The purpose of this course is to expose students to the sanctifying grace experienced through the sacraments as well as develop an understanding of the religious world around them. The course begins by helping students to understand that they can encounter Christ today in a full and real way in and through the sacraments, especially through the Eucharist. To develop this level of understanding, students will examine each of the sacraments in detail so as to learn how they may encounter Christ throughout life. The course continues by looking at the manner in which the Catholic Church relates to the other major world religions. As students explore the five major religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, they will recognize ways in which important spiritual truths of Catholicism can be found in other religions as well. Through this intensive study, students will ultimately develop a comprehensive religious literacy through which they will be able to competently engage in interreligious dialogue.
Ms. Lauretta Ruppert is thrilled to be joining the McNamara community as a Theology teacher. She graduated from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. After pursuing a year of service with the Capuchin Franciscans in New York she went on to work in special education at the Ivymount school. After this, she spent the next six years teaching theology at her alma mater Our Lady of Good Counsel, and Mullen High School in Denver, Colorado. In between she spent her summers working for a non-profit in Nicaragua. For the past three years, she served as Director of Campus Ministry at Magnificat High School in Cleveland, Ohio. She is thrilled to be returning to the classroom and excited to bring her passion for education to the McNamara family.