The HNHS Advantage – Theology:

We teach Theology in order to give students tools to build lifelong, meaningful relationships with God, themselves, others and creation. Engaging in Theology allows students to develop and enhance morality, spirituality and a sense of justice for the present moment in their lives, as well as for the future.

Holy Names High School stands in the strong tradition of education in the faith sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. The Sisters’ primary goals are to foster the full development of the human person and educate people in the faith. We also foster other SNJM values of hospitality, dedication to women and children, dedication to justice, and service to people who are poor and marginalized. A Holy Names religious education also includes engagement in the issues of day, which include access to clean and affordable water, human trafficking and immigration.

Theology Curriculum
The Theology department has developed a curriculum that promotes the intellectual development and spiritual growth of the student. This is accomplished through academic and experiential opportunities in which the student explores the teachings and beliefs of the Catholic Church and a variety of other religious traditions. The curriculum strengthens the student’s awareness of the Christian call to justice for all persons. She is challenged to love, serve, and celebrate life as a citizen of her local and global community. This curriculum meets the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Doctrinal Elements of a Curriculum Framework.

Service-Learning
Service-Learning is an integrated part of each Theology class. This program offers students opportunities to awaken social awareness and develop the knowledge and skills necessary to respond to issues of justice and peace. Students have the opportunity to serve the needs of poor and marginalized people as well as address urgent global issues.

• 9th grade: Care for Creation Students visit local waste processing and recycling facilities. Students engage in special projects on the HNHS campus to decrease our
  impact on Creation.
• 10th grade: Hunger and Poverty Students serve at St. Anthony Foundation in San Francisco Students serve at St. Vincent de Paul Dining Room in Oakland Students attend the Hunger and Poverty conference in Oakland
• 11th grade: Honoring All Ages Students volunteer at facilities serving either elders or children
• 12th grade: Integrating Social Justice Students complete 30 hours of service concentrated at one agency serving the poor and/or marginalized.

COURSES:

• Theology 9: The Revelation of Jesus Christ in Scripture and Who Is Jesus Christ?
• Theology 10: The Mission of Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ’s Mission Continues in the Church
• Theology 11: Ecumenical and Interreligious Issues and Life in Jesus Christ
• Theology 12: Sacraments as Privileged Encounters with Christ and Life in Christ: Social Justice

Graduation requirement: four years of Theology.