RELIGION

Rationale and Goals:
Religious education at Marist Academy and Notre Dame Preparatory is at the very heart of our mission as a school. Without it, we would be just another private school teaching humanistic principles. We believe in and teach Roman Catholicism. We see Catholic Education as an integrated ministry whose main function is not only leading people to know the meaning of human life and their Catholic faith but also leading them, by instruction and example, to become vibrant, faithful people. One of the main goals of Catholic religious education is to create a community of faith which is indeed living, conscious and active.
(To teach as Jesus Did #106; The National Catechetical Director #232).

Religious education at Marist Academy and Notre Dame Preparatory is taught as an academic subject with reading and written homework, tests, and comprehensive final exams. Each religion course must be passed for students to remain at the Prep and Academy. Religious knowledge is measurable and is necessary to achieve the ultimate goal of Christian religious education: to foster a personal and living faith in Jesus. Personal faith cannot be measured or graded but can be expressed through prayer and Christian service. Opportunities for both are also offered through this department.

Sacramental preparation, including preparation for Confirmation, is offered through the home parish.

Religion 6
Students study the roots of their faith found in the Hebrew Scriptures. God is presented as the one who creates out of love and who cares deeply about the world. Jesus is seen as the fulfillment of the promises made to Abraham, Moses, and the Prophets. In His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus is seen as proclaiming a new covenant, the coming of the kingdom of God.

Religion 7
Students study the life, values and teachings of Jesus, and are challenged to live a Christian lifestyle. Through scripture, students learn how Jesus is with us in the sacraments to sustain us in our journey to the Father. Students are encouraged to develop Christian attitudes and behavior.

Religion 8
Students survey the major historical periods of the Church in order to come to a deeper understanding and appreciation of their heritage. Students will be encouraged to see how their own lives reflect the beliefs and commitment of the Church through personal prayer, Mass, the sacraments, and living a Christian way of life. Students will learn that Jesus calls His followers to lives of compassion, care, and concern for their fellow human beings, particularly those in need. All Marist students are required to participate in our recommended Christian Service Projects.

A brief component of each religion course at Marist Academy is an age-appropriate discussion of human sexuality from a Catholic perspective.