Religious Studies

Mission Statement

The St. Mary’s Central High School Religious Studies Department is committed to fostering excellence in the formation of the whole human person by participating in the Sacramental life of the Church, by leading our students to the truth of Jesus Christ based on the Sacred Scriptures and the Traditions of the Catholic Church, and by forming their moral capacity to choose goodness. 

Vision Statement

We will seek to develop the whole person through spiritual, intellectual, and human formation.

• Spiritual Formation will occur by providing our students opportunities to participate in monthly all-school Masses, weekly Masses, all-school Reconciliation Services, weekly confessions, morning prayer, weekly rosaries, and daily Eucharistic Adoration.  Through our Assistant Chaplains program, our most committed seniors assist our school chaplain with a majority of these activities.


• Intellectual formation will occur by providing our students with rigorous academic courses founded on the truths and traditions of the Catholic Church and inspired by the Sacred Scriptures.


• Human Formation will occur by providing our students opportunities to attend a senior high youth gathering called the ROCK (Reaching Out to Christ’s Kingdom) four times a year, the ROCK small groups, events organized for Catholic Schools Week, and yearly class retreats. Students will also have various opportunities to serve our community through our stewardship program and annual pilgrimages to Peru and Rome.  

Religious Studies – Grade 9                                                                                           
Introduction to Catholicism (REQUIRED)                                              
1 credit

This class introduces the main components of the Catholic Faith.  Emphasis will be placed upon such things as the meaning of life, virtue, prayer, the mystery of the Blessed Trinity, Divine Revelation in Scripture and Tradition, the Primacy of St. Peter and the Church, the Blessed Virgin Mary, the necessity of the Sacraments and Commandments, and the meaning of true freedom in Christ.  In addition, students will learn about the negative effects which illegal drugs have on individuals and society. 

 
Religious Studies – Grade 10                                                 
Old Testament (REQUIRED)                                                                                    
.5 credit       

Old Testament is offered during one semester of sophomore year and provides an in-depth study of the major people, events and religious themes of the Hebrew Scriptures.  The history of God's revelation and covenant with the Hebrew people will be examined from Creation to the coming of the Savior, Jesus Christ.

 
Our Moral Life In Christ I (REQUIRED)                                                                
.5 credit       

This course is offered the opposite semester of sophomore year and covers the characteristics of Christian Morality so that students gain deeper insight into the science of Moral Theology.  The course will include an examination of the following: the sources of Catholic Moral Theology, the Christian Concept of Man, true freedom vs. false freedom, and the formation of a healthy conscience.  Also, the students will examine the relationship between Eternal and Natural Law, the definitions of sin, and the major moral issues of our time.

 
Religious Studies – Grade 11                                                                         
New Testament (REQUIRED)                                                                                   
.5 credit        

New Testament is offered during one semester of junior year.  This course immerses the student in the sacred texts, which form the foundation of the Christian faith.  The teachings, life, and history of Jesus Christ will be examined, including His divine and human natures and other topics of Christology.

 
Our Moral Life in Christ II (REQUIRED)                                                    
.5 credit       

Offered the opposite semester of junior year, this course aims to equip students to think about issues of society and social justice.  Emphasis is placed upon critical thinking skills, the mysteries of personal and social evil, the principles of Catholic social teaching, and the power of faith.

 
Religious Studies – Grade 12 CHOOSE TWO FROM THESE FIVE ELECTIVES:            
Church History                                                                                              
.5 credit

The development of the Church from New Testament times to the present will be studied and analyzed.  The Apostolic Age, Church Fathers, Crusades, Inquisition, Renaissance, Reformation, Age of Enlightenment, Vatican II, and the Church in the third millennium will be the main topics of discussion in this course.

 
Marriage & Family Living                                                                              
.5 credit

This course is a study of adult living as it relates to the sacrament and vocation of Christian Marriage.  Students explore topics such as Pope John Paul II's Theology of the Body, dating, spousal selection, and building a strong and faithful marriage.  Family and parenting issues are also addressed.  The teachings of the Catholic Church as they relate to these issues will serve as the primary reference for both study and discussion.

 
Catholicism and World Religions                                                                  
.5 credit

This course is a survey of the major world religions examined in the light of the Roman Catholic Faith.  The course includes the religions of Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Shintoism, Confucianism, Taoism, Sikhism, Jainism, and the Indigenous religions.  The "less known" religions may also be discussed and analyzed.  The course will study the historical origins of each religion, including the theologies, rituals, culture, and historical interactions of each respective religion.  The Catholic Church’s understanding of ecumenism and interreligious dialogue will serve as the primary reference for both study and discussion. 

 
The Catholic Disciple                                                                         
3 sem hrs (U of M) Dual Credit                                                                                                                     .5 credit (SM)

This course of intensive faith formation will feature an open discussion about Catholic life and living examined in light of the responsibilities of Christian discipleship. (Offered for college credit)  The student must complete the University of Mary course information sheet provided by instructor, pay the tuition rate and other necessary charges related to the course.

 
Rome Study Pilgrimage/Independent Study                          
3 sem hrs (U of M) Dual Credit                                                                                                           
.5 credit (SM)

Those who participate in the Rome Study Pilgrimage have the option to engage in an independent study.  Before signing up for this independent study, students must meet with the instructor to discuss the requirements and meeting times.  In this course students will participate in the Rome Pilgrimage and will complete course work that will include but is not limited to:  the Rise of the Roman Empire, the Apostolic Age, Persecution of Early Christianity, and the Church Fathers.  To receive the dual credit shown above students must complete requirements set forth from both the University of Mary and SMCHS.