Religious education is an essential and integral part of the life and culture of a Catholic school. Through it, students are invited to develop the knowledge, beliefs, skills, values and attitudes needed to build a relationship with God and community through the person of Jesus Christ. Religious education shares the same goals and objectives set forth for all good education; that is, the growth and development of the whole person in all his or her dimensions - physical, intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual. 1

Religious education (within the context of a Catholic school) has four essential characteristics. 2

1. It is Trinitarian . It recognizes God as the creator of all things who gives us Jesus. It is Jesus who reveals God to us, and in turn reveals God’s Spirit, through whom we understand our faith.
2. It is based on Sacred Scripture through which we hear the mystery of God revealed, the call to be in relationship with God and each other, and we learn how to pray.
3. It is based on the life experience of the students through which they are invited to discern signs of God in their daily lives.
4. It is presented within the tradition of the Catholic faith community which, based on Church teachings, sacramental and liturgical life, provides students with experiences of faith, prayer, love and justice. 3

This Religious Studies program was written by the Catholic Religious Studies teachers in response to the needs of students in Alberta Catholic high schools today. The program “Alberta Youth Search for Meaning” is approved by the Bishops of Alberta and is in compliance with the teachings of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The curriculum strives to engage students in the search for meaning through three major themes: belonging, believing and relating. The program further addresses the study of specific topics through four “windows of authenticity”: truth, goodness, the spiritual and religious community. 4

Note: Every student registered at Catholic Central is required to take one religious studies course during the year. Successful completion of Religious Studies 35 is required to attend Graduation Ceremonies at CCHS.

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1 - 2008 2009 Catholic School Version Curriculum Handbook for Parents p 7
2 - Panel by K. Goble found outside of Our Chapel of St. Joseph during Advent.
3 - 2008 2009 Catholic School Version Curriculum Handbook for Parents p 7
4 - Ibid 8

“What I remember as most important about my years at C.C.H.S is the inspired teaching” Cheryl Misak PhD; Rhodes Scholarship winner C.C.H. Grad - 1979