Theology

In this course, seventh grade students develop a foundation for understanding Catholicism and Ursuline spirituality, while also emphasizing growth in the skills of reading, writing, and conversation. Through the lens of personal and communal experience, students explore the fundamentals of the Catholic faith. This includes, but is not limited to: Natural and Divine Revelation, the Holy Trinity, Scripture, discipleship, the Church, faith, sin, and grace. Students learn a common vocabulary in Christian theology that will provide the foundation for their future theology courses as they examine how God manifests love in the world and invites participation in His creation. A section of the course is devoted to learning the history of St. Angela Merici and the Ursuline Sisters as well as discovering how the story of St. Angela intersects with their own lives within Ursuline Academy and its community. 

Living Out the Sacraments

In this course, students examine the seven sacraments that encompass the life and grace-filled foundation of the Catholic faith. This year-long survey course helps eighth grade students understand that they can encounter Christ in a full and real way through the sacraments, especially the Eucharist. Students study each sacrament in detail, from their Biblical institutions to their role in the liturgy, as well as their role in the everyday. Students learn how all seven sacraments relate to one another while remaining distinct. In addition, the doctrines of the Church concerning the seven sacraments receive an in-depth consideration. The eighth-grade curriculum also includes a program on building on healthy relationships and Christian values within the context of the church doctrine of Theology of the Body.

In this course, ninth grade students analyze scripture and encounter the Bible from various perspectives: historical, cultural, theological, and personal. In doing so, students gain a basic understanding of practical, foundational uses of the Bible. This course encourages students to develop a reverent appreciation of Scripture as the source of the great heroic stories, wisdom, and revelation of the Judeo-Christian tradition. This course also seeks to develop an awareness of the integral connection and common messages of the two testaments. Finally, students learn to apply Scripture to their daily lives and personal faith journeys. Throughout the course, students have many opportunities to develop skills such as critical thinking, coherent writing, presentation skills, and creative expression.

In this course, students study the long and storied history of the Church. The year begins where the previous year ended, with Pentecost and the establishment of Christian communities described in Acts of the Apostles. The purpose of the course is to explore how the Church has worked diligently to fulfill its mission to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to the whole world. Students come to understand that the Church continues to be guided by the Holy Spirit even and especially through difficult times. Students study key periods of Church history as well as councils, saints and the development of doctrine to discover how the Church discerns what it means to be faithful disciples of Jesus and to be the People of God.

In this course, the curriculum is split into two discrete sections. In the first semester, students come to understand the Christian vision of ethical decision-making with Jesus as the model of full humanness in a one semester course entitled “Christian Morality.” Through a study of virtues, the nature of sin, human relationships, and a moral decision-making process, students arrive at a solid foundation for making moral decisions in light of Gospel values, Catholic Church teachings, and contemporary understandings of human nature, legitimate authority, and conscience. This course challenges students to examine their own choices in light of Catholic teachings.

The second half of the Junior curriculum applies this learning in a wider context, as we live out our call “to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8, NRSV) in a one semester course dedicated to “Social Justice.” Students learn that Christ's concern for others, especially the poor and needy, is present today in the Church's social teaching and mission, which includes recognizing and analyzing some of the injustices in our midst. Topics include, but are not limited to, war, violence, poverty, immigration, governmental systems, environmental sustainability, economic responsibility, discrimination. Through a rigorous study of these issues, students discover how to analyze causes of injustice in light of Catholic faith, tradition and response. This course encourages students to recognize ways in which they can more deeply internalize God’s call to live a life committed to justice and loving service to others, especially in solidarity for and with the poor and those in need. 

There are four potential paths from which Seniors may choose in their final year of Theology. The first three include one semester of World Religions followed by a choice of Peer Ministry, Challenges of Faith, or Spiritual Women for the second semester. The fourth path is a year-long course called Catholic Entrepreneurship Design Experience.

In the first semester of this senior course, students delve into the study of World Religions, exploring beliefs, rituals, sacred places, and histories of various faiths worldwide, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism. Emphasizing the Catholic Church's teaching that spiritual truths exist beyond its boundaries, the course aims to highlight both the differences and similarities between other belief systems and the Catholic faith. Moving on to the second semester, students engage in the Peer Ministry course, grounded in the teachings of Saint Angela Merici. Focused on being Ursuline companions in faith development, students partake in ministerial service, delve into spirituality, discipleship, theology, and various forms of ministry, while also taking on responsibilities such as writing talks, leading reflections, organizing prayer services, and contributing to class retreats and liturgy. The course involves additional commitments beyond regular hours for successful completion.

In the initial semester of this senior course, students delve into the exploration of World Religions, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism. The focus is on understanding the beliefs, rituals, sacred places, and historical aspects of these religions. The course begins by acknowledging the Catholic Church's stance that spiritual truths exist beyond its confines, encouraging students to discern the similarities and differences between various belief systems and Catholicism. Transitioning to the second semester, students enroll in the Challenges of Faith course. This course challenges students to engage in philosophical and theological thinking by critically examining existential issues adults grapple with, particularly those related to religious and spiritual faith. Exploring questions about faith, the existence and nature of God, suffering, and ethical responses to others, students consider various perspectives and reflect on these existential inquiries in an open and sincere dialogue with their own experiences. Through this reflective process, students grasp the significance of cultivating a robust Christian character in their transformation as disciples of Christ, embodying a life of Christian integrity.

In the first semester of this senior course, students explore World Religions, delving into the beliefs, rituals, sacred places, and histories of global faiths like Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism. Emphasizing the Catholic Church's perspective that spiritual truths extend beyond its boundaries, the course aims to highlight both the differences and similarities between various belief systems and the Catholic faith. Transitioning to the second semester, students engage in the Spiritual Women course. Here, they examine the lives and ministries of exceptional Catholic women, including Saint Hildegard of Bingen, Saint Therese of Lisieux, Dorothy Day, Saint Teresa of Calcutta, Immaculee Ilibagiza, and Sister Dorothy Kazel. Through biographies and spiritual writings, students consider the significant contributions and impact these women have made on the world, past and present, reflecting on how they can serve as role models in their own lives.

In this year-long course, students continue their theological exploration, focusing on themes such as living a virtuous life, incorporating Catholic Social Teaching into their interactions, and discerning God's will for universal holiness. The course centers on understanding why each person is uniquely made by God, called to bring their distinct gifts into the world. Students delve into "principled entrepreneurship," exploring how faith influences their worldly endeavors. Throughout the course, students embrace their unique calling, fostering an entrepreneurial mindset. The class encourages introspection, creative thinking, problem-solving, and the integration of Catholic theology into their work. Engaging in perspective-shifting projects, students will reach new levels of self-awareness, understand personal vocation and entrepreneurship, and take action to create lasting value in their lives. This unique Ursuline theology class offers the option for students to earn college credits from the Catholic University of America.