Saint John's Curriculum

Religious Studies

The Religious Studies Department looks to the philosophy of the school and the National Doctrinal Frameworks of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in formulating its curricular standards. It is the overall goal of the department to seek to instill in our students a greater understanding of the Christian message. Such an understanding is brought about through prayer, liturgical celebrations, Campus Ministry offerings, reflection on the Word of God in the Scriptures, and a systematic study of the teachings of the Catholic Church. Saint John’s strives to accomplish its goals and objectives in an atmosphere animated by the gospel message of freedom and love and attempts to express that message through word and example, both as a community of believers and as individuals.

  • Bioethics

    The goal of this course is to deepen the student's understanding of how people approach questions of life, death, and suffering through a systematic study of major issues in the field of bioethics. This course will examine the biomedical considerations which arise at all stages of human life from the perspective of Catholic ethics. Philosophical, social, cultural, and religious considerations regarding human life will be examined in light of emerging technologies in the life sciences, medicine, and research. Topics of study include: artificial reproduction, abortion, genetics, organ transplantation, AIDS, and euthanasia.

  • Business Ethics

    The goal of this course is to introduce students to the values inherent in the practice of business and in the proper management of money and the goods of this world. Building on the parables of Jesus, which frequently refer to the management of money and a business as a window into the ethics of the Kingdom of God, students will consider a range of topics essential to the responsible practice of business in a variety of fields: healthcare, pro sports, finance and loans, just wages, environmental impact of business decisions, workplace leadership, among others. In addition, the virtue tradition will be explored for its contribution to business success: particularly, prudence, justice, courage, and moderation, along with faith, hope, and love. And a strong emphasis will be placed on personal financial management skills, enabling students to conceive and execute a future life of abundance, regardless of income level.

  • Christian Life

    The goal of this course is to aid students in facing the transitional challenges of young adulthood by shaping a future for themselves that is dynamic, hopeful, and healthy. Models of Christian life are considered in broadening student perspectives on love, wealth, sexuality, work, leisure, and success. Topics of study include: the single life, dating and courting, marriage, religious life, and ordained ministry.

  • Christian Morality & Social Justice

    The goal of this course is to assist students in their lifelong journeys toward full human personhood, anchored in a developmental approach to conscience formation and the Christian call to love God and neighbor. Expanding on the two previous years of religious study, this course seeks to widen the moral perspectives of students. By drawing on Catholic teaching and the human sciences, students grow in their ability to discern their personal and social responsibilities. Topics of study include: human development, moral norms, the Holocaust, the American Civil Rights movement, and poverty.

  • Comparative Religion (Full Year)

    The yearlong version of the World Religions course is designed to provide more space and time to explore the major religious traditions of the world. In addition to studying Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Taoism, we will explore the beliefs and practices of the indigenous peoples of Africa, the Americas, Japan, and the South Pacific. Our goal is to trace the origins, evolution, and diversity of humanity’s religious impulse, as well as reflect on how religion impacts and is impacted by, the world around us.

    This yearlong course will also include opportunities to visit a variety of religious communities, taking advantage of the rich diversity of cultures and religions in Central Massachusetts. The full-year course may be of particular interest to students enrolling in AP Art History and/or AP World History.

  • Sacraments and the Church

    Building on scriptural themes from the freshman year, this course looks at the person of Jesus Christ as the source of our salvation. It introduces students to the sacraments as privileged encounters with Christ and introduces students to the sacramental nature of the Church and its history as it continues Jesus' mission on earth. Topics of study include: the Paschal Mystery; the early Church as it continued Jesus' mission and ministry; the seven sacraments as memorial, celebration, communion, and transformation; and the Church on earth as the Body of Christ in the world.

  • Sacred Scripture

    This goal of this course is to serve as an introduction to religious studies with the aim of deepening student understanding of the revelation of Jesus Christ in Scripture, His mission and message. Topics of study include: how we know about God; understanding Scripture; an overview of the Bible with an emphasis on the Gospels; Jesus Christ's revelation about God; the mystery of the Incarnation; and what Jesus teaches us about ourselves.

  • The Church in History (Grade 10)

    The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that "the Church is in history, but at the same time she transcends it." (CCC 770).  This course explores the meaning, message, and mission of the Catholic Church from the period of rapid growth in the apostolic era through the rise and fall of nations, kingdoms, and Empires over the course of two millennia, focusing on its divine and human dimensions.  While not attempting to provide an exhaustive account of every aspect of its history, this course emphasizes the Church as the mystical Body of Christ present and active in the world, proclaiming the Good News of salvation anew to every time and culture, and working to sanctify the human race.

  • World Religions

    The goal of this semester course is to broaden the student's understanding and appreciation of major world religions, including Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Taoism. Discussion of the phenomena of religion as part of the human experience will serve as an introduction and groundwork for this course, concluding with an examination of contemporary challenges to formal religion in the 21st century. Topics of study include: foundational tenets of faith and belief, lived expressions of moral ethics and culture, and organized forms of ritual and worship.

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Saint John's High School

378 Main Street, Shrewsbury, MA 01545    (508) 842-8934
Saint John’s High School has educated young men under the sponsorship of the Xaverian Brothers since 1898. Through the Saint John’s strong college preparatory curriculum, over 900 students in grades seven through twelve pursue personal and intellectual growth in an environment that is committed to the development of the whole person and recognizes a moral dimension of life through service to God and to others.