Our new S5 course covers the core learning of This Is Our Faith by following the structure of the Mass. The aim is that using a familiar structure will aid the learning and also that the content of the course will feedback into a fuller understanding and participation in the sacred liturgy. The course is challenging and enables young people to explore theological concepts and their application in a deeper and more mature way.
- The Introductory Rites- What is the Mass? Titles of Jesus- “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
- The Penitential Rite- Does truth exist? How can we form our conscience to the Truth? Deeper learning on sin, repentance and forgiveness using theological terms. Examination of Conscience. Opportunities for prayer and the sacrament of Confession.
- The Liturgy of the Word- Jesus is the Word (Logos) made flesh, all of the sacred scriptures lead to and from Him. Biblical Typology. The teachings of Jesus in the Gospels. Sacred Tradition and how the Holy Spirit speaks to the Church still today. (Deposit of Faith, Scripture and Tradition, Magisterium, Sacred Liturgy )
- The Creed- The Blessed Trinity, The Person of Jesus, The Holy Spirit, The One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church and the Communion of Saints.
- The Liturgy of the Eucharist
- Ite Missa Est: Living the Mass. The ingredients of intentional discipleship. Spiritual warfare and using our charisms and gifts to serve others and build up the Church.
The following topics enable pupils to explore the outworking of what they have learned about the faith.
- Catholic Social Teaching- The principles of CST and case studies on a range of moral and social issues.
- True Devotion to Mary- Using excerpts from St Louis de Montfort’s spiritual classic by the same title. What is True Devotion to Mary? How is Mary our Model?
- Theology of the Body- Based on the teachings of St John Paul II as communicated by Christopher West. What is the purpose of the body and human sexuality? What is the full extent of this gift and the ways that we can settle for less? Analysis of Humane Vitae and the trends in society. When the Church says no to something, it is only to say YES to something deeper.
- Liturgical Inserts throughout the year focus on particular devotions, seasons and feasts.
For fuller details of the content of each unit, see the S5 RE PLP
All units include opportunities for prayer and reflection so as we work towards our goal of academic and spiritual formation. The course is also intended to be a proclamation of the Good News to which pupils are encouraged to respond in faith. Woven into the activities are opportunities for pupils to develop skills in apologetics.
Young people develop their skills for life, learning and work through their experience of the RE curriculum as well as experiencing opportunities for personal and spiritual growth and formation. Pupils are expected to put their faith learning into practice by participating in the liturgical and charitable life of the school.
