Religious Studies

The Religious Studies curriculum emphasizes the development of a personal relationship with God and an active prayer life. Scripture is central to every course in the Religious Studies curriculum. Students are introduced to Hebrew and Christian scriptures in the first two years. All other courses are designed to apply those scriptures to all aspects of life: the personal, the communal, the global. We pray together in class and learn about liturgical prayer and personal prayer, everything from the rosary and the Stations of the Cross to guided meditation. Jesus’ vision of the Reign of God in our midst is the model for the woman of faith in the world. Activities like participation in a hunger banquet, doing a parenting simulation exercise, and bioethics research enable students to experience the challenges of putting their faith into practice. 

It is the goal of the department to engage students on three levels: information, formation and transformation. Although Religious Studies is a required major academic course for all students, we seek to engage both the head and the heart, striving for the holistic growth of each student while taking into account adolescent developmental needs. The basics are integrated in all of the courses so that students can understand and articulate Catholic beliefs and practices. 

• Religion is not confined to the Religious Studies classroom. The practices and values that are studied, examined and practiced in the classroom permeate the entire school.
• The Religious Studies Department works in close coordination with Campus Ministry to insure that there are many opportunities for the entire school community to participate in the life of faith.
• Religious Studies teachers moderate activities such as Music Makers (a group that leads music for our liturgical celebrations), Just Angels, Outreach and a Respect Life club.

"Holy Angels welcomes students of many different communities, ethnic backgrounds and religious affiliations, appreciating the uniqueness of each individual while working towards the fulfillment of Jesus Christ’s prayer ‘that all may be one'.”(John 8:21)

-Philosophy of the Academy of the Holy Angels