We believe that faith is to be "believed, celebrated, lived, and prayed. It is a call to integral Christian education." (General Directory for Catechesis, no. 122) In order to help “foster a faith commitment that engenders a joyous personal response to God in the challenges of the world,” Oak Knoll requires that all students take Theology, including four years in the Upper School. Theology is regarded as a full academic program; each class meets five out of six cycle days. The study of Theology at Oak Knoll includes the study of Catholicism and other world religions. Theology 11 and Theology 12 are full-year programs which include three required trimester courses each year.
Grade 9
As an introduction to the grade 9 Theology program, students explore the beliefs and rituals and the richness of Catholic tradition lived and celebrated at Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child. Students are also introduced to the Mission, History and traditions of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus and its founder, Cornelia Connelly.
Old Testament—Trimesters One and Two
This course is an introduction to and overview of one of the most influential and important texts in history. It examines some of the following areas: development and formation of the Scriptures, authorship, historical accuracy and literary form. Some of the major themes covered are creation, covenant, monarchy, prophets and Wisdom literature.
Introduction to Morality—Trimester Three
This course offers the student a well-grounded and thorough understanding of Christian moral decision making and the formation of an informed conscience. Topics include resolving moral conflicts, church law, sin, grace, reconciliation and the role of the Church as a moral guide.
Grade 10
New Testament—Trimesters One and Two
This course provides an introductory treatment of the New Testament, focusing on the Gospels, Acts of the Apostles, and the Pauline letters. Students learn basic background information on the growth of the Christian Scriptures, their historical context and methods of exegesis. Students examine each book in terms of authorship, details of composition and major theological themes. Students apply the information they learn to the biblical texts themselves.
Church History—Trimester Three
This course surveys the development of the Roman Catholic Church from the Apostolic Age through the Reformation. The course focuses on important individuals who made significant contributions to the Church, as well as events and theological developments in each period.
Grade 11
Christian Life
This course studies virtues and morality as the basis for living a Christian life. It also explores methods of understanding and coping with opportunities, challenges and developmental tasks students face in young adulthood. Students examine unique developmental issues for adolescent girls as well as personality development, communication skills, and relationships in light of the Gospels and Catholic Tradition.
Ethics
This course examines the fundamental aspects of the Christian moral life. It challenges the student to address her moral decision-making process in light of current Roman Catholic Church teaching and documents. Students give special attention to bioethical issues.
World Religions
This course investigates Judaism, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism in their traditional and contemporary forms. Emphasis is on the origins, principal beliefs, and religious practices, and structures of each faith in their study. Students research non-Catholic Christian religions.
Grade 12
Catholic Social Teachings
This course explores the Catholic Church’s call to justice and peace throughout history. Students explore the tension between the values of contemporary society and those of the Scripture in light of the Christian tradition. Areas of concern examined include war and peace making, economic justice, and racism and discrimination.
Contemporary Church
This course studies contemporary Roman Catholicism. The focus is on the Vatican II documents Lumen Gentium and Gaudium et Spes. Topics include models of the church, ecumenism, church hierarchy, tradition, the laity, and the servant church.
Women in the Church
This course examines the contributions women have made to the Church past and present. Topics include: women in the Bible, Mary of Nazareth, women saints, contemporary Catholic role models, women’s religious orders and ministries for women in the Church today.
Senior Seminar: The Spirit of Cornelia Connelly
This seminar provides seniors with an opportunity to explore the spiritual wisdom of Cornelia Connelly, founder of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus. Led by members of the theology department and administration, students discuss Cornelia’s life and personal faith journey. Emphasis is placed on understanding Cornelia’s spirituality and relating it to the life of young women today. In addition, an exploration of the Holy Child philosophy of education and the international legacy of Cornelia Connelly is included.