RELIGION/THEOLOGY
Legal Name of School: Antonian College Preparatory High School
Current School Year: 2000-2001
I. CATHOLIC IDENTITY
A. ENVIRONMENT
1. Explain how the use of space and religious symbols are an expression of the school as Catholic.
The religious symbols within Antonian are plenty. The Cross in the front of the school clearly identifies the school as Catholic. There are also Stations of the Cross to the right of the entrance. As you enter the school building, there are banners and various pictures of Christ and Our Lady of Guadalupe. The St. Anthony Chapel is to the right of the entrance and is dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe. Within the chapel are many other symbols. Stain Glass widows depict the story of the last five years. There are also crucifixes and pictures of Christ in the classrooms. The auditorium is also full of banners depicting the various crosses used throughout the world.
2. Cite examples that express the school’s commitment to cultural awareness and respect for diversity.
Cultural awareness is addressed in a variety of ways – in individual classrooms and throughout the school. As a co-educational institution, we help students gain an understanding of issues related to gender equity and gender sensitivities. We assist students in learning right from wrong and help them fight prejudice within themselves and society.
B. FAITH FORMATION
1. Identify opportunities for adult faith development for faculty, administrators and parents.
The faculty and administration have opportunities to engage with one another and as a faculty during faculty retreats held twice a year, Liturgy, and faculty prayer services held each Friday morning in the Chapel. Additionally, the faculty is engaged in a program of formation – Sharing the Faith, which was purchased a few years ago.
2. How are parents actively assisted in their role as primary religious educators of their children?
The school’s mission statement calls for doing all we do in partnership with parents. As such, there are various opportunities for parents to become involved in all aspects of school. There are Open Forums throughout the year which permit parents to provide input in all aspects of school. In the past years we have invited parents to participate in school-wide Liturgies with us. Additionally, parents often join us for Liturgy or communion services in the morning. A few years ago the school’s strategic planning process gave parents an opportunity to join with us in developing goals and objectives for the religion department and the school as a whole.
3. How is the school an instrument of evangelization?
The evangelistic spirit of the school is maintained among and between the relationships that are developed during the course of days, weeks, months and years. As a result of the culture of giving, of trust and of genuine appreciation for our God, students are living models of Gospel Values. As a result of the living of community, of sharing Gospel values and message, our community is a living instrument of service.
4. Identify religious opportunities that are a regular part of school life.
Liturgy is offered once a month and on a weekly basis. Communion services are offered each morning before school. Confession is offered once a week. Additionally, we formally pray at the start of the school day, before each class and at various functions of the school. In religion classes, students are engaged in prayer services in our chapel, the prayer of Stations of the Cross and the praying of the Rosary.
5. Identify the aspects of the school life that have the most significance for the religious formation of the students.
In the past, the informal opportunities for reflection and prayer throughout the day have been the most beneficial. The opportunity for students to practice that which they have learned – a dependence on prayer and an understanding that the true God will be by their side-is a significant part of student life. At the end of the day, our students are confident that, what they have learned, is in fact real and beneficial to their understanding of life.
C. WORSHIP AND SPIRITUAL LIFE
1. Identify the ceremonies and traditions that distinguish the school. Specify those that are particular expressions of this school’s history and its identity as a Catholic school.
When a major tragedy occurs, our students expect that the school will assist them with a prayerful understanding of life’s mysteries. Prayer before school, prayer in the Chapel, prayer at the Grotto are all representations of specific traditions that the school has embraced over the last five years. Additionally, the celebration of the Holy Eucharist revolves around much many of our other traditions such as Student Council Induction, National Honor Society Induction, Awards Ceremonies and the like.
2. Indicate how often your school provides students with opportunities for each of the following:
Eucharistic Liturgy Required Once a Month
Eucharistic Liturgy Optional Once a Day
Sacrament of Reconciliation Once a Week
Prayer Service Once a Week
Pastoral Counseling On as Needed Basis
3. Describe the student retreat program. Include the objectives for the program and the connection with the mission.
Students participate in class retreats whose objective is the continued development of a faith community. Generally the retreats are student-led. A group of students work together in planning and putting on the retreat for other students. A few months ago our retreat team went to a Catholic middle school to lead a retreat.
