ST. WENDELIN HIGH SCHOOL

Name of Course: Catholic Social Teaching / Christian Service Class

Sophomore Theology

2007-2008

 

Instructor:  Sister Mary Teresita Richards, SND            School Phone: 419-435-8144

Email:  teresita.richards@stwendelin.org or home srteresitarichards@yahoo.com

 

Dear Parents of a sophomore,

 

I am Sister Mary Teresita Richards and I will be your son/daughter’s theology teacher this year.  I am very excited about this privilege that I have to work with you to pass on our Catholic Christian Faith to your son/daughter.  Please know that I see myself as supplementing or complementing what you are already doing in your home.  I cannot work any miracle by myself.

 

The reason that any Catholic School exists is to pass on the Catholic Christian Faith to the youth of a new generation and to assist them as they grow into their faith walk as disciples of Jesus Christ.  Their entire experience at a Catholic School should help them to do this, but to bolster this experience students are enrolled in a theology/religion class each year. 

 

What will your son/daughter learn in our class this year?  Well, regardless of how it is worded on the student schedule we will cover the topics of the New Testament and Sacraments over the course of the school year.  These two areas of focus will be woven together throughout the entire year.  I am attaching the areas indicated by the Diocese of Toledo that we are to cover.  These are from the Religion Course of Study for High School.

 

Our class will be divided into two parts that I have named: discipleship class and theology class.  Disciple ship class includes times for prayer and formative faith experiences.  These experiences allow the academic material to be dealt with in a different manner through the realm of spirituality.  These are further described below.

 

Please sign below to verify that you have read through this syllabus and understand the expectations I have for your son or daughter.  Would you also, please, include your phone number and e-mail address, if you have one, so that I can better partner with you in passing on the faith to your teenager.  I have included my e-mail addresses at the top of the page.

 

Gratefully,

Sr. M. Teresita Richards, SND

 

Parent signature:  _______________________

Parent phone # __________________           Parent e-mail address: _______________________

Expectations for Discipleship Class:  Prayer is sacred time for which we often are too busy to stop.  Therefore, students are expected to be focused and as interiorly and exteriorly still and quiet as possible so as to hear the voice of God.  Disturbing the class or another student is unacceptable during class prayer or school worship.  Formative experiences allow the student to be touched by God in a deeper way and allows them to see how we are all interconnected in the Body of Christ.  Being off task or keeping another from having an encounter with God is also not acceptable.  Participation grades will be given for entering into the activities of Discipleship Class.  Students who disturb Discipleship Class can expect disciplinary consequences.

 

Students are required each quarter to take some responsibility for the prayer life of the school.  This can be by taking an active role in Mass or preparing or setting up for it.  It can also be leading prayer over the p.a. or in class.  A grade will be entered in at the end of each quarter for meeting this requirement.

 

 

Expectations for Theology Class:  The portion of the class that is academically oriented is what I have named theology class.  This part of class will include presentations, tests, quizzes, research, homework, group projects...  Students are expected to come to class prepared with required supplies and homework finished.  Students are expected to cooperate with the lesson plan that has been prepared and to fully engage in the learning process that has been set up for each class period.  Failure to do so will be reflected in their grade and/or disciplinary action.

 

Respect is to be shown to whoever is teaching/presenting in class whether that is an adult or fellow student.  Questions and comments made in class must also be made in a respectful manner.  If a student is unintentionally disrespectful, they will be asked to rephrase their remarks or question in a respectful manner.  Failure to do so or blatant disrespect will result in dismissal from the classroom and its respective consequences.

 

Grading System:

 

Students also earn points for:

·        Class assignments

·        Homework assignments

·        Notes taken in class

·        Quizzes

·        Class participation (grading rubric is provided below)

·        Group projects

Parents can check the progress of their son/daughter and any missing work by checking the on line grading program.

 

Daily Class Participation Points

Each day a student can earn 20 points for their participation in class according to the categories give below.  Every five class days their score will be entered as a grade.  This means they have can earn a grade of 100 every five classes or they will have less if they failed to meet the criteria.  Here are some examples of how the students will earn or lose participation points

 

5 points for RESPECTFUL PARTICIPATION IN PRAYER       

+ EXAMPLES: During the class prayer time, Mass or at a school prayer time the student entered into the prayer and respected others persons’ right to pray….

