Theology Course Descriptions

Theology Department Chairperson: Mrs. Jackie Leonetti

The Theology department follows the Religious Curriculum Framework designed by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops over the four-year curriculum.

Theology I: Divine Revelation and the Story of God’s People
Prerequisite: None – required of all 9th graders.

(9) The purpose of this course is to give students a general overview and appreciation of the ways in which God is revealed. By studying the many books and genres of the Bible, students will come to appreciate the meaning of inspiration and Catholic bible interpretation. Through their study of the big picture and story of salvation in Sacred Scriptures, they will come to encounter the living Word of God, Jesus Christ.

Theology II: Jesus and His Mission of Salvation / The Church
Prerequisite: None – required of all 10th graders.

(10) 1st Semester: The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the mystery of Jesus Christ, the living Word of God, the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity and Messiah. In this course students will understand that Jesus Christ is the ultimate Revelation to us from God who, out of love, freely gave his life for our salvation. In learning about who he is and what he did, the students will also learn who he calls them to be.

(10) 2nd Semester: This course focuses on how Christ’s mission is continued through the Church, Students will address the concept of Ecclesiology as they examine the role of the Church as both a faith community and social institution.

Theology III: The Sacraments / Morality
Prerequisite: None – required of all 11th graders.

(11) 1st Semester: The purpose of this course is to help students understand that they can encounter Christ today in a full and real way in and through the sacraments, and especially through the Eucharist. Students will examine each of the sacraments in detail so as to learn how they may encounter Christ throughout life.

(11) 2nd Semester: This course focuses on the development of virtue and character. The course enables the student to see moral questions as limitless opportunities for personal growth. The course proposes the question, “What kind of person am I becoming and what kind of person do I want to become?” It answers by offering a Christian vision centered on Jesus as the model of full humanness.

Theology IV – 1st Semester Electives: (Required of all 12th graders not enrolled in Christian Leadership)

Comparative Religions

Prerequisite: None

(12) This course will help the students understand the manner in which the Catholic Church relates to non-Catholic Christians as well as to other religions of the world. Building on the foundational truth that Jesus Christ established the Catholic Church and entrusted to her the fullness of God’s Revelation, the course is intended to help students to recognize the ways in which important spiritual truths can also be found in non-Catholic Christian churches and ecclesial communities as well as in non-Christian religions.

(Meets CSU/UC “g” requirements; NCAA Approved)

Social Justice
Prerequisite: None

(12) The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the Church’s social teaching. In this course, students are to learn how Christ’s concern for others, especially the poor and needy, is present today in the Church’s social teaching and mission.

(Meets CSU/UC “g” requirements)

Theology IV – 2nd Semester:

Vocations & Christian Lifestyles
Prerequisite: None – Required of all 12th graders not enrolled in Christian Leadership.

(12) This course will help students to understand the vocations of life: how Christ calls us to live. In this course, students should learn how all vocations are similar and how they differ. The course should be structured around married life, single life, priestly life, and consecrated life. Students should learn what it means to live life for the benefit of others and the value in considering a vocation in service to the Christian community.

Theology Electives

Christian Leadership
Prerequisite: Application process / Permission of Campus Minister

(12) This senior leadership class is intended to help students prepare for their future roles as leaders in the community, representing the best of Damien High School. The class is also intended to assist the student in living out the Gospel challenge of being “men for others” in the spirit of St. Damien of Molokai. Working in conjunction with Campus Ministry, this class is responsible for preparing all school retreats, liturgies, and para-liturgies. The class also works in close collaboration with the Christian Service program in implementing service opportunities for the Damien community and the Counseling program in running the Big Brother-Little Brother mentoring program. To be considered for the class, participants must submit their application to the Campus Minister and be interviewed prior to their acceptance.