Religion

In the TCDSB, it is required that students take a religion course each year of their high school career. Passing each course earns you a credit towards your high school diploma.

What is Grade 9 Religion all about??

Using the Christian metaphor of “call” and “journey”, this course invites students into a conversation between their own story and the lived story of the Christian community. With eyes of faith, students will gaze through a lens filtered by Scripture, Profession of Faith, Christian Moral Development, Prayer, Sacramental Life and Family Life in order to examine the attitudes and actions that characterize the Christian life, particularly in the areas of interpersonal relationship and sexuality. Students develop their understanding of Gospel values while actively engaging in a variety of challenging educational activities.

Is religion a “bible study” course?

No, although the bible is used periodically during the progress of the course. Previous knowledge of the bible is not needed for success in this course. We also make use of other resources, e.g. textbook.

What is the course about, then?

The grade 9 religion course is called “Be With Me”. It is based on the idea of “call” in the Christian belief, to a life based on that of Christ. The teacher and students embark on an examination of what it means to live our lives with Christ as a model.

What are the topics covered in the course?

The units include such titles as:

• “Be Faithful”, a unit based largely on the role of prayer in our relationship with God.

• “Be Loving”, an examination of the different meanings of love contrasted with the meaning we find in Christ’s words and actions, as well as the role of the gift of sexuality.

• “Be Obedient”, a study of the role of listening and authority in our lives.

What do we “do” in religion class?

In many ways, religion is a course like many other courses; homework, reading, tests, group work, culminating activities and other projects are all a part of the religion curriculum. The topics covered also provide an opportunity for students to use their skills in drama, art, and music to show and develop their understanding of the topics covered.

What if I’m not Catholic?

All faiths and religions are accepted in our community. In fact, in Grade 11, the course is World Religions, in which we take an in-depth look at several other religions to gain further knowledge and understanding.

Grade 9 Retreat

Several Grade 9 Religion classes go to St Thomas More Church for a guided day of spirituality, reflection/meditation, fun and co-operative activities.

Religion Courses at SJPII:

• Grade 9 Religion, Open Level

• Grade 10 Religion, Open Level

• Grade 11 World Religions, Open & Mixed Levels

• Grade 12 Religion, Open & Mixed Levels

• Grade 12 Philosophy, University Level

Catholic School Graduate Expectations​:

• A discerning believer formed in the Catholic faith community who celebrates the signs and sacred mysteries of God’s presence through word, sacrament, prayer, forgiveness, reflection and moral living;

• An effective communicator who speaks, writes and listens honestly and sensitively, responding critically in light of gospel values;

• A reflective, creative and holistic thinker who solves problems and makes responsible decisions with an informed moral conscience for the common good;

• A self-directed, responsible, life-long learner who develops and demonstrates his/her God-given potential;

• A collaborative contributor who finds meaning, dignity and vocation in work which respects the rights of all and contributes to the common good;

• A caring family member who attends to family, school, parish, and the wider community;

• A responsible citizen who gives witness to Catholic social teaching by promoting peace, justice and the sacredness of human life.