Theology Department

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Overview

Our commitment to providing an environment that encourages spiritual, social, and moral development is fully realized in our theology classes at Holy Name High School. We teach our students about Roman Catholic doctrines, values, and traditions.

As directed by the Diocese of Cleveland, the theology curriculum is based on materials provided for young people of high school age by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. In conjunction with our campus ministry program, faculty, administrators, and members of the student body share a dedication to social action and living through the values of our Christian faith.

Theology Curriculum

Theology is at the heart of a Holy Name education. Our curriculum includes four full credits of theology classes, which are required for graduation.

Each semester, students are enrolled in a theology class that earns 0.5 credit, and the successful completion of both semesters equals one full credit per year.
Courses are taught in the following sequence:

Theology I – Grade 9

Semester I: Scriptural Foundations
Teaches general knowledge through the study of the Bible, with a focus on the Old Testament.
Semester II: Christology
Explores the mystery of Jesus Christ, with special attention paid to the Gospels.

Theology II – Grade 10

Semester I: The Paschal Mystery
Teaches students about the passion, death, and resurrection of Christ.
Semester II: Ecclesiology
Examines the presence of the living Jesus Christ and the founding of the Church by His apostles.

Theology III – Grade 11

Semester I: The Sacraments
Covers each sacrament in detail—especially the Eucharist—and their purpose in our spiritual lives.
Semester II: Morality
Teaches students how to live a moral life rooted in Christ’s teachings and guided by conscience.

Theology IV – Grade 12

Semester I: Social Justice
Focuses on Christ’s concern for others, particularly the poor and marginalized, emphasizing compassion and social action in the modern Church.
Semester II: Scripture and Interreligious Dialogue
Combines scriptural study with concepts of interreligious dialogue, prayer, and the exploration of spiritual truths found in world religions.

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Student Service Programming

The teachings of the Church call us to help others and to show compassion within our communities. All Holy Name High School students are required to complete a Student Service Program, including a completed service log, as a requirement for graduation.

Beginning freshman year and continuing through junior year, students must complete 20 hours of service each year.
During senior year, students are required to complete 10 hours of service and submit a reflection paper about their experiences helping others.

There are many opportunities for service, including:

Nursing Homes
Hunger Centers and Food Banks
Vacation Bible School
Catholic Charities
Hospice
Homeless Shelters and Organizations

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Theology Department Activities and Clubs

The following activities and clubs are sponsored by the Theology Department at Holy Name High School:

Chapel Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, Reconciliation, and All-School Mass
Theology classes regularly attend these church services and receive the sacraments.
Campus Ministry
Faculty and students work together to support the Holy Name High School community through prayer, service, and leadership.
Cenacle of Mary
Students gather to pray the Divine Mercy Novena on most Thursday nights throughout the school year.
Pro-Life Club
This club sponsors and participates in activities that promote respect for all human life, including marches, special Masses, and advocacy events.
Retreats and Faith Formation Trips
Students participate in faith-based retreats and field trips, including the annual visit to Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine and an encounter with the Sisters of the Holy Trinity.
Joseph of Arimathea Pallbearer Society
Young men and women assist with funerals and provide comfort to the bereaved through compassionate service to the deceased.

At Holy Name, you don’t just attend a school—you join a movement.
Rooted in faith and built on community, the Green Wave is where students rise, lead, and lift others with them.