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COMMUNITY SERVICE:

The purposes of the service requirement are to heighten an awareness of the plight of the less fortunate, to develop in our students a sense of civic responsibility and to foster a sense of Christian stewardship. Currently, SPX students are required to do 60 hours of service for graduation. Service hours from agencies other than those listed will not be accepted unless the principal gives prior written approval to the student. Freshmen are encouraged to do their service hours at the school, sophomores in the parishes as part of the confirmation program, juniors and seniors in the larger community at one of these social service agencies. Service is usually performed at an approved site only, outside of school time, documented by an adult, performed for a parish or organization (not a relative); no payment may be rendered or accepted by the students. All service hours must have written verification from the on-site supervisor, and service hour sheets must be turned into the principal or Sr. Mary Sharon within the academic grading period in which the service is performed. Students are encouraged to do 15 hours of service each school year; no more than 20 hours will be accepted from any one institution.

INTRODUCTION TO CATHOLICISM & THE SACRAMENTS:
Credit 1
Prerequisite: None
This course is required for all freshman. It presents an integrated survey of basic Catholic doctrinal beliefs and moral principals of Roman Catholicism. Major units include the Sacraments and the Ten Commandments. Other topics covered include the Call to Holiness, Prayer,the Trinity, the Church, Revelation, the Blessed Virgin Mary, Scripture, and the Beatitudes.

UNDERSTANDING THE SCRIPTURES
Credit 1
Prerequisite: Sophmore Standing
This course is required for all sophomores. It is a complete course on Bible study stressing how God's covenant with humanity defines the "story line" that holds all of Scripture together, from beginning to end. The course presents how Jesus Christ is the Messiah promised, expected, and prayed for in the Old Testament, and how in the New Testament, Jesus is the Savior come to fulfill all those hopes.

CATHOLIC CHURCH HISTORY AND THE HISTORY OF THE SACRAMENTS
Credit 1/2
Prerequisite: Junior Standing

This course will study the earliest roots of the followers of Christ and our shared Jewish heritage into the development of Roman Catholicism. Emphasis will be placed on the evolving movement, expansion, heritage, mission and statement of beliefs. Its focus will center around significant models of the Church as a community of believers. A vital aspect of the course will address the seven sacraments of the Catholic Chirch - their history, meaning, ritual, and purpose in our lives as followers of Jesus. The teacher will provide opportunities for prayer, reflection, praxis, and liturgical involvement.

RELGIONS OF THE WORLD
Credit 1/2
Prerequisite: Junior Standing

This course will examine various non-Christian religions throughout the world, both past and present. It will offer a model by which to study religion. Primal religions as well as religions of India, the Far East, and the Middle East will be the focus. Special emphasis will be placed on the study of Judaism and Islam. The origins, myths, sacred objetcs, principal beliefs, religious rituals, and basic meaning of the respective religions will be studied.

Christian Lifestyle
Credit 1/2
Prerequisite: Junior Standing

This course will examine the elements of a healthy relationship and commitment within young adult dating, the single life, marriage and family, religious life, and the priesthood. Faith commitment will be explored through the sacraments of Matrimony and Holy Orders, The student will investigate, discuss, and understand problems that deter growth in relationships.