Spiritual Development & Adolescent Faith
Middle School Theology
The Good Shepherd curriculum remains the foundation of the Christian faith formation for adolescents in our Middle School.
Opportunities to grow in faith and knowledge include:
- scripture reading and discussions
- service to others
- formal theology classes
- involvement with the parish community
Students participating in the religious aspects of our curriculum are involved with weekly formation lessons with a trained Good Shepherd catechist. Discussions revolve around the reading of a particular scripture passage and often involve morals and values.
Because adolescents are developing a sense of self and purpose, their discussion on the scripture includes some of the following:
- What does this passage mean to me?
- What does this passage mean for me?
- What does this passage teach me about how I am to live my life?
- Who am I called to be for myself? For others? For my life with God?
- What areas in my life am I being called to strengthen in God?
All students are involved in service projects, sometimes in collaboration with the parish. These experiences help them define their own roles and responsibilities to both their local and global communities.
Our Catholic students, and any others who wish to participate, meet on a weekly basis with Fr. Philip Racco, Holy Rosary’s Parish Priest or another member of the Parish staff. The text used for these classes provides a more focused look at the teachings and doctrines of the Catholic Church. Students are actively involved in discussing and relating Church doctrine to their own personal experiences and how they live their lives in faith.
The curriculum follows a two-year cycle. Year One focuses on the sacraments while Year Two looks more closely at the four gospels. Throughout both cycles students are introduced to Catholic Social Teachings and the Prayers and Practices of the faith.
