THEOLOGY DEPARTMENT THE001
Old Testament
6
0.6 Credit
This course focuses on the Old Testament. Students will become familiar with various texts, discussions of which will clarify the meaning of the lessons taught in the Bible and their importance and relevance in our lives today. The student will come to understand that a “text” is a book or a portion of a book of the Bible, e.g. the Book of Judges. A lesson would be taught on the judge Samuel, for example, and the students would learn about his life, his message, his vocation, etc., as they relate to the overall story of salvation history. Through the study of this course, the student comes to realize how the Old Testament prepares us for the “Good News” (or Gospel) of the New Testament (the following year’s seventh grade theology course offering) as it declares in prophecy the coming of the Messiah, our Redeemer, Our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the Savior who fulfills what is promised in the Old Testament and unites the two testaments and makes them one book, the Bible. THE002
New Testament
7
0.6 Credit
This course is a continuation of the study of Sacred Scripture as begun during the previous year’s study of the Old Testament. It is within the study of the New Testament that the story of Sacred Scripture turns its full attention to the life of Jesus Christ. He is the Messiah, the one who is promised, expected, and prayed for in the Old Testament. Building upon the major foundations established within the Old Testament, Jesus is understood as the one who was prophesied by the prophets and has come to bring salvation to His people. The student comes to the full realization that Jesus is truly the Son of God sent by the Heavenly Father to redeem all mankind. Especially through the study of the Gospels, the students will focus on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus in the establishment of the New Covenant that restores forever man’s relationship with God. Through their study of the remainder of the New Testament, the students will also see how Jesus establishes His Church on earth so that the work of salvation can continue down through the generations, especially through His sacraments (as taught in the following year’s eighth grade course offering) and teachings, until the end of time. THE003
Sacraments
8
0.6 Credit
This course offers students an opportunity to explore the rich traditions of sacramental theology and practice that is so fundamental to the Catholic faith. This course seeks to engage students in an encounter with this essential dimension of Catholic life so that they can better appreciate a fuller meaning of the sacraments and how they serve to bring about for us a share in the divine life of God. Recognition that the sacraments are personal, communal, and experiential encounters with God in Christ is a fundamental goal. Activities leading to personal reflection, meditation, and prayer, in conjunction with factual knowledge and spiritual teachings, seek to foster in students a sense of wonder, a more profound respect for and appreciation of life, a greater awareness of nature and the world around us, a recognition of faith as a lifelong journey, a sincere desire for a personal encounter and relationship with God, and a stronger sense of Christian community. The study of the sacraments lays a foundation that prepares the student for a greater understanding and appreciation of the many other elements of the Catholic faith as taught in the ninth grade course offering.
45
