Introduction to the Catholic Church

Grade: 9
Credit: 1.0

Course Description: Freshmen are introduced to basic foundational concepts of the Roman Catholic Church. The range of topics includes: the historical Jesus, discipleship, grace, sacraments, saints, image of church, and trinity. The Catholic faith is presented at a level that is appropriate to the developmental level of the adolescent. Catholic Identity class allows the student to explore their own spirituality and prayer life as they enter high school.

Sacred Scripture

Grade: 10
Credit: 1.0

Course Description: This course will analyze the literature, events, and themes of the Bible, including the organization, historical context, and geography of both the Old and New Testament. By interpreting scripture through a critical lens, students will consider how oral traditions and historical narratives reveal the spiritual truths of the Christian faith. Sophomores will be exposed to the foundation that the Old Testament lays for the New Testament and the coming of Jesus, as well as his life, ministry, death, and resurrection. Finally, students will examine how the promise of the Old Testament Messiah is fulfilled in the New Testament, and the progression of the Gospel through writings of Paul and the early Apostles, forming the foundation for our Church today.

Christian Morality

Grade: 11
Credit: 1.0

Course Description: This course will focus on the foundational principles of Christian Morality including moral choices and God’s plan as well as the law of God. Students will learn to analyze moral decisions by intention, action, and consequence. Students will consider contemporary moral issues in the light of the foundational principles of life in Christ.

Church History

Grade: 12
Credit: 0.5

Course Description: Beginning with Pentecost, the story of the Church is a story of sin, of God’s redeeming grace and the promise of Jesus to be with his Church until the end of time. This course is a chronological study of the events and Spirit-filled personalities that shaped the story throughout the centuries. Attention will also be given to the contributions of the Church to Western Culture and Thought.

Social Justice

Grade: 12
Credit: 0.5

Course Description: As a follow-up to Morality, this course will expand the study of morality beyond the self to the policies and programs of government and society. The topics of poverty, homelessness, prejudice and human rights will be examined in the light of moral mandates.

Peer Ministry

Grade: 10,11,12
Credit: 0.5

Course Description: Peer ministry is an active response to the baptismal call of service that empowers young people to be a living Gospel within the school community. This course is structured to help students minster to their classmates, the DePaul Prep community, and to the larger world community. Students will be challenged to identify their ministry as a gift from God that is rooted in the idea of service to others. Through the texts, supplemental articles and hands-on experiences, students will plan and implement events in the DePaul Prep school community. Students will work with theology teachers and the Campus Minster to create and coordinate Eucharistic liturgies, prayer services, retreats, prayer opportunities, and volunteer/service experiences.