FAITH AND DOCTRINE

Spring 2008

 

Text:                   Catechism of the Catholic Church

 www.vatican.va/archive/catechism

www.scborromeo.org/ccc/ccc_toc2.htm

New American Bible

Catholicism & Reason: The Creed & Apologetics, Rev. Edward J. Hayes, Rev. Msgr. Paul J. Hayes & James J. Drummey, C.R. Publications, 1996

 

Course Description:  

            To arrive at a basic understanding of Catholic Christian doctrine so as to be able to recognize, appreciate, and defend the validity and applicability of church teaching for our day-to-day lives, or at least to be able to explore pertinent questions as you continue to discern your faith in God. 

            In this class, our lessons will follow the following basic outline:

                        What is Faith?

                        What is the Catholic Faith?

                                    One God, Creator

                                    Jesus, Son of God

                                    Jesus’ Resurrection & Second Coming

                                    Holy Spirit

                                    Holy Catholic Church & Tradition

                                    Forgiveness

                                    Life After Death

                        What does it mean to be Catholic?

Church Doctrinal Issues

                                    Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist

                                    Scripture & Tradition

Mary & the Saints

                                    Male Priesthood & Celibacy

                                    Papal Infallibility

                                    Reconciliation

                                    Purgatory

                                    Infant Baptism

                                    Birth Control

 

Projects: 

3rd Quarter – Each student will pick one project from the projects list.

4th Quarter – Each student, with a partner, will research biblical references, catechetical teachings and early church fathers’ writings about one specifically Catholic teaching and will present their findings to the class.
Class Expectations & Policies:

 

1.                   Turn assignments in when due.  Assignments are expected to be turned in at the beginning of class on the date due.  Late assignments will be graded as follows: One day late = 25% off; two days late = 50% off.  I do understand, however, that despite the best intentions, you may not complete an assignment on time.  Therefore, each student will be issued ONE late assignment pass to turn in late work without penalty.  No late assignments, however, will be accepted after that graded assignment has been returned to the class, even with a Late Pass.                                                                  If you have an excused absence, I will expect all assignments due on the day of your absence to be turned in at the first class period after your return.  It is your responsibility to get homework assigned on the day you missed.  Missed assignments will be due one week from the time of your return to school.  Students with an excused absence will not be required to make up any in-class graded activities and such grade will not be included in their total points.

2.                   Show care for your work.  This means writing legibly in full sentences with correct grammar and spelling. 

3.                   Do your OWN work!  Copying homework is one of my pet peeves.  Most questions will require some thought on your part and it is highly unlikely that any two students will have the exact same answer.  If I determine that ANY answers on a homework assignment are copied from another student, both the copier and the copyee will receive a zero for the entire assignment.  Copying from an internet site also will result in a zero.

4.                   Participate in class.  Questions are welcomed and highly encouraged.  Answering questions shows me that you are prepared and involved in your education.  Your opinions and thoughts matter and the more you participate, the more you will enjoy the class and the more you get out of it.

5.                   Not disrupt the classroom.  Questions or comments that are inappropriate, ill-timed, disrespectful, or a distraction to the class will not be allowed.  A verbal warning will be given for the first offense.  A second offense may result in demerits, detention and/or a conference with your parents.

6.                    Be courteous when others are speaking and respectful of others’ opinions. Rude, insensitive or inappropriate comments and interruptions can result in demerits, detention or removal from the classroom.

7.                   Students are expected to abide by St. Wendelin’s dress code and code of behavior as described in the Student Handbook.