Theology

The primary concern of the Theology Department at Kennedy-Kenrick Catholic is to help establish the Kingdom of God in this world and to continue the teaching mission of Jesus Christ which has come down to us from the Apostles. In imitation of the Master Teacher, the members of the Theology Department are dedicated to teaching as He did, which, by necessity, demands personal witness to the Gospel.

The study of Theology is more than the pursuit of an academic discipline. Through the presentation of Jesus as the Way, the Truth and the Life, students are invited to realize the need both for knowledge of God and a life lived in a faith relationship with Him. In accordance with the teaching of the Fathers of the Vatican Council II, the members of the Theology Department aim to "create for the school community an atmosphere enlivened by the Gospel spirit of freedom and charity. It aims to help the adolescent in such a way that the development of his or her own personality will be matched by the growth of the new creation which he or she became in Baptism." (Gravissimum Educationis) It is through Jesus that "we live and move and have our being." (Acts 17: 28) As He entered human history to "ring glad tidings to the poor, to proclaim liberty to captives, recovery of sight to the blind, release the prisoners…" (Luke 4:18-19), we, His disciples in the 20th Century and beyond, continue to respond to His call. Through the Liturgy, class instruction, cooperative learning, praxis in community service and other modern pedagogical tools, the members of the Theology Department continue to fulfill the mandate of the Gospel to proclaim the Kingdom of God.

THEOLOGY 1 (2 semesters)-Grade 9-1 credit

Foundations of Faith (1st Semester)

This survey course touches on the core beliefs of the Catholic Faith and aids in celebrating and living those beliefs. The purpose of this course is to provide a sound theological foundation for the student in areas of liturgy, dogma, prayer, sacraments and morality. This year-long course is divided into three specific topic areas: believing the Faith; celebrating the Faith; living the Faith. In the fall term, the students will explore the universal human longing for God, revelation and personal responses to divine revelation. The Christian creedal proclamations will be explored: the Trinity, Mary, the Church and eschatology.

Foundations of Faith (2nd Semester)

Continuing from the Fall term, students will study religious celebrations and liturgy in the Roman Catholic tradition. The Sacraments of Initiation, Healing and Service will be explored. Students will be presented with images, types and ways of praying as they relate to fostering a personal and communal response to discipleship. The topics of Christian moral decision-making, basic moral guidelines, the reality of sin and formation of conscience will conclude this survey of the core beliefs of the Catholic Faith.

THEOLOGY 2-(2 semesters)-Grade 10-1 credit

Old Testament (1st Semester)

The students are introduced to themes and concepts integral to the study of Sacred Scripture as an organic whole. Creation, De-Creation and Redemption are discussed and explored. The Messianic Line from Abel to David and beyond is investigated. Different types of Hebrew literature are explained and explored. An overview of Scripture and the development of the Canon are presented. Major events such as the Call of Abraham, The Exodus, Deportation and Maccabean Restoration are presented and studied. The students will be made familiar with major personalities and events of the Old Testament, especially those that relate to New Testament studies and their fulfillment in the divine person of Christ.

New Testament (2nd Semester)

The students continue to develop themes and concepts integral to the study of Sacred Scripture introduced in the Old Testament and brought to completion by the New Covenant. Jesus Christ as the living Word of God is shown as the fulfillment of all revelation. Special attention to the Gospels is given along with a thorough overview of the Epistles of Saint Paul. Acts is presented as "The Gospel of the Holy Spirit," the continuation of Jesus’ work on earth through us, His body, the Church. The Catholic Epistles along with an introduction to Revelation and Apocalyptic literature are presented and discussed.

THEOLOGY 3-(2 semesters)-Grade 11-1 credit

Christian Moral Life (1st Semester)

This course presents Christian morality as a personal response to Jesus Christ. It explores conscience, laws and decision-making skills needed to make sound moral judgments. It highlights the teachings of Jesus which serve as a guide for Christian formation of Christian conscience. It focuses on contemporary moral issues in an attempt to apply the principles of Christian morality. Its purpose is that the student gains confidence in his/her ability to make correct Christian choices.

Theology of Social Justice (2nd Semester)

This course will help the student develop a mature, Christian understanding of the nature of human social systems and the cry for justice present in today’s world. Corporate and personal decisions are seen in their overall effect on current and future cultures. The faith-vision developed in modern Catholic social teaching will challenge the student to live Jesus’ vision in the search for a more just world.

THEOLOGY 4-(2 semesters)-Grade 12-1 credit

Catholic Heritage (1st Semester)

The story of the Church is presented in a topical manner of its most influential personages and events. The development of major religious movements and orders, their founders and their inherent spirituality are explored and studied, from Pentecost to Vatican II and the Millenial celebration of the 2000th-year Feast of the Incarnation. The course stresses an integrated approach to the development of the Church through history and its many-faceted image as presented to the world. Spirituality, literary and artistic influence and historical content are essential to this course as presented in approximately thirty peak moments of the Church.

Marriage, Family and Christian Vocation (2nd Semester)

This course presents information which young adults need in order to make informed choices as they discern their vocation in the world. Marriage and family are treated extensively, both in their theological and practical dimensions. Man’s call as primarily a worshipping being is discussed and explored. Human existence as lived out in the religious, married or single life is investigated.

052 Literature & Christianity Tr. 2 -1 Semester -. 5 credit

To introduce students to the influence of Catholic Christianity upon the world through literature, and the use of literature in forming Christian thought. Accordingly the impact of literature upon the growth of Christianity will be investigated and explained.

035 & 045 Christian Service Component

The Christian Service Component requirements for all students:

Seniors are required to perform 20 hours per year, Juniors 16, Sophomores 12, and Freshmen 10. Seniors and Juniors must submit documentation the second Monday after Christmas vacation. Underclassmen reports are due on the second Monday after Easter vacation. Community service is a 9th period and receives a "C" or "I", Complete or Incomplete.