Religion and Family Life

Religious education addresses how students view themselves and others in their social and religious contexts. In turn, this helps students understand and respond to the world around them. Religious education courses help students become self-motivated problem solvers equipped with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to face their changing world with confidence. This is accomplished through practical experience, discussion, debate, research, reflection, prayer and discernment, and the development of critical and creative thinking skills. Moreover, religious education courses are sensitive to the rhythms of the liturgical seasons as well as incorporating experiential opportunities for prayer and reflection.

In upholding the mission of St. Mary Catholic Secondary School, it is the responsibility of all students to attend obligatory religion classes and liturgies. Non-Catholics will also be required to attend common school liturgies, celebrations, and religious services. Religion courses are compulsory in grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 for all students and these credits count towards the diploma requirements. It is our hope that non-Catholic students will grasp this opportunity to reflect upon their own faith and values through their participation in our religious education program.

Ontario Catholic School Graduate expectations.

The graduate is expected to be:

• • a discerning believer formed in the Catholic Faith community who celebrates the signs and sacred mystery of God’s presence through word, sacrament, prayer, forgiveness, reflection and moral living;

• an effective communicator who speaks, writes, and listens honestly and sensitively, responding critically in light of gospel values;

• a reflective, creative and holistic thinker who solves problems and makes responsible decisions with an informed moral conscience for the common good;

• a self-directed, responsible, lifelong learner who develops and demonstrates their God-given potential;

• a collaborative contributor who finds meaning, dignity and vocation in work which respects the rights of all and contributes to the common good;

• a caring family member who attends to family, school, parish, and the wider community; and

• a responsible citizen who gives witness to Catholic social teaching by promoting peace, justice and the sacredness of human life.