Theology Department

Theology at d'Youville

Through the gift of Religious Education, Catholic schools are blessed with the opportunity to foster and nourish a link between our faith as Catholic Christians and life-long learning. Religious Education empowers young people in their search for truth, and develops skills and attitudes necessary for intellectual, emotional and spiritual growth in changing and often turbulent times. For these reasons, Religious Education is designed to develop knowledge and disciplinary skills, as well as attitudes and values that form our faith as Catholic Christians. In addition, as a Catholic school we are particularly fortunate to be able to welcome and grow with students of many different faiths by living out our own convictions as a distinctive but loving and inclusive community.

Through theological instruction, students are drawn to recognize the fundamental dignity of the human person, to consciously and responsibly form their character, to develop an understanding of ethical norms and social conscience, and to realize the centrality of God in their lives. Students flourish within an environment where subject matter and teaching strategies are age-appropriate and sensitive to the affective and personal dimensions of their lived experiences. Courses are designed to invite students to build a relationship with the person of Jesus Christ by continually deepening their understanding of Sacred Scripture, Church teachings, the sacramental and liturgical life of the faith community, and moral foundations for Christian living and Family Life Education.

Catholic Religious Education seeks to teach not only the doctrines of our faith, but also the wisdom and depth of their meaning within the lives of our students. Through theological instruction, Catholic schools strive not only to mentor young people in their life journey, but to accompany them in their daily struggles. With God's grace we endeavour to plant seeds within them which will blossom as they contribute to the building of God's reign on earth in a more just society.

At St. Marguerite d'Youville, we are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the Religious Education of your sons and daughters, and for the support and trust of their families as we share in the formation of their character and faith.

News from Students for Life

Students for Life is comprised of a vibrant group of young people and led by teachers from the Theology Department. At regular after-school meetings they are afforded the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of life issues such as those involving abortion, euthanasia, capital punishment, reproductive technologies and the sanctity of the family. In an effort to live what they are learning, our students joined the annual Life Chain held here in Brampton in September. Students and teachers gathered along Main Street to courageously demonstrate the strength of their conviction that life is precious. Following this event, these students prepared a brief report for DYTV News.

Life Chain is an annual event organized by Right to Life groups in Brampton. This year, even more people from Brampton participated in this critical national event. We hope that our presence encourages people to reconsider current Canadian laws which support abortion, and to recognize Christ's presence in every stage of life.

Each March, Students for Life travel to Ottawa to participate in the Annual March for Life with many other representatives from secondary schools in our school board, and thousands of other Canadians. All interested students are welcome to join us in these very critical endeavours.

Theology Department Retreat Days

At St. Marguerite d'Youville Catholic Secondary School we strive to provide a complete and comprehensive Religious Education programme for our students.Theological instruction and pastoring within the classroom contributes to faith formation intellectually and conceptually. Equally important is an annual retreat experience designed to complement and supplement themes presented within the classroom. Participation in this retreat experience is a vital part of the Religious Education programme. Consequently, attendance is compulsory for all grade level retreats held during the school day. An additional optional overnight retreat experience is offered to our grade 12 students in the spring as a culmination of their formation in Catholic Religious Education.

Department Members