Religion

Seton Catholic follows the Guidelines for Sexuality Education published by the Diocese of Ogdensburg, in conjunction with numbers 2331 through 2400 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. We also integrate HIV/AIDS Education: A Catholic Framework of Understanding into our religion program. Fifteen Learning Standards support the Catholic fundamentals of Creed, Sacraments, Christian Living, and Prayer, and are taught in scope and sequence from grades 7-12.

Two credits of high school Religion are required for graduation. The Faith 2000 Assessment is administered in grades 8 and 11 for individual, group, and departmental evaluation.

Religion 7: Jesus Christ
Instruction in grade 7 focuses on the person of Jesus Christ as Savior, presented within the context of an understanding of the Holy Trinity. Information on Scriptures, Church, Sacraments, and the liturgical year extends understanding established by elementary instruction. Special emphasis is placed on Christian witness, the vocations of vowed religious, and the virtues. Christian living topics include respect for human life, social justice, discipleship, and prayer. Religion 7 meets every other day.

Religion 8: The Church
Instruction in grade 8 focuses on Christ’s Church, presented within the context of salvation history as the work of the Holy Trinity. Information on Scriptures, Church, Sacraments, and the liturgical year extends content from grade 7. Special emphasis is place on the Church’s role as herald and servant, pilgrim, and Sacrament and sign. The Eucharist as the real presence of Christ and as heart and summit of Christian life is also a focus. Christian living topics include respect for others, respect for human life, social justice, maturation of faith, and prayer. Religion 8 meets every other day.

Religion 9: Survey of Catholicism
This course is a survey of the tenets of our faith, bridging the content areas between Junior High and High School courses. It provides clear catechesis in Catholic Sacraments, practices, and morality. Content areas include prayer, the Church, the Holy Trinity, the Blessed Virgin Mary, Old and New Testaments, and the moral virtues.  Extensive investigation of the Sacraments and Commandments is the focus. Instruction supports the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Students are called to apply the practices of our faith to their own lives, to live as Christian disciples in today’s world, and to be Biblically literate, active members of the Catholic Church. This half-credit course meets every other day.

Religion 10: Hebrew Scriptures
This course is intended to help students understand the Old Testament, and provide a foundation for adult exploration. Content includes study of Creation, the Early World, Patriarchs, Exodus, the Kingdom of Israel, Old Testament prophets (Divided Kingdom), Post-Exile era, Wisdom Literature, Psalms, Daniel, and Messianism. Covenant and salvation history are featured themes. Connection to the Catechism of the Catholic Church is emphasized. Students are called to apply the message of Scripture to their own lives, to live as Christian disciples in today’s world, and to be Biblically literate, active members of the Catholic Church. The focus is on introducing students to the literary styles and techniques used throughout the Scriptures, providing historical content to enhance understanding of respective books, and transmission of authentic Christian faith and moral teachings as found in the Testaments and in Church Tradition. This half-credit course meets every other day.

Religion 11: Christian Scriptures
This course is intended to help students understand the New Testament, and provide a foundation for adult exploration. Content areas include study of the Testament’s structure, the historical and political background of the Early Christian world, the Holy Gospels, St. Paul, New Testament Letters, Acts, and Revelation. The course presents the Christian Scriptures as a source of our understanding of Jesus and his message. Connection to the Catechism of the Catholic Church is emphasized. Students are called to apply the message of Scripture to their own lives, to live as Christian disciples in today’s world, and to be Biblically literate, active members of the Catholic Church. Students are introduced to the literary styles and techniques used throughout the Scriptures, and provided with historical content to enhance understanding of respective books. Authentic Christian faith and moral teachings as found in the Testaments and in Church Tradition are transmitted to the students. This half-credit course meets every other day.

Religion 12: Morality and Christian Lifestyles
This course introduces students to the basic principles of Catholic moral teaching, provides a framework for moral decision-making, and investigates what it means to be an adult Christian in today’s world. Principals of moral theology include freedom, conscience, ethics, law, sin, and conversion. Applications to the moral life are supported by instruction in the Commandments, Beatitudes, and Catholic Social Teaching. The Gospel message in the modern world is investigated through study of contemporary society, vocations, and personal relationships. Students are called to consider their personal role in today’s Church, either religious or lay, and to demonstrate a fundamental orientation toward Christ’s moral message in their attitudes, values, and behaviors. As Sons and Daughters of the Light, each student is challenged to articulate and develop a personal identity, healthy relationships, meaningful work life, and a holy spiritual life in the transition from high school. This half-credit course meets every other day.