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.

HRE1O
Religious Education: Discipleship and Culture
Grade 9, Open
Prerequisite: None

This course engages students in the examination of the Christian narrative as revealed in Sacred Scripture. Students are invited to a deeper understanding of both the joy and the demands of living out the call to discipleship as it is described in the Scriptures. Students explore discipleship as encountered in the Sacred Tradition of the Church (Sacraments, Liturgical Year and Church Teaching and Law), as part of their ongoing personal growth and faith understanding. Students explore Catholic rituals, teaching, practice, morals and values, and virtues to facilitate a healthy and covenantal relationship with self, God and with others. Using theological reflection, they are challenged to explore the connections and disconnections of ethical concepts (euthanasia, abortion, sexuality, etc.) between the Church and contemporary culture. The course focuses on encouraging students to know and love by following in the footsteps of Jesus. As they learn of his words and deeds, they discover the importance of prayerfully serving the community to bring about the Reign of God.

HRE2O
Religious Education: Christ and Culture
Grade 10, Open
Prerequisite: None

This course both invites and challenges the adolescent to personalize the Gospel values and social justice principles that guide Catholics in understanding their role in shaping culture as disciples of Jesus. Students will explore such foundational topics as: what it means to be human, created in God’s image, what is culture, Christ and culture, living together in solidarity, social justice, prayer and sacrament, friendship and intimacy. Connections between the living Church and contemporary culture are explored in terms of what it means to be a responsible Christian adolescent in a secularized, pluralistic world.

HRT3MV - E-Learning
World Religions and Belief Traditions: Perspectives, Issues, and Challenges
Grade 11, University/College Preparation
Prerequisite: None

This course provides students with opportunities to explore various world religions and belief traditions. Students will develop knowledge of the terms and concepts relevant to this area of study, will examine the ways in which religions and belief traditions meet various human needs, and will learn about the relationship between belief and action. They will examine sacred writings and teachings, consider how concepts of time and place influence different religions and belief traditions, and develop research and inquiry skills related to the study of human expressions of belief.

HRF3O
World Religions and Belief Traditions in Daily Life
Grade 11, Open
Prerequisite: None

This course enables students to study world religions and belief traditions in local, Canadian, and global contexts. Students will explore aspects of the human quest for meaning and will examine world religions and belief traditions as exemplified in various sacred teachings and principles, rites, and passages. They will also study the interaction throughout history between society and various belief traditions, and will have opportunities to develop research and inquiry skills related to the study of world religions and belief traditions. Please be aware that this course is suitable for students entering the workplace, or planning to attend certain college programs.

HRE4M
Religious Education: Church and Culture
Grade 12, University/College Preparation
Prerequisite: HRT3M or any university or university/college preparation course in Social Sciences and Humanities, English, Religion or Canadian and World Studies.

This course has the aim of assisting students in understanding themselves as moral persons living the way of Christ through an examination of ethical theories, the revelation of sacred Scripture, and the experience and teaching of the Catholic Church. While grounded in Revelation, the course also examines the contributions of Philosophy and the sciences to a Catholic understanding of ethics and moral living. Students will explore their own ethical and moral stance through an examination of various arenas of life such as issues of justice and peace, freedom, reconciliation, family, marriage and political life. This course is intended to prepare the senior student for the lifelong task of discerning what is good and of God while growing in their ability to live accordingly as moral persons and active, life giving members of a global society.

HRE4O
Religious Education: Church and Culture
Grade 12, Open
Prerequisite: None

This course has the aim of assisting students in understanding themselves as moral persons living the way of Christ through an examination of ethical theories, the revelation of sacred Scripture, and the experience and teaching of the Catholic Church. It engages students in critical reflection on significant contemporary moral and ethical issues in light of Scripture, Church teaching, and important thinkers. Social and ecological justice issues are explored along with a study of topics that focus on Christian mercy and forgiveness. The graces and challenges of relationships, marriage, and family life are explored from a Catholic perspective. Students are challenged to articulate and adopt the Christian stance in the political world.

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