This course covers the elements that are critical to a basic understanding or our Catholic Christian faith, thus laying the groundwork for subsequent religion courses. The foundation builds on the 4 pillars of faith: Creed, Sacraments, Commandments and Prayer. Throughout the year, students arrive at a deeper understanding of the foundation of their Faith and begin to develop a personal relationship with God. They learn how our faith is celebrated and strengthened through the Sacraments and prayer, and they focus on how to live the 10 Commandments - our moral responsibility to God’s love for us. Hours of Christian service are required as part of the class.

Grade 9 - Required 3 Trimesters

SACRAMENTS

This course is a study of the ritual expression of God’s healing and loving presence in the People of God through the awareness of prayer and the sacramentality of life. Emphasis is put on what prayer is, how to pray, the kinds of prayer and prayer in the sacraments. In addition, students learn to recognize the gift of God’s presence revealed in the symbols and rituals of the Sacraments, which celebrate key moments in their journey in God’s kingdom. Hours of Christian service are required as part of the class.

Grade 11 - Required 1 Trimester

CHRISTIAN ETHICS

This course is directed at dealing with the moral issues that arise from living in today’s society. Emphasis will be placed on the concepts of objective and subjective truth, formation of conscience, stages of moral development, legal and moral authority and the demands of legitimate obligations. The students will study life issues with the understanding of the moral precepts of the Church and the gospel call to justice and peace. Hours of Christian Service are required as part of the class.

Grades 11, 12 - Elective 1 Trimester

FAITH IN ACTION

This is a class that combines both the study of Catholic social teachings and working on issues of justice and charity, through involvement with the Public Achievement initiative at Saint Bernard’s.

This course is for the “action-oriented” student who is interested in doing more than simply discussing the issues of social justice and charity. It is for the student who wants to make a difference, locally and even globally, by actually putting the principles learned into action.

Grades 11, 12 - Elective 1 Trimester