D. WITNESS AND SERVICE
1. Profile the role of community services in the school. Include requirements, opportunities and faculty involvement.
There is a school requirement that students must participate in twenty-five hours of service per year. This is a long standing requirement. Above this requirement however, I find that our students are involved in many more hours and programs of service as a result of experiences at Antonian. Students recently collected over 2000 pints of blood in honor of a fallen classmate. Students formed a club – City Heroes - which is dedicated to service. This club was a charter club for the City Year program and has received national recognition for its establishment. Additionally, students raised over $5,000.00 over a week period in the Adopt St. Mary’s School Project. In addition, students are involved in Habitat for Humanity, Special Olympics, Elf Louise, and Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner
2. Identify any ways that the school programs are influenced by the presence of students of other faiths.
Approximately 15% of our student body is non-Catholic. There is no visible distinction made between those who are Catholic and those who are not. We try to have a liturgical service once a year in which we invite Pastors and Ministers of other faiths.
3. If there is a campus ministry program, identify its major elements.
The campus ministry program consists of Liturgical ministry, Prayer ministry, and Retreat ministry.
E. PARISH INVOLVEMENT
1. How does the parish community as a whole have knowledge of and give support to the school community? (Only for Parish Schools)
Does not apply however, Antonian tries to keep the Archdiocese informed of major happenings through Open Letters to Parishes, some bulletin announcements and newspaper articles and ads.
2. How is the school an integral part of the sponsoring parishes?
There are no sponsoring parishes.
3. How does the school encourage student participation in the life of their home parish.
We encourage students and find that many of our students are actively involved in youth ministry, participation in the sacraments, teaching CCD classes and preparing for confirmation.
II. PROGRAM
A. ORGANIZATION
1. Describe how the Principal acts as a spiritual leader of the school.
The Principal is clearly the Spiritual leader of our school. He addresses the student body on religious issues, provides opportunities for spiritual reflection and or liturgy, provides instruction on norms and expectations. He often leads the faculty in prayer services, prayer and reflections. He leads by example and is always willing and able to share from the heart the truths that God is bursting open in his life.
2. Describe the role and function of the Religion Coordinator/Theology Chairperson.
The Chairperson acts as an overseer for the Department assisting members of the Department and providing some guidance. The Chairperson is also a member of the Antonian Leadership Team.
3. How do teachers contribute to the spiritual leadership of the school?
Teachers contribute by their example and prayer.
4. Maintain a record of Catechetics of each teacher of Religion.
Yes.
5. What percentage of the teachers of Religion are presently of a TCCED Deficiency Plan?
None of our teachers are on a TCCED Deficiency Plan.
B. INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM
1. Describe the faculty’s role in the development and implementation of the school theology curriculum in each of the following areas:
SCOPE AND SEQUENCE
The scope and sequence of the curriculum follows TCCED and Archdiocesan guidelines.
GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND STUDENT OUTCOMES
Each theology teacher develops these in conjunction with the other members of the Department. The faculty is informed and involved with these goals as much as possible.
TEXTBOOK SELECTION
The Department in committee selects the textbooks.
SUPPORTING RESOURCES
The Department uses The CCC, Bibles, Commentaries, videos, library and internet resources.
SCHOOL LIBRARY RESOURCES
The Department relies on a personal collection of resources. We are improving our own resources at school.
2. List the publishers of core Religion textbooks used throughout your school.
Ave Maria Press, St Mary’s Press, and Harcourt Press
3. Describe student assessment procedures specific to the religious education program.
This is largely done through individual testing in class.
III. EVALUATION
A. Indicate in descending order of importance the major strengths of the Theology program of
the school.
1. The students’ desire to grow in their faith.
2. A desire on the part of students to prayer life and nurturing of one another
3. The teachers are committed to assisting students with the Gospel Message.
4. Well-qualified and talented faculty
5. Doctrine-based instruction and opportunities for students to share experiences bringing doctrine and teachings to the forefront of life experiences.
B. Indicate any areas where major improvements are needed in the Theology program.
The opportunity to find time in order to better share and plan as a Department
C. What is the plan to strengthen the Theology curriculum of the school in the next two years?
At the end of each semester the Department meets to discuss goals and objectives and to review how the previous semester was. The Campus Ministry area is in need of strengthening. A full time Chaplain is also a goal we are pursuing.
This is to acknowledge that I have read and agree to the information presented on this document.
Principal’s Signature: ___________________________________________
Theology Chairperson: ___________________________________________