Faith Formation

Our Catholic faith is the cornerstone of Catholic Memorial High School.

It is the reason we exist.

Catholic Memorial is concerned with the spiritual growth of the individual, the relationship of the individual to God, to his/her neighbors, and to the Church. We are also concerned with the building of a dynamic faith community at Catholic Memorial. These concerns are met in three interconnected ways.

First, we offer a wide range of opportunities for students to experience their faith.

• Celebration of the Eucharist on a school-wide basis monthly, on Holy Days of Obligation, and in daily Chapel masses
• All-school prayer services during the Advent & Lenten Seasons
• Daily prayer beginning and ending each school day
• Experience with a variety of prayer forms
• Observance of the liturgical seasons
• Weekly opportunities for the sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession)
• Individual counseling for a wide range of concerns
• Numerous and varied social service projects

Second, we pride ourselves in offering an Annual Retreat experience that enhances what is taught and lived on a daily basis.

• Freshman - A day long retreat focusing on our school motto, Charity in All Things, and how it is lived out in our community. The senior Peer Mentors serve as role models and small group leaders on this retreat.
• Sophomore - An overnight retreat centered on different types of relationships and their importance in our lives. Juniors are invited to be small group leaders.
• Junior - Most juniors are preparing for Confirmation and will attend a retreat through their home parish. The junior class is being invited to plan and run a new optional junior retreat.
• Senior Retreat - A three day retreat held off campus and is the culmination of the students four years at Catholic Memorial. The retreat focuses on their sense of self, their relationships with others, and their commitment to living their faith.

Third, we offer a sequence of academic courses designed to offer the student a strong grounding in Catholicism. The freedom of the students' consciences is fully respected (which also allows non-Catholic students to feel comfortable in class). The freshman, sophomore, and junior years lay a solid foundation for each student, and the electives offered to seniors allow them to pursue their individual interests.

THEOLOGY CURRICULUM

THE JUDEO-CHRISTIAN TRADITION ~ A YEAR-LONG COURSE REQUIRED OF ALL FRESHMEN

This course examines the key themes of our faith tradition from both an academic and personal perspective using the Bible as a primary source. Students will learn the critical tools needed to interpret the Bible in a Catholic context. A primary objective is to provide roots and security for students in the midst of our changing culture by firmly grounding them in the Catholic tradition.

SACRAMENTS ~ REQUIRED OF ALL SOPHOMORES

In this course the Sacraments are presented as signs of Christ living and loving within the actions of the Christian community. A great emphasis is placed on Jesus as the greatest sacrament. The major topics covered include: ritual, symbol, and tradition; the meaning of “sacrament”; the history and meaning of the Sacraments of Initiation, Reconciliation, and Vocation; and the role of Eucharist as the center of a Christian life.

CHRISTIAN MORALITY ~ REQUIRED OF ALL SOPHOMORES

Using the light of Sacred Scripture and Catholic Tradition, this course inquires into personal and societal conduct that is compatible with our dignity as human persons. Students investigate such topics as Natural Law: conscience; absolute moral values; grace, virtue, and sin; contemporary moral dilemmas; and relativism in today’s society.

THEOLOGY 3 ~ A YEAR-LONG COURSE REQUIRED OF ALL JUNIORS

The first semester will focus on Church History, telling the story of the Church through analysis of the major events and key persons who have shaped it. The third quarter will focus on Social Justice, the social mission of the Catholic Church which grew out of Jesus Christ's concern for the dignity of all persons, especially the poor and powerless. The fourth quarter will focus on Medical Ethics, a specialized sequel to Christian Morality. In view of the key theme of the sanctity of all life, the issues of euthanasia, abortion, infanticide, newborns with birth defects, and new birth technologies will be examined.

SENIOR ELECTIVES

Seniors are required to take 2 semesters of theology and have the option of choosing from a wide variety of semester long theology classes to fulfill their curriculum requirement. You will find the courses listed below, if you would like a full description of these courses please check our website at www.catholicmemorial.net.

*TOK is an interdisciplinary requirement intended to stimulate critical reflection on the knowledge and experience gained inside and outside the classroom. TOK is a key element in encouraging students to appreciate other cultural perspectives, and this course will examine those perspectives in the light of Catholic teachings. Prerequisite: Enrollment in IB Diploma program