NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL BELMONT

Academics

Religious Studies

Philosophy

Convinced of the transforming power of the Gospel through creative methods of education, the Religious Studies Department holds the following:

Our Essential Standards

  1. Students will recognize the ongoing invitation to grow in relationship with God and to develop faith and spirituality.
  2. Students will understand Scripture and the living Tradition of the Church as guided by the Holy Spirit.
  3. Students will articulate and respond to the call to live as Catholics in community.
  4. Students will understand the Gospel values that inform their consciences and moral decision-making.
  5. Students will respond actively to the call of Jesus to be advocates for the common good through works of charity and justice.
  6. Students will explore and experience Catholic traditions of personal and communal prayer as expressed in sacrament and liturgy.

9th Grade Courses

Faith and Morality

Faith and Morality presents a foundational understanding of making moral decisions from a faith perspective. Students will learn basic religious language and principles as well as be introduced to the Catholic Liturgy, retreats, the mission of Notre Dame, and the charism and life of St. Julie Billiart. Students will develop a process of moral decision making in the context of their personal spirituality and prayer. Ultimately, students will apply this process to issues pertinent to their lives.

Hebrew Scripture

Hebrew Scripture presents the historical and literary development of the Hebrew Scripture. A critical approach to the Old Testament examines the politics and culture, people and land, as well as religious ideas surrounding its formation. The course presents the Old Testament as a record of the Hebrew people's experience of God's revelation of Himself to the emerging Israelite nation.

Course Offerings

Download 2011-2012 Course Catalog

9th Grade

  • Faith and Morality
  • Hebrew Scriptures*

10th Grade

  • Living the Gospel
  • Church History*

11th Grade

  • Social Justice*
  • Women in Relationships

12th Grade

  • World Religions*
  • Elective

Note: Retreat Leadership may be completed during junior year.

Electives

  • Spirituality and Storytelling
  • Ministry, Leadership, and Service
  • Retreat Leadership
  • Bioethics*

* These courses meet the “a-f/g requirement” for the University of California.

All students have a four-year Religious Studies requirement