Academics
Curriculum

Theology

“What you are is God's gift to you, what you become is your gift to God.”
― Hans Urs von Balthasar
The theology faculty are committed to providing a strong academic program of the highest quality that offers a balance between academics and spirituality. The instruction is consistent with the content and traditions of the Catholic faith as determined by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles standards for curricular content.
The Division supports students on their individual faith journeys by offering a curriculum founded in Catholic Christian beliefs that allows for reflection on the presence of God in their lives, questioning the mystery of faith, and the application of spirituality in their daily lives.

 We accomplish this by:

      • recognizing the value and uniqueness of each and every student as a person with religious, intellectual, imaginative, emotional, social and physical potential
      • structuring classes to enable students to develop self-awareness, self-discipline, and self-motivation in how they respectfully respond to the beliefs of others and their own by allowing for reflection on, questioning of, and application of spirituality in their own lives
      • fostering an understanding of the benefit of pursuing a lifelong engagement in the building and the incorporating of one’s personal faith journey in all aspects of their life

List of 5 items.

  • Revelation in Scripture (Fall) / Mission and Ministry (Spring)

    Two One Semester Courses: Grade 9
    Revelation in Scripture: The purpose of this course is to give students a general knowledge and appreciation of the Sacred Scriptures where they will come to encounter the living Word of God, Jesus Christ. They will learn its value to people, how to read the Bible, and its major sections, paying particular attention to the Gospels.
    Mission and Ministry: This course introduces students to the Mystery of Jesus Christ, the Living Word of God, and the second Person of the Blessed Trinity. The students will also learn who He calls them to be.
  • The Paschal Mystery (Fall) / The Continuing Ministry of Christ (Spring)

    Two One Semester Courses: Grade 10
    The Paschal Mystery: In this course, students explore the mission of Jesus Christ and God’s covenant with His people. Students are taught to see the inherent value in God’s creation, especially humanity which is created in the Imago Dei (the Image of God), and to consider the ways in which this perspective calls believers to follow the holy example of Jesus.
    The Continuing Ministry of Christ: The purpose of this course is to help students understand that in and through the Church, the Body of Christ, they encounter the Living Jesus Christ. They will be introduced to the fact that the Church was founded by Christ through the Apostles and is sustained by Him through the Holy Spirit. 
  • Sacraments (Fall) / Christian Ethics (Spring)

    Two One Semester Courses: Grade 11
    Sacraments: The purpose of this course is to help students understand that they can encounter Christ today in a full and real way through the Sacraments, and especially through the Eucharist. Students will examine each of the Sacraments in detail so as to learn how they may encounter Christ throughout life.
    Christian Ethics: The purpose of this course is to help students understand that they can fully live out God’s plan for their lives through Christ. Topics of inquiry include: just war theory, the justice system, the social contract and the effects of morality on an individual life. The expected learning outcome of the course is for students to be able to articulate how Christian ethics intends to promote personal growth, positive human relationships and humanity living in balance with the environment.
  • World Religions (Fall) / Life Choices (Spring)

    Two One Semester Courses: Grade 12
    Meeting God: This course is designed to supply students with general knowledge of the various religions found throughout the world. A focus on their commonalities and differences provides students with a general overview of the topic.
    Life Choices: Students study three vocational paths: single life, religious life, and married life. Characteristics of healthy relationships within these paths and discussion of their theoretical and practical aspects will occur. Course topics include: psycho-social sexual development, interpersonal compatibility and the Christian approach to marriage, parenting and family life. 
  • Campus Ministry

    Two Semesters: Grade 12
    PREREQUISITE: Departmental Approval
    This course guides students to be witnesses to the Christian community. Students explore three main areas of learning: personal spiritual growth, theological foundations of ministry and practical skill development.  Students are placed into teams and plan and facilitate retreats and liturgical celebrations for the school community. One semester of grade 12 theology (Life Choices) is incorporated into the year-long course.
© Bishop Garcia Diego High School. All Rights Reserved