The Mission of the Priory Theology Department is to provide a safe and open atmosphere in which students examine the teachings of Jesus Christ, the Roman Catholic Church, the Benedictine tradition, and other major philosophical, religious, and spiritual paths. As teachers of Theology we bear witness to our faith, and we invite our students to explore the vision and values of that faith in their own life issues, personal values, and the values of contemporary society.  We foster meaningful, authentic and balanced lives in community and in service to the world.

 

The Priory’s Middle School theology curriculum introduces students to the world of the Bible. Students study Catholic and other religious traditions, and the practice of Priory’s Benedictine values.  There is a focus on personal identity, on social justice, and on service to others.  Middle School students begin to explore and develop an understanding of their lives as a spiritual journey.

 

The Priory’s Upper School theology curriculum examines the Benedictine values as the foundation of students’ high school spiritual journey with special attention given to the moral concerns of conscience, character, and choice informed by Roman Catholic teaching.  More in-depth study of biblical narratives culminates in an understanding of the role of Jesus Christ in salvation history.  Social justice issues are of major importance in both Core and Elective courses. Elective courses deal with a range of topics such as Benedictine leadership, various special moral issues (as in Bioethics), world religions, atheism and faith, and other areas of more in-depth study (e.g., the Holocaust, ethical concerns of globalization, and Jesus Christ as “superhero,”).  [Upper School Core Courses required for all students are: Basic Beliefs and Values, Hebrew Scriptures, Christian Scriptures, and Virtue Ethics; 2 Elective courses complete the 6 Theology courses required for graduation.]