"The Theology department, however, kept me tolerant of religion.
Several of the theology teachers commanded a deep respect from me---
they were steady in what they believed and yet were accepting of the views of others...
it still shaped my views on the world quite a bit by making me ask questions
and find the answers, as well as showing me that respect is the answer, not hate.
I couldn’t be more grateful for that."
"Pius didn't just open the doors to my faith; it ripped them off the hinges!"
Pius XI Graduates, Class of 2008
The theology department at Pius XI strives to have every student internalize knowing, loving and serving God and others by experiencing the nearness and growth of God as lived out in the staff and student body of the school. We acknowledge that parents are the first and best providers of their children’s faith and therefore we support them by further encouraging their children’s faith development. The curriculum is grounded in and guarded by the belief in God’s unconditional love, manifested in Jesus Christ’s life, death and resurrection and lived in the Spirit-led community.
God’s saving presence and purpose have made all life sacred and as a faith community, we celebrate this sacredness of life through the symbols and rituals of our Catholic faith.
Students will be creatively challenged and inspired to know the faith tradition as educated faith seekers. They will be able to articulate a sound understanding of God's presence in their lives, be comfortable within a wide spectrum of prayer experiences and knowledgeable enough to competently use the best Catholic liturgical and sacramental tradition as a spiritual path to the Sacred.
Respect, compassion, generosity, forgiveness, humility, charity and justice are hallmarks of our response to the Sacred and are manifested in service to one’s peers, the Pius XI community and the broader community through a variety of activities that set the basis for a lifetime of living service to one’s neighbor.
Theology is required for all students each semester. In partnership with the campus ministry department, students also have the hands-on opportunity to experience true Christian living through a variety of community service projects.
The Theology Program is designed to:
- Give you opportunities for constructive faith questioning and exploration.
- Nourish your respect and value of life and God’s creation.
- Develop the affective dimensions of the Catholic faith (including but not limited to attitudes of forgiveness, respect, compassion.)
- Teach you how to judge the world against the prophetic message of Scripture and Tradition.
- Allow you time to sharpen the skill of reflection and the art of prayer.
- Demonstrate service of God through working toward God’s plan for peace and justice in the world by serving others.
Courses:
Introduction to Theology
Christian Relationships
Called to Discipleship
Exploring Rituals Through Art and Music
Mysteries of Christianity
Justice and Liberation in Scripture
Biblical Themes in Literature
Modern Church
Women of Faith
Gospel/Bible Study
Big Buddy
Morality & Ethics
Christian Service
Great Thinkers in the Church
A Forum on Faith