- EXAMPLES:  Sat sullenly with their head in their hands and slept, kept making noises that disturb the persons beside them, talked to the person beside them throughout the prayer, made faces at others to make them laugh….

 

5 points for COMING TO CLASS PREPARED

 + EXAMPLES:  Came to class with all the required materials and had their homework finished so that they were ready for class discussions or to turn in an assignment.

- EXAMPLES: Did not have what they needed for class.  Did not do the required reading, research, reflection….

 

5 point for MEANINGFUL PARTICIPATING IN CLASS

+ EXAMPLES: Fully engaged in the lesson that was being taught.  Offered to answer questions.  Did each part of the class assignment that was given.

- EXAMPLES: Sat passively throughout class, not engaged with the lesson plan being taught. Wasted any study time that was offered.

 

5 points for RESPECTING THE RIGHT OF THE TEACHER TO TEACH AND THE RIGHT OF THEIR FELLOW STUDENTS TO LEARN

+ EXAMPLES:  Respectfully and attentively listened to the presentation of the teacher, speaker, fellow classmates.  Asked thoughtful questions in a respectful manner.

- EXAMPLES: Rudely interrupted the class, the teacher, the presenter.  Distracted others so that they could not learn.  Disrespectful spoke of others.

 

Student Assignments

Student assignments are given due dates when they are assigned.  Major assignments are always given in advance. Simple reading assignments or Internet searches or short quizzes are given on shorter notice.

 

Students need to always give credit to the sources they use in their work.  Regardless of whether it comes from the Internet, magazines, newspapers, radio, credit must be given to the original authors.  (In the case of the Internet, just copy the website address (www…)

 

Student work that is expected to be original must be their own.  Copying from another student or the Internet or other sources is plagiarism.  These assignments will not be accepted and disciplinary action will be taken.

 

Late Assignments

When students are absent, they are e-mail me a request for their missing work or to come see me in homeroom, before or after school.  The work is to be turned in the next class.  (It is not always possible to do this within the class time.)

 

The students will be given due dates for all their major assignments.  These due dates will be given in advance.  Turning in late work on major assignments will be docked 5 points for each school day that they are late.  Extra points can be earned on major assignments by handing them in early. One extra point is given for every day an assignment that is turned in ahead of time, up to 30 extra points on an assignment.

 

Ordinary homework assignments that are turned in late will lose 10 percent of their points.  They must be turned in before the midterm or the end of the quarter in order to receive any credit.  They cannot be turned in after these deadlines have passed.

 

 

Supplies needed for the Sophomore Theology Class

  • A personal Bible with the Deuterocanonical Books –needed by September 4
  • 3 ring binder 2 inch
  • Packet of lined notebook paper 100 pages
  • 2 sturdy folders with pockets
  • Pack of 3x5 notecards
  • 3 ring zipper pocket to store notecards
  • 2 pens
  • 1 pencil
  • a highlighter appropriate to mark in the Bible
  • 10 dividers (These can be the inexpensive type)
  • Glue stick or clear tape to be placed in a general bin.

 

New Testament

 

Number

Benchmark/Indicator

 

 

 

A. Background

1

Fundamental Information

 

c. Student will know the different literary forms in the New Testament, such as midrash, historical writings, sermons, parables, miracle stories, admonitions, letters, apocalyptic, etc.

2

Appreciation

 

a. Student will appreciate the New Testament writings as holy and precious.

 

c. Student will come to know Jesus and the call to adult discipleship based on the New Testament

3

Conventions and Helps for Using the New Testament

 

a. Student will know how to find a given New Testament book and/or individual quote or passage

 

b. Student will know how to write out a Scriptural reference.

 

c. Student will know how to use a cross reference.

 

d. Student will know how to use a Concordance to Scripture.

 

e. Student will know what the Jerome Biblical Commentary is.

 

f. Student will know what some of the translations (editions) of Scripture are:  The Revised New American Bible (New NAB), The New English Bible (NEB), The New Revised Standard Version (NRSV), The New Jerusalem Bible (New JB), Today’s English Version (TEV)

4

Application

 

b. Student will be able to apply New Testament passages to present-day issues.

