Religious Studies

The Religious Studies Programme illuminates a faith that is relevant to today's world. It encompasses a curriculum based on sound knowledge of the life and values of Jesus that will develop attitudes and behaviour which will become rooted in the interior faith of the individual student.

Preparation of and participation in liturgical celebrations is included at all grade levels. This programme is intended to augment and enhance, not be a substitute for, the parish Religious Education classes.

The Junior High Curriculum follows the programme of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops.

It consists of three courses, one for each year of junior high.

Grade 7: Believe In Me assists students in nurturing their relationship with God, in and through Christ, in the context of a spirit-filled community. Students will also develop a greater sense of the social dimensions of Church and will feel a sense of belonging through the common beliefs that bind us together.

Grade 8: Stand By Me guides the students in exploring their faith and dimensions of their relationship with God, Jesus and His teachings, and the Holy Spirit in the context of the Church through prayer, study and discussion.

Grade 9: Be With Me will help students understand both the demands and the joy in following the way of Christ and in living the faith as expressed in the Creed.

The Senior High Curriculum follows a unique programme that helps students see their faith in the context of the modern world.

Grade 10: Religions of the World Part I: is the first part of a two part course that will foster in students an appreciation for and understanding of the major world religions. Through the use of case studies, guest speakers, outside visits, and presentations, students will learn the foundations, history, and modern impact of the major religions of the world as well as the similarities between various aspects of these religions and Christianity. The spirit of understanding is further enhanced through service work.

Grade 11: Religions of the World Part II: is an in depth examination of the more prominent of the world's religions, this course completes the program of study of the major religions of the world started in grade 10. Through the use of case studies, guest speakers, outside visits, and presentations, students will learn the foundations, history, and modern impact of the major religions of the world as well as the similarities between various aspects of these religions and Christianity. The spirit of understanding is further enhanced through service work.

Grade 12: Social Justice in Action: in this course, students take an active and regular part in volunteer service activity in the wider Halifax community. Students look at their moral responsibilities to the world in which we live, concentrating on raising awareness of how they live this out in their daily lives. This course also helps students to develop a personal relationship with God through their individual faith and prayer life.

For complete details on our Religious Education Programme, call for an Academic Guide.