Religion

Graduation Requirements

Four credits of Religion 

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Courses

Freshman

Understanding Catholic Christianity

Academic Pathway: All

Term: Year-long course

Credit: 1 full religion credit

This course begins with an examination of our Marianist heritage and Purcell Marian history. It then explores the fundamentals of faith, religion & Catholic Christianity. Students will gain an introductory level of Catholic Church history, the structure of the Catholic Church, an understanding of Mass and the Sacraments, and the development of organized religion throughout history. 

The course will also give students a glimpse into the topics they will explore in detail as sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Finally, the course serves to address the spiritual development of the freshman student.

Sophomore

Scripture

Academic Pathway: All

Term: Year-long course

Credit: 1 full religion credit

This course will help students understand the Old and New Testaments and apply the values, teachings, and example of Jesus to their own lives. We will learn about the history of the composition of the Bible and the historical Jesus. Students will interpret the Bible through the lens of Catholic biblical interpretation while learning the context of the scripture in the Old and New Testaments. This will aid their growth in personal faith and moral living and will challenge them to live in the world today as men and women of strength and character. 

Junior

Morality and Social Justice

Academic Pathway: All

Term: Year-long course

Credit: 1 full religion credit

This course aims to learn and understand what it means to live in our society following Christ. In the first half of the year, we will examine the moral issues that govern our lives and explore the decision-making process. Students will understand the concept of conscience formation with their lives. The second half of the year will focus on social justice. We will explore the seven principles of Catholic Social Teaching and discuss hot-topic issues occurring in society. Students will gain an understanding of the Catholic Church’s approach to societal problems.

Senior

World Religion and Your Vocation

Academic Pathway: All

Term: Year-long course

Credit: 1 full religion credit

This course aims to learn about the major world religions, explore different cultures, and gain tolerance towards other practices. Students will be taught to approach each world religion through the lens of the Catholic Church, analyzing both similarities and differences. This course will provide students with a better understanding of the global impact of religion. The second half of the course will focus on the student’s path after high school. We will cover the concept of a vocation (marriage, single life, and religious life), God’s calling to each of us. Students will also explore career paths, relationships, lifestyles, and habits.

FACULTY