Welcome to the Religious Education Department
Introduction
One of the blessings of Catholic Education is the opportunityfor students to share, discuss and learn about faith in the classroom. Catholic Education, has as its goal, the mission tolead every person into communion with Christ, and thus into the life of the Trinity, so that every human may be sanctified and God glorified . The courses are developed under the direction of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Institute for Catholic Education. The course expectations are achieved through the strands of the study of the Sacred Scriptures, profession of faith, prayer and sacramental life, Christian moral development, and family life. Whether students are initiated into and actively practicing the Catholic faith, belong to a different faith tradition, or have never had any formal religious education, the courses and classes offer an inviting environment for learning and discussion.
Programs
Grade 9: Be With Me
In the Grade 9 program, students study the values and gifts given to us in the Beatitudes. Students will be invited to compare and contrast the Kingdom values to those offered by the material world.
Grade 10: Christ and Culture
In the Grade 10 program, students will investigate “what is means to be human” as they define their culture, learn about the Catholic Social Teachings, and celebrate Christ in our culture.
Grade 11: Exploring World Religions—A Canadian Perspective
Year Three of secondary Religious Education, as mandated by the Archdiocese of Toronto, has students explore the major world religions in efforts to develop a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith. Students investigate the history, rites and rituals, holy writings, festivals and cultural impact of the various traditions through readings, manipulation of artifact provided in kits and presentations by dynamic guest speakers.
Grade 12: Church and Culture, In Search of the Good
In this course, students have the opportunity to investigate topics such as ethics, morality and the common good and the ways in which they may lead to happiness. They will investigate and apply the various theories of philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas, Kant and Levinas to current and personal life situations.
Grade 12 Philosophy
The Grade 12 Philosophy course involves a study of metaphysics, logic, epistemology, ethics, social and political philosophy and aesthetics. Students are give the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills as they are challenged by the arguments and theories provided by various philosophers such as Aristotle, Aquinas, Descartes, Kant, and Hume. The course also helps students develop research skills necessary for investigating topics in philosophy.
Other Opportunities
The Department of Religious Studies works with Chaplaincy to provide students with experiences for involvement in the school community and personal spiritual growth. Each year, students enrolled in the classes attend a spiritual retreat. Faith formation is also developed through class chapel visits and after-school Eucharistic celebrations. In addition, the students are invited and encouraged to participate in various ministries that support many community service projects during Advent and Lent, such as collections for St. Vincent de Paul, Development and Peace, Sharelife and the Nicaragua Project to name a few. Also, students are given opportunities to connect with the local parish, St. Joseph’s, as they volunteer as altar servers, lectors and gift bearers for school masses. Other ministries include “hands on” experiences such as Street Patrol, volunteering at Canadian Food for Children, and the grade 10 “Walk with Me” program, March for Life in Ottawa and Sharelife Day of Service.
Career Connections
There are many paths that stem from a background in Religious
Studies:
• Catholic Educator
• Religious Vocation
• Youth Ministry & Chaplaincy
• Lay Ministry
• Community/Civil Servant
A background in Religious Studies is beneficial for individuals
interested:
• Politics
• Law
• Medicine
Theology Department Staff
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Mrs. Pianta - Dept. Head
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Mr. Amadei - "In Boca al Lupo!"
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Ms. Arseneau
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Mr. Beresford
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Mr. Febbraro - "I believe all suffering is caused by ignorance. People inflict pain on others in the selfish pursuit of their happiness or satisfaction. Yet true happiness comes from a sense of inner peace and contentment, which in turn must be achieved through the cultivation of altruism, of love and compassion and elimination of ignorance, selfishness and greed." Dahli Lama
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Mrs. Febbraro - "The greatest achievement is selflessness."
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Mr. Guerra
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Mr. Ilczyszyn
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Fr. Kennedy
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Ms. Locicero
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Mr. Marasovic
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Miss Moser
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Mrs. Orosz
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Ms. Riccardi
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Ms. Smailys
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Mrs. Theriault - "Live Love and Laugh!!!"