| Religion
All students, regardless of their religious affiliation, are required to actively participate in the religious education program each year they are enrolled at St. John’s. |
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| 011 Hebrew Scripture | Grade 9 | 1 Credit | |||||||||
| In this course, students are invited into a personal encounter with the Word of God. The year begins with an introduction to what it means to be part of a Lasallian faith community. Through the study of Hebrew Scriptures, students then reflect on the Word of God from the creation accounts to the expectation of the Messiah. Students will interpret the deeper meaning of biblical events by exploring the mystery of God’s ongoing relationship with all people to bring about the Kingdom of God. Students will also engage in service to their own families (ten hours) as an expression of what it means to be the Family of God. | |||||||||||
| 015 Honors Scripture (Scholars Course) | Grade 9 | 1 Credit | |||||||||
| In this course, students are invited into a personal encounter with the Word of God. The year begins with an introduction to what it means to be part of a Lasallian faith community. Through the study of Hebrew Scriptures, students then reflect on the Word of God from the creation accounts to the expectation of the Messiah. Students will interpret the deeper meaning of biblical events by exploring the mystery of God’s ongoing relationship with all people to bring about the Kingdom of God. Students will also engage in service to their own families (ten hours) as an expression of what it means to be the Family of God.
The Honors Student will be required to master an appropriate level of integration of the material. This will be facilitated through research and articulated by producing and presenting papers and projects during the course of the year. |
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| 021 Jesus and Church | Grade 10 | 1 Credit | |||||||||
| In the first semester, students are invited to answer the question, “Who is Jesus?” using the Gospels, Acts of the Apostles, and Pauline letters as central sources for understanding Jesus. Students will consider how the promise of the Messiah in the Hebrew Scriptures has been fulfilled in Jesus, and how His teachings have become the foundation of the Church.
In the second semester, students will examine the historical development of the Church from a post-Vatican II perspective using the “Six Models of the Church” as a foundation. From the establishment of the Church by the apostles to the modern age, students will discover how the “People of God” have responded to the mission of Christ. Students will also examine changes in the Church’s image of God, mission, and self-understanding as “Disciples of the Lord” throughout the centuries. Students are required to complete a twenty-hour Christian Service Project integrating their understanding of “Servant Church” as part of this course |
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| 025 Jesus and Church (Honors) | Grade 10 | 1 Credit | |||||||||
| Scholars Course | |||||||||||
| In the first semester, students are invited to answer the question, “Who is Jesus?” using the Gospels, Acts of the Apostles, and Pauline letters as central sources for understanding Jesus. Students will consider how the promise of the Messiah in the Hebrew Scriptures has been fulfilled in Jesus, and how His teachings have become the foundation of the Church.
In the second semester, students will examine the historical development of the Church from a post-Vatican II perspective using the “Six Models of the Church” as a foundation. From the establishment of the Church by the apostles to the modern age, students will discover how the “People of God” have responded to the mission of Christ. Students will also examine changes in the Church’s image of God, mission, and self-understanding as “Disciples of the Lord” throughout the centuries. Students in the Honors section are challenged to discover and express an understanding of their own baptismal moment in history and the responsibilities it requires. They will engage in outside readings on religious art, literature, music, and architecture, as well as complete a twenty-hour Christian Service Project integrating the model of “Servant Church” as part of this course. Course prerequisite is a B average in Honors Hebrew Scripture and departmental approval. |
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| 031 Christian Morality | Grade 11 | 1 Credit | |||||||||
| In the first semester, the course introduces the students to the Judeo-Christian moral tradition through an exploration of scripture, Church doctrine, a consideration of natural law, and other philosophical principles. Contemporary moral issues are discussed including euthanasia, capital punishment, genetic engineering, sexism, racism, and violence in the light of Catholic tradition. The second semester focuses on issues of peace and justice, and on the students’ role as Christians in the global community. Current events are utilized to enhance awareness of nations and world-wide concerns. There is a forty-hour Christian Service requirement. | |||||||||||
| 032 Peer Ministry | Grade 12 | 1 Credit | |||||||||
| This course consists of in-class lectures, training, orientation, and in-service ministry to the school community. The goal of Peer Ministry is to have the participants grow in their own faith and religious development by serving the needs of the school, especially the spiritual and personal needs of the student body. A peer minister is responsible for the direction and running of the class retreats, and helps with school liturgies and activities. It is intended for students who seek a greater involvement in the life of the school and who wish to share their gifts, talents, and Christian faith with peers. It requires a personal commitment to the program and to Christ, and allows for practical application of the Christian principles taught in Religion courses. Students must submit an application and complete an interview to be placed in this course. Students fulfull their Christian Service requirements as part of this course. | |||||||||||
| 041 Senior Religion | Grade 12 | 1 Credit | |||||||||
| The first semester is an introduction to Foundational Systematic Theology, it’s historical roots and contemporary applications. The second semester consists of a survey of other faiths, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam, studied in the context of the Church’s teaching on salvation. Seniors are required to complete twenty hours of Christian Service. | |||||||||||