Religious and Family Life PROGRAMS
religious education program
The religion program helps children grow as believers in God and Jesus, and as faithful members of the Catholic-Christian community.
The development of faith and commitment goes far beyond memorizing facts, doctrines, and moral standards. Students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 are taught through a learning cycle involving real-life experiences, information, action, and application. Using these different models, students are encouraged to evaluate and develop their own attitudes and behaviours - and those of the world around them, in light of Christian teaching.
The Religious Education Program supports and enhances the values and the education in faith that are a part of the child's family at home. Focusing on the inter-woven themes of scripture, profession of faith, sacramental life, prayer and Christian moral development, the Christian spirit permeates the entire curriculum and daily life of our Catholic schools.
In Catechesis, the teacher (catechist) becomes a "model of faith" for students: a living example who, through the Holy Spirit, proclaims the teachings and deeds of Jesus Christ by their own words and actions - and encourages students to do the same.
Catechists create a welcoming, nurturing environment where, along with the entire Christian community, students of all ages learn and grow in their faith.
secondary religious education program
In all of our secondary schools, students are required to take four religious education courses. Backed up by special programs such as school liturgies, retreats, social justice programs such as school liturgies, retreats, social justice initiatives and community involvement, these courses are designed to tie in with and enhance the integration of Catholic values through the entire school curriculum.
Our religious education courses are based on the Institute for Catholic Education Guidelines and are consistent with the Ministry guidelines.
family life education program
Using five basic themes repeated in each grade level, the Family Life program instills Christian values based on the dignity of all persons. Its focus is on developing good family and personal relationships, healthy sexual attitudes and a commitment to making a positive contribution to the community and the world.
In the Elementary Program, the five repeated themes address the intellectual, practical, and spiritual needs of our students as they progress through the elementary grades.
In the Secondary Program, the Bishops of Ontario have designated Family Life Education as a curriculum requirement comprising approximately 20 percent of the Religious Education program at the secondary level.
This phase of Family Life Education helps adolescents develop a Christian vision of human relationships and sexuality: to see them as integral components of the person, created in the image and likeness of a life-giving and loving God.