerns through the Catholic perspective relying on the Catechism of the Catholic Church and sacred scripture.

1333 / 1334 Capstone Theology I/II: The Philosophy of Religion (Capstone Suggested)

Prerequisite: Approval of both Theology and AP Capstone Department Heads

What makes an object an object? What is the fundamental nature of the universe? How can we eat Jesus Christ, and what does that say about God? Does evil actually exist, or is it the absence of good? In Capstone Theology students explore some of the biggest questions of existence from the Bishop’s curricular framework of Sacraments and Ethics. Students will examine and discuss ethical theories from antiquity to the Christian era, learning how to analyze modern social concerns through the Catholic perspective relying on the Catechism of the Catholic Church and sacred scripture.  Juniors will build on their backgrounds in art, history, and argumentation they have developed through the AP Capstone program.

Senior 

1421 Catholic Social Teaching

Fall Semester

Students study the principles of Catholic Social Teaching and their applications to contemporary justice issues such as hunger, war and peacemaking, workers and worker rights, ecological problems and economic systems. The course stresses magisterial teaching drawn from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Papal encyclicals, Council documents, and pastoral statements from the USCCB. Students critique contemporary values and discuss moral choices in light of the Gospel message and Church teachings. 

1453 Ecumenical and Interreligious Dialogue

Spring Semester

The purpose of this course is to help students understand the manner in which the Catholic Church relates to non-Catholic Christians as well as to other religions of the world. The course is intended to help students recognize the ways in which important spiritual truths can also be found in non-Catholic Christian churches and ecclesial communities as well as in non-Christian religions. It is also intended to help them recognize the ways in which other systems of belief and practice differ from the Catholic faith. 

1462 Peer Ministry

Full Year Course

Application, recommendations, and interview processes are required.  Students chosen for this course will fulfill their service requirement.

Class content will include the developing and deepening of one’s personal spirituality and prayer life; skills training in interpersonal relationships and group process; vocational discernment and the call to discipleship; and practical ways to become agents of change in promoting a just society. Students will receive training for assuming leadership roles in the liturgical and ministerial life of the school; as well as, assisting new students in their transition to high school.

1465 Social Justice Leadership  

Full Year Course

Application, recommendations, and interview processes are required 

Students will learn the principles of Catholic Social Teaching and their applications to contemporary justice issues including inequality, discrimination, human rights, poverty, creation, etc. As a component of Campus Life, this course takes time to build relationships and awareness within our school community and our world. This course seeks to engage students and the greater community on all levels of communication including discussion, activities, simulations, and student-driven learning.