Academics

Grounded in the Holy Cross charism and spirit, The Faith Formation Department provides a robust and unique experience that blends together religious studies, liturgical and prayer life, retreat ministry, and service learning. Seeking to engage both the minds and hearts of students in the spirit of Blessed Basil Moreau, we provide an environment in which students develop their faith and understanding of God, in and out of the classroom. 

The Notre Dame High School Community lives the Gospel call to serve through the vision of the founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross, Blessed Basil Anthony Moreau. Moreau’s vision is summed up in these words regarding our students: 

We shall always place education side by side with instruction; the mind will not be cultivated at the expense of the heart.

Therefore, the student, being educated in the tradition of the Congregation of Holy Cross, will find the challenge to growth directed toward both his mind and his heart. Christian service is then an integral and necessary part of a Notre Dame education in the Holy Cross tradition. 

The Competence to See and Courage to Act Service Program is designed around six key components; Research, Inquiry, Engagement and Resilience, Creativity, Documentation, and Reflection. Each of these components can be found in detail on the Service Ministry Google Classroom Page. Code: 365lrsx A list of steps, student guide, and other resources are available here. 

Teacher guidance, progress, and reflection will all be an important part of our teacher advisory program throughout the academic year. 

FRESHMEN 

Members of the Class of 2026 will complete their service projects within their Teacher Advisory Class. TA Teachers and Senior Peer Counselors will guide the TA group to design their projects in September, and carry out their service projects throughout the school year. 

SOPHOMORES AND JUNIORS

Members of the Classes of 2025 and 2024 will complete their service requirements individually. Students may also work collaboratively in small groups if they choose to. Students may choose to begin their service projects during the summer months or begin them at the onset of the new school year. Each step will have an assigned due date throughout the first semester. Steps 1-3 will be due during Quarter 1, Steps 4-6 will be due during Quarter 2. All service requirements will 

be due by the end of the first semester. 

SENIORS

Senior service will be completed through the Social Studies Department. This will include a service requirement of volunteer work for a political campaign. The candidate will be of the student’s choice. Students will complete a Faithful Citizenship Project connecting the political campaign to the Church’s teachings. As a Holy Cross community, we are called to inspire each other to ask the tough questions and more importantly take action. 

#R14A/B Jesus the Church and Holy Cross
1 Credit Level 2

This two-semester course will acquaint students with the historical person of Jesus Christ, the history and the spirituality of the Catholic Church, and the Congregation of Holy Cross. The main purpose of this course is for students to be able to recognize, articulate, and participate in our Catholic Holy Cross identity. Major topics covered include the Gospels and their themes, parables, miracles, the historical events of Jesus’ life, the Catholic Mass, liturgy, and the seven sacraments. A chronological overview of Holy Cross history will examine the central themes of Holy Cross writings and the philosophy of education of Holy Cross. 

Requirements for placement: freshman status

#R15A/B Jesus the Church and Holy Cross Moreau Honors
1 Credit Level 3

This two-semester course will acquaint students with the historical person of Jesus Christ, the history and the spirituality of the Catholic Church, and the Congregation of Holy Cross. The main purpose of this course is for students to be able to recognize, articulate, and participate in our Catholic Holy Cross identity. Major topics covered include the Gospels and their themes, parables, miracles, the historical events of Jesus’ life, the Catholic Mass, liturgy, and the seven sacraments. A chronological overview of Holy Cross history will examine the central themes of Holy Cross writings and the philosophy of education of Holy Cross. The course is linked with the English I and World Cultures Moreau Honors courses, challenging the students to integrate what they are learning in each course. Cross-curriculum projects will be a standard feature of the course. 

Requirements for placement: Previous record; signature of the school counselor; freshman status 

#R10A Hebrew Scriptures 
1 Credit Level 2 

Through a thorough examination of the Hebrew Scriptures/ Old Testament, this two-semester course explores God’s relationship with the Abrahamic People of Israel and ourselves. The goal of this course is for students to recognize, articulate, and participate in what it means to be “called” as a servant leader through their reading of each book of the Hebrew Scriptures. Students will examine the rich historical and cultural traditions of Judaism and Islam, leading them to a deeper understanding of Jesus and the Church. Topics include creation, covenant, exodus, suffering, bearing witness, worship, and prophecy. 