 

c. Student will be able to use the New Testament as a basis for prayer and reflection.

 

d. Student will know that the New Testament is a source for gaining deeper understanding of Catholic faith.

 

f. Student will realize that the New Testament is only properly interpreted within the living faith of the believing community.

 

B. The Gospels

1

Background and Formation

 

a. Student will know that the Gospels are post-resurrection accounts which grew out of oral tradition.

 

b. Student will know the general background of the four gospels; Matthew, Mark, Luke, John; why written, author, dating, sources, intended audience, literary characteristics and theological message.

2

Public Life of Jesus

 

a. Student will know the significance of Jesus ‘baptism – recognition by God of Jesus as His Son; beginning of Jesus’ public ministry.

 

b. Student will know the significance of the temptations in the desert.

 

c. Student will know the names of the twelve apostles, their call, and their roles.

 

d. Student will know the significance of the following:  Sanhedrin, Pharisees, Sadducees, Scribes.

 

e. Students will know the significance of miracles

 

1) Student will understand that miracles were signs/manifestations of God’s power breaking through into people’s lives

 

2) Student will identify some of the miracles which Jesus performed and know their significance.

 

f. Jesus’ Teachings

 

1) Student will know Jesus teachings regarding the law, adultery, divorce, revenge, love of enemies, charity, prayer, fasting, servant leadership.

 

2) Student will discuss Jesus’ teachings in the relation to the 10 Commandments and the Great Commandment of Love

 

3) Student will know some parables; structure, location, key themes.

 

4) Student will know the meaning of the term “Kingdom of God.”

 

5) Student will search the gospels for favorite passages.

3

Jesus’ Suffering, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension

 

a. Student will study and discuss the Scripture passage in which Jesus predicts his Passion, Death, Resurrection and Ascension.

 

b. Student will read and discuss the passion, Death and Resurrection narratives.

 

c.  Student will study and discuss the events following the Resurrection through the Ascension.

 

d. Student will know the significance of the Paschal Mystery.

 

e. Student will know how and when these accounts are used in the liturgical year.

 

f. Student will know that the Resurrection is at the core of Christian belief.

 

C. The Acts of the Apostles

1

The student will know where to locate this book in the New Testament and that Luke is the author (Luke-Acts).

2

The student will know the two major divisions of Acts.

3

The student will understand the significance of the Pentecost event.

4

The student will cite examples of how the early Church spread under the action of the Holy Spirit.

5

The student will describe some of the early Christian communities: their worship, leaders, struggles, etc.

6

The student will know the roles of:

 

a. Peter

 

b. John

 

c. deacons

 

d. women

 

e. James and the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15)

 

f. Paul

 

   1) his call/conversion

 

   2) his journeys and their significance

7

The student will understand the development of the Church from a Jewish Christian origin in Jerusalem to a series of Christian communities of the Roman Empire.

 

D. The Epistles (Letters)

1

The student will know the Pauline Corpus

 

a. locate and know the names of Paul’s major epistles

 

b. know that the letters pre-date the written Gospels

 

c. know some of Paul’s themes; law, grace, preeminence of Christ, salvation, etc.

2

The student will know the other letter “Catholic Epistles”

 

a. locate and know the names of other letters and some of their themes.

 

b. be familiar with the theme of the letter to the Hebrews; e.g. Jesus as high priest.

 

E. The Book of Revelation (Apocalypse)

2

The student will understand apocalyptic writing.

 

a. popular from c 200 B.C. – 200 A.D.

 

b. Old Testament examples: Ezekiel, Zechariah, Daniel

 

c. uses symbolic language, colors, numbers

 

d. non-literal interpretations

 

e. often a form of resistance literature to meet a crisis; (in this case, persecution of the early Church by the Roman authorities)

 

f. often consolation literature aimed at giving hope and confidence

 

Sacraments and Liturgy

 

Number

Benchmark/Indicator

 

 

 

A. Background

1

Student will know the definition of liturgy as the official public worship of the Church; it is the whole community, the Body of Christ with its head, that celebrates

2

Student will know the kinds of liturgy as;

 

a. the Eucharistic Liturgy: Mass

 

b. the Celebration of the Seven Sacraments

 

c. the Liturgy of the Hours: Divine Office

 

B. The Eucharistic Liturgy

1

Student will know the word “Eucharist” means “thanksgiving” in Greek.

