In Primary and Lower School, religion classes focus on the faith development of our students.
Beginning with the themes of life and creation, our curriculum explores what it means to believe in God, the revelation of God's love for his people in his son, Jesus, the mission and teachings of Jesus Christ, and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. In addition, the students will learn about the Roman Catholic Church, what it means to belong to a parish, the mass and Roman Catholic worship, the Bible, the Ten Commandments, and the saints. Students will also learn about the story, saints, and traditions that are shared by all children of the Sacred Heart. We will also engage the students in a variety of prayer experiences according to the liturgical year. Second Grade includes preparation for and reception of the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist (First Communion).
In Grades 5 and 6, the students study scripture, liturgy and sacraments in grade 7, and morality in grade 8. Middle School students continue to learn and live as children of the Sacred Heart as well as to participate in a variety of prayer experiences.
The study of scripture includes one year of study on the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament), followed by a second year on the Christian Scriptures (New Testament). In the course of studying the Hebrew Scriptures, the students will explore the Torah (with special attention to the Exodus story), learn the stories of the Prophets, and read from the wisdom literature. They will also learn about the holidays of the Jewish calendar and our strong connection in belief and history to the Jewish people. In the study of the Christian Scriptures, the students will ask themselves, "Who is Jesus?" To help answer this question, this course offers an overview of the gospels and selections from the writings of St. Paul. Both years will include an examination of biblical material, literary forms, history, practices, and other elements impacting the formation and our understanding of scripture.
In the study of liturgy and the sacraments, the students will explore the core beliefs, doctrines, rituals, and customs of the Roman Catholic faith, with a stress on how the church community and its ritual has evolved throughout church history. The perspective of the course is open to that which is genuinely religious in all traditions that seek truth. The students' development will be explored within a faith context. Students will continue to develop in scriptural literacy and as leaders in liturgy. Students will be called to a faith that is companionship with others to complete Christ's mission of service to the world.
In 8th grade, the student will explore morality from the perspective of the Roman Catholic ethical tradition. Students begin to develop the critical skills necessary to develop a moral decision-making process for making moral choices. Students will identify various factors involved in the formation of conscience and living a value-centered life. Students will wrestle with the Gospel message of Jesus in the areas of justice, personal integrity, and life issues. Students are invited to grow in awareness of self and of others.
Every other year, 7th and 8th graders prepare for the sacrament of Confirmation. While some elements of preparation take place within the religion curriculum, candidates for Confirmation are expected to complete a portion of the preparation outside of the school day.
Beginning with the themes of life and creation, our curriculum explores what it means to believe in God, the revelation of God's love for his people in his son, Jesus, the mission and teachings of Jesus Christ, and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. In addition, the students will learn about the Roman Catholic Church, what it means to belong to a parish, the mass and Roman Catholic worship, the Bible, the Ten Commandments, and the saints. Students will also learn about the story, saints, and traditions that are shared by all children of the Sacred Heart. We will also engage the students in a variety of prayer experiences according to the liturgical year. Second Grade includes preparation for and reception of the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist (First Communion). 
In the study of liturgy and the sacraments, the students will explore the core beliefs, doctrines, rituals, and customs of the Roman Catholic faith, with a stress on how the church community and its ritual has evolved throughout church history. The perspective of the course is open to that which is genuinely religious in all traditions that seek truth. The students' development will be explored within a faith context. Students will continue to develop in scriptural literacy and as leaders in liturgy. Students will be called to a faith that is companionship with others to complete Christ's mission of service to the world. 