Requirements for placement: sophomore status

R03A/B Hebrew Scriptures Moreau Honors 
1 Credit Level 3 

Through a thorough examination of the Hebrew Scriptures/ Old Testament, this two-semester course explores God’s relationship with the Abrahamic People of Israel and ourselves. The goal of this course is for students to recognize, articulate, and participate in what it means to be “called” as a servant leader through their reading of each book of the Hebrew Scriptures. Students will examine the rich historical and cultural traditions of Judaism and Islam, leading them to a deeper understanding of Jesus and the Church. Topics include creation, covenant, exodus, suffering, bearing witness, worship, and prophecy. As a component of the sophomore Moreau Honors curriculum, this learning experience blends with the English department for an advanced humanities-based approach to biblical studies. 

Requirements for placement: freshman/sophomore Moreau Honors; sophomore status

#R32A Christian Doctrine 
0.5 Credit Level 2

This one semester course is designed to teach students what Catholics believe and why. The students are encouraged to see the stable, gradual nature of Catholicism. By discussing God’s Word found in Scripture, the Church and Christ, and our response to God’s Word, the relationship to faith is explored. Emphasis is placed on prayer and intellectual study as a means to strengthen a lifelong Catholic commitment to faith. An historical review of Church doctrines such as the Trinity, Resurrection, grace, teachings concerning Mary, and eternal life are discussed.

Requirements for placement: junior status

#R32B Christian Morality 
0.5 Credit Level 2 

This one semester course is an examination of who we are as human beings. The goal of the course is to develop an understanding of our relationship with God, our neighbor, and ourselves. The student is encouraged to look within himself, his life experience, and the society within which he 

lives. He is asked to study Scripture, the person of Jesus, and Church teaching. Ultimately, the course challenges the student to pull these many factors together in order to lead a coherent, reflective Christian life of service according to God’s plan for us all.

Requirements for placement: junior status

#R52A/B Peer Counseling 
1 Credit Level 2 

This two semester course trains its participants in a year- long experience of “Servant Leadership”. The course begins with a required four-day summer retreat/workshop. The course stresses training in leadership, counseling, and group skills, all of which are presented as a response to the Gospel, the teaching of the Church, and the mission of the Congregation of Holy Cross. These skills are used in leading small groups, retreats, workshops, and directed service to their peers. The course seeks to take students interested in growth and equip them for lifestyles of leadership through service.

Requirements for placement: senior status; application process

#R42A Global Issues 
0.5 Credit Level 2 

Examining the concept of justice in human culture, this one semester course explores current social issues encountered on the local, national, and global Levels through the lens of Catholic social teaching. Topics such as genocide, environmental stewardship, war, and peace will be covered, as well as human dignity and fundamental rights of every person. Students will use references of papal encyclicals, pastoral letters of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and documents of Vatican Council II. 

Requirements for placement: senior status

#R82B Science and Religion 
0.5 Credit Level 2 

Often seen as two conflicting dominant forces, the concepts of science and religion are intensely examined in this one semester course. Students will investigate if this notion is true, or if they are parallel ways that partner in the understanding of reality and the quest for truth. There will also be the examination of the relationship between science and religion beginning with an inquiry into two important controversies: the Galileo affair and the theory of evolution. Other topics will include science vs. pseudoscience: verification and falsification in science and religion: modern cosmology and divine creation: biblical miracles and quantum mechanics: human freedom and divine action.

Requirements for placement: senior status

#R72A Comparative Religions 
0.5 Credit Level 2 NCAA

The purpose of this one semester course is to offer students the opportunity to examine non-Christian religious traditions. The course begins with an in-depth historical approach to the Roman Catholic Church’s current teaching regarding non-Christian religions. This course helps the student appreciate the diverse world in which he lives as well as grow in respect for God’s work among all people. The course aims to deepen the student’s understanding of Catholicism, the dimensions of faith that are common to all humanity, and the elements of individual faith traditions that are unique. 

Requirements for placement: senior status