Religion

Religion Department

The philosophy of the Salesianity Curriculum underlines the philosophy of Salesian High SchooL As a Catholic school, Salesian High School has a responsibility to promote and instruct the students in the teachings of the Church. As a Salesian school, Salesian High School places special attention to the educative philosophy of St John Bosco By introducing this specific course we further this philosophy.

The Salesianity Curriculum presents a formal presentation of what it means to be a part of the Salesian Family. With Salesianity comes a charism rooted in reason, religion and kindness Tius charism can only be experienced if the school’s atmosphere is receptive. It is important for the students to feel a sense of belonging to the school through which they can develop their abilities. Without this belonging school becomes nothing more than a building, devoid of personal relations and interactions.

The Salesian school must become a “home that welcomes, a parish that evangelizes, a school that instructs, and a recreational area where one meets friends and lives in happiness.” (Constitution 40) For this atmosphere to exist and bear fruit, it is necessary to realize and work towards its presence. This curriculum offers an opportunity not only to invite the students to witness the Salesian vision, but also to encourage them to use this experience as a means of reaching out to others Since St John Bosco is recognized by the Church Universal, so his way of life is acknowledged as a realistic method of growing in holiness.

Encouraged by the charism and vision of St. John Bosco, the department strives to be genuine signs and bearers of Christ’s love for all people The

curriculum springs from a yearning to strengthen the spiritual impact of the feast of St. John Bosco and to encourage the students to share in the familial celebration long after the actual feast day It is hoped that this instruction, example and opportunity will allow the students not only to understand the faith of Christ, but to make a faith commitment so as to extend the Salesian spirit beyond the classroom walls and into the community at large.

Course Descriptions

Scripture 9th grade

This course traces the growth of the Hebrew people and their relationship with God. The students study the various literature genres in the Hebrew Scriptures with an emphasis on the faith development of the Hebrews. This course also introduces the student to the Christian Scriptures and how the prophesies of the Hebrew Scriptures were fulfilled in the corning of Christ There is also an opportunity of scripture study in small and large groups.

Sacraments 10th grade

This course focuses on the idea of sacrament as God’s way of communicating with us and our way of communicating with others. There is a development of the sacramental elements of symbol,ritual and prayer as means of relationship with God and others.

Campus Ministry 11th grade

This course is one of theory and practice, involving the student in the opportunity to be of service within the community. Options include hospital work and tutoring. Reflection papers, group discussions and individual conferences are required.

Lifestyles 12th grade

This course allows the students to focus on their relationships with others and on their own perspective of self. Students are encouraged to deepen their awareness of their self-image by interaction and by personal reflection exercises.

Morality 9th grade

This course provides the students with a Catholic Christian framework for moral decision making. Students are encouraged to use their critical thinking skills with reference to everyday decisions and situations.

Catholic Beliefs and Practices 11th

The study of this course provides a review of the development of doctrine and tradition within the Roman Catholic Church. The students critically analyze the cause/effect relationship of historical situations and how they move in a cyclic manner through history

Social Justice 10th grade

Having a foundation in Scripture and Morality, the students are asked to examine contemporary society from a perspective of justice and this against the background of the teachings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Church’s social teachings are used to challenge the students in becoming agents. of Christian Social Justice. This course is considered an extension of the Sacraments course since it is as signs of Christ that we minister to others