Religious Studies
Within the total religious education program of the school, Religious Studies provides the place and structure for the development of the student’s ability to contemplate, understand, and act upon religious experiences and ideas. The aim of the Religious Studies curriculum is to attain a better understanding of the Catholic Christian faith, accomplished through an investigation of its nature, origin, history, doctrine, prayer, and purpose within the Roman Catholic Tradition. Through the study of sacred Scripture and Tradition, the student will gain knowledge and understanding of the concept of faith and its call to social action and awareness. The teaching of Religious Studies seeks, then, to present the knowledge of religious ideas and engage the student’s experience in a thorough and systematic way, while leading the student in an honest search for truth and moral action. Religious Studies Teachers:
Brother David L. Caretti, FSC, Department Chair Years Teaching: 10 years BA Saint Mary’s College MA University of Notre Dame Mr. Keith Martin BA Notre Dame de Namur University MA Notre Dame de Namur University Mr. Jeff Mihaly Years Teaching: 13 years BA University of California, Davis MA Franciscan School of Theology, GTU Ms. Clare McCormick Years Teaching: 29 years BA California State University, Hayward Mr. Joseph Palladino Years Teaching: 9 years BA Salem State University MA University of San Francisco Mr. Craig Sutphin Years Teaching: 9 years BA Westmont College MA Dominican School of Philosophy & Theology Mr. Chris Trinidad Years Teaching: 8 years BMus (Jazz Studies) Capilano University BEd (Music Education) University of British Columbia MEd (Music Education) University of British Columbia MTS (Liturgical Studies) Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University MA (Lasallian Studies) Saint Mary’s College of California [in progress]
Saint Mary’s Graduation Requirement: Four years required UC and CSU College Requirement: None, however, some religious studies classes count as one elective credit. Courses: