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Freshman Level
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Religious Studies 9: Basic Beliefs
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5 credits/semester
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This course is a foundation for other religious studies classes at Mercy High School. It provides a brief survey of basic beliefs and moral
principles of Roman Catholicism. It is presented with sensitivity to the unique needs and life experiences of adolescents who are seeking
answers to questions: Who am I? What is my life about? What am I called to be and to do in this world?
Required for all first semester freshmen.
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Old Testament
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5 credits/year
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This course focuses on the history of the Jewish people from the time of the Book of Genesis until the rule of Herod the Great during the First
Century B.C. Key elements of the course will be the purpose and organization of the Hebrew Scriptures, an analysis of scriptural truth and
inspiration, a look at the sources of Hebrew Scriptures, the Scriptures as foundation for God’s relationships with humanity and the roots of
Christian faith, and an insight into modern biblical exegesis. The stories of creation, the fall from grace and the problem of evil, the life
of the Patriarchs, the way of the Covenant, the entry into the Promised Land, the age of Saul, David, and Solomon, the Exile experience, the
Second Temple period, the Hasmonean dynasty, and the arrival of Rome will be examined and explored. Throughout the course, emphasis will be
on the role of the Hebrew Scriptures in shaping western culture and in the relevance of scriptural insight of modern problems, concerns, hopes,
and fears.
Required for all second semester freshmen.
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Sophomore Level
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Religious Studies 10: New Testament
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5 credits/semester
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This course will be taught as a survey of the New Testament, with emphasis on the four Gospels. These look at the life and ministry of Jesus
of Nazareth from his birth until his death and resurrection. The lives of the early Christians, influenced by the Spirit of God, will be
examined in the Acts of the Apostles. The letters of Paul give testimony to his conversion experience of the risen Lord.
Required for all first semester sophomores.
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Catholic Morality
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5 credits/semester
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What kind of person am I becoming? This course on morality emphasizes the personal choice to become fully human. Specifically, Jesus’ command to
love is the basis for behavior as opposed to an emphasis on law and sin. Young adults are challenged to compare Christian values with the norms of
society and to cultivate virtuous habits in becoming the kind of person they want to become.
Required for all second semester sophomores.
JUNIOR AND SENIOR LEVEL CLASSES – WHILE CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP AND MARRIAGE, FAMILY & VOCATIONS ARE HELD AS SEMESTER CLASSES DURING ONE SCHOOL YEAR,
SOCIAL JUSTICE AND WORLD RELIGIONS WILL BE HELD THE FOLLOWING YEAR.
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Christian Leadership
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5 credits/semester
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The purpose of this class is to empower its students in taking on a more active role in fostering the spiritual life of Mercy High School.
This will be done primarily, but not limited to, preparing student body liturgies, working on service projects, preparing prayer services,
and helping to develop the school’s retreat program. In order to accomplish this goal students will be taught the importance of liturgy to
the Catholic faith, and experience different ways to pray. The class will also examine the lives of people past and present who are examples
of following Jesus.
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Marriage, Family & Vocations
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5 credits/semester
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This class explores relationships, our call to discipleship, and the effect of these on life choices. Are we willing to live Jesus’ call to love in our
everyday lives? Intimacy, dating and compatibility, contemporary attitudes of sexuality, and parenting will be explored and discussed. The possibilities
of being love to another and witnessing love to many is the focus of the Sacrament of Marriage. The single and the religious life will also be considered
as life choices.
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Social Justice
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5 credits/semester
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Jesus calls us to faith, to a personal conversion that will enable us to act justly in all relationships – economic, political, and cultural.
As individuals and as groups, we can make a difference. This course examines the social teachings of the Catholic Church. It focuses on the
Poverty Project, an experiential program that facilitates students in removing prejudices toward the poor. The experiences of being poor can
leave a lasting effect on young people that translates into social justice action throughout their lives.
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World Religions
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5 credits/semester
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This course will explore the origin and development of religion as well as the particular nature and meaning for various peoples of the world.
A primary aim of the course is to help students develop an appreciation for the history of religious awareness in Western and Eastern religions.
The main focus will be on these major religions of the world: Buddhism, Hinduism, the religions of China and Japan, Islam, Judaism, and Christianity.
Views of God, humanity, faith, worship, revelation, and community are evaluated in terms of the religious formation seen throughout history.
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