Religion

The Religion program aims to impart to students both an academic content and a reﬂective attitude toward God, self, and others. To this end, the basic truths of the Roman Catholic Church are presented. These truths are reﬂected upon and discussed, with a view toward forming young men concerned with peace, justice, and charity who will contribute positively to the world. Religion teachers draw upon the knowledge of the student body, faculty, and guest speakers to achieve the ends of the program. Each course follows the High School Framework issued by the USCCB and also incorporates the charism of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart in each class. Scripture, prayer, and community service are also integral parts of each course.

Courses:

Religion 8 Religion I Religion II Religion III Religion IV

Religion 8

Religion 8

The course will begin with an introduction of the history and spirituality of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart. It gives our newest Crusaders an understanding of the rich history of Brother Martin High School and the Brothers of the Sacred Heart in New Orleans and throughout the world. This curriculum will primarily focus on God’s Revelation through Sacred Scripture. In the process of interpreting Sacred Scripture students will examine salvation history, with a particular focus on Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of our salvation. Revelation, both Divine and Natural, is explored as well as inspiration, interpretation, and exegesis. This study begins with a person’s natural instinct to search for God.

Religion I

Religion I

The first semester focuses on the mystery of Christ, encountering him as he taught, healed, and ministered. Students will explore and gain an understanding of the New Testament, the history of Jesus’ people, the events of Jesus’ life, the main elements of his teaching, the Paschal Mystery, beliefs about him through the ages, and his relevance for today. In the second semester, students will further encounter Jesus Christ and will be lead toward a deeper understanding of divine revelation, the Trinity, the Incarnation, salvation, and discipleship in response to God’s love. The goal of discipleship is a life of grace and holiness and a share in God’s everlasting kingdom.

Religion II

Religion II: Ecclesiology/Sacraments

In the first semester students will deepen their understanding of Jesus Christ, the fullness of God’s Revelation, as they encounter him in the living Body of Christ, the Church. The course teaches students to recognize Christ present and active in their lives through the mission of Church, defined by her four marks: one, holy, catholic, and apostolic. The second semester reveals the sacraments as a definitive way to participate in the life of Christ. Students will explore the theological meaning, biblical foundations, and historical development of the sacraments. A section of this course also utilizes Theology of the Body, in order to help students understand the sacred significance of their sexuality as a good and essential part of life and love.

Religion III

Religion III: Sacraments/Social Justice

The first semester addresses the foundations of ethics and contemporary moral issues, discussing them from a Catholic viewpoint. The course helps students learn and implement an ethical approach to decision-making, as well as, to critically develop their consciences. The second semester explores the issues of social justice through an in-depth exploration and discussion of Catholic social teaching. This course will challenge the student to apply Catholic social tenets holistically to his life, society, and the world. Students will also apply and reflect on these concepts in their own service to the community.

Religion IV

Religion IV: World Religions/Christian Vocations

In the first semester students will understand the manner in which the Catholic Church relates to non-Catholic Christians as well as other religions of the world. Building on the foundational truth that Jesus Christ established the Catholic Church and entrusted to her the fullness of God’s Revelation, the course is intended to help students to recognize the ways in which important spiritual truths can also be found in non-Catholic Christian churches and ecclesial communities as well as in non-Christian religions. It is also intended to help the student recognize the ways in which other systems of belief and practice differ from the Catholic faith. The Christian vocations component will focus on the various ways individuals are called to live out their Catholic faith. An emphasis will be placed on how a Christian lifestyle is the best way to become personally whole and spiritually holy. In doing so, this course continues with Theology of the Body and explores the four Catholic vocations: married life, single life, ordained life, and religious life.