 

a. Eucharist, when received, is called Holy Communion. When it is adored, it is called the Blessed Sacrament.

 

b. Eucharist, when it is celebrated, is called the Eucharistic Liturgy or the Mass.

2

Student will know the Eucharistic Liturgy’s

 

a. principal parts and meaning of the Liturgy of the Word

 

b. principal parts of the Liturgy of the Eucharist

 

d. the meaning of, the duration, and the seasonal colors of the liturgical year:

 

   1) Advent

 

   2) Christmas season

 

   3) Ordinary Time

 

   4) Lent

 

   5) The Triduum

 

   6) Easter

 

C. Celebration of the Sacraments

2

Sacraments of Initiation: Foundations of Christian Life

 

a. Baptism

 

1) Student will know that the word “baptism” means to “plunge” or “to immerse”

 

2) Student will know that baptism is necessary for salvation.

 

3) Student will know that all those who, without knowing of the Church but acting in grace, seek God sincerely and strive to do His will, are saved even if they have not been baptized. (CCC #1281, LG 16)

 

4) Student will know that the rite of Baptism consists in immersing in or pouring of water and pronouncing the Trinitarian formula.

 

5) Student will explain the meanings of the Baptismal symbols: water, Oil of Catechumens, Sacred Chrism, candle, white garment, name.

 

6) Student will recognize that the ordinary minister of Baptism is the bishop, priest, or deacons; in necessity, anyone may serve as the extraordinary minister of the sacrament.

 

7) Student will know that Baptism imprints a “sign” which consecrates the baptized persons for Christian worship.  Because of this sign, Baptism cannot be repeated.

 

8) Student will now that baptismal grace is a rich reality which includes forgiveness of Original Sin and all other sins, birth into the new life in Christ, and initiation into the Church.

 

9) Student will know the role of parents and godparents.

 

10) Students will know that Baptism calls us to worship with the community, to share faith and to be of service.

 

b. Confirmation

 

1) Student will understand the relationship between Baptism and Confirmation

 

3) Student will know the essential rite of Confirmation: conferred through the anointing with Sacred Chrism on the forehead, which is done by the laying on of the hand and through the words: “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.”

 

4) Student will know that the ordinary minister of Confirmation is the bishop.

 

5) Student will know the signs and symbols of Confirmation: oil, (Sacred Chrism) and the laying on of hands.

 

6) Student will know the effects of Confirmation.

 

   (a) outpouring of the Holy Spirit

 

   (b) an increase and deepening of baptismal grace

 

   (c) uniting us more firmly to Christ

 

   (d) an increase of the gifts of the Holy Spirit

 

   (e) strengthening of our bond with the Church

 

   (f) strength to spread the Gospel and witness to Christ

 

7) Student will know that Confirmation, like Baptism imprints a mark or seal on the soul.

 

8) Student will know that Confirmation is given only once.

 

9) Student will know, understand, and cherish the traditional seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

 

12) Student will learn to develop a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit.

 

c. The Sacrament of the Eucharist

 

1) Student will know that the Eucharist is the central sacrament for the Christian.

 

2) Student will define/discuss the meaning and implications of the names for the Eucharist: an act of thanksgiving, sacrifice, meal, community.

 

3) Student will understand that the Mass is rooted both in the Jewish celebration of the Passover Meal and the synagogue service.

 

4) Student will know how the ritual celebration of the Eucharistic (Mass) has evolved through history.

 

7) Student will know the differences between a Eucharistic Liturgy (Mass) and a Communion Service.

3

Sacraments of Healing.

 

a. Sacrament of Penance or Reconciliation

 

1) Student will understand that repentance, forgiveness, and healing under God’s grace are central to life in the Christian Community.

 

2) Student will understand this sacrament as a process of conversion, forgiveness and reconciliation.

 

3) Student will know the signs of the sacrament: the words of absolution and the laying on of hands.

 

4) Student will know that part of the sacramental process includes an examination of conscience

 

5) Student will know the essentials of the rite of the Sacrament of Reconciliation: contrition (sorrow o