Theology Department

Essential Knowledge and Skills

Ministry and Action is a year-long course designed to prepare students in the skills required for both present and future ministry in their churches. Students must apply, interview and be accepted to be a part of this class. Students in this class assist in the worship and faith life of the school community. They assist with student retreats, prayer, liturgies, service initiatives of the school, and faith sharing groups. They will learn the theology of ministry, ecclesiology, spirituality, morality and social justice. This course is designed to assist the students in their reflections of experiences and evaluate the baptismal call we all have to build faith communities. Students will also continue to develop their commitment to service by participating in their Christian service requirements.

Indicators of Student Learning

Upon completion of this course, students will:

Understand the social dimensions of Christian faith.

• Describe the Church’s principles of social justice

• Develop his/her prayer life and become experienced in leading prayer

• Affirm gifts and abilities through tasks preformed

Develop a sound basis in theology and theological issues

• Understand the Catholic teachings on specific issues

Articulate the catechism and basic beliefs of the Catholic faith. Connect this academic content with a lived faith experience.

• Critically reflect on personal experiences in light of the curriculum

• Understand how a well informed conscience is developed

• Develop a personal stance on ethical issues in light of studied viewpoints and the teachings of the Catholic Church.

Recognize a personal connection to the larger community and the responsibility we hold for Christian Service.

• Participate in the service learning program

Develop communication skills:

• Share ideas and information in small group and whole class discussions, visual presentations, written reflections, and multimedia presentations

• Use writing as a tool (i.e. Journals, summarizations, reports, current event evaluations and essays)

• Build vocabulary by explaining terminology used by the Catholic Church

Enhance personal use of technology.

• Collaborate with peers to use technology to compile and produce projects and creative works.

• Create multi media presentations

Assessment

Upon completion of this course, students will:

Demonstrate competency in understanding the social dimensions of Christian faith.

• Showing knowledge of today’s social issues as well as where the Church stands on them and what individuals can do to promote justice through both tests and class action.

• Showing knowledge of the teachings and principles of the Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes, and the Catholic moral and social teachings

• Leading prayer during class retreats and prayer services

• Self evaluation and teacher evaluation of progress in leadership skills

Demonstrate competency to develop a sound basis in theology and theological issues.

• Learning the teachings of the Catholic Catechism

Demonstrate competency in articulating the catechism and basic beliefs of the Catholic faith and connect this academic content with a lived faith experience.

• Being able to articulate the concepts of moral development, a well informed conscience, and defending personal ethical views

Demonstrate competency in recognizing a personal connection to the larger community and the responsibility we hold for Christian Service.

• Completing the required number of service hours

• Completing the reflections and projects that tie service with personal experience and affects on others.

Demonstrate competency in communication.

• Expressing ideas clearly

• Presenting ideas and information in visual presentations, written responses, and multimedia presentations.

Demonstrate competency in technology.

• Creating and presenting digital projects and multi-media presentations.