Course Content

The Church’s Story-The Middle Ages

(c 800 – 1500) looks at life in the Monasteries;  the split between the Christians in
Constantinople and Rome; the development and special traditions of the Orthodox Churches;
the Crusades; expressions of Popular Religion (e.g. the rosary, pilgrimages, stations of the
cross);  Gothic cathedral architecture; influential men and women of the Middle Ages.

The Meaning and Significance of Eucharist

explores the central importance of the Eucharist in the lives of Catholics and the layers of
special meaning that the Sacrament has for us.

Expressions of Catholic and Islamic Life

compares the central beliefs and traditions of Muslims with those of Catholics and looks
at the ways these are lived out by the two groups within their own cultures.

The Sacraments of Healing

reflects upon the importance given to healing and reconciliation in Scripture, in the life
of the Church and in our daily lives.  It explores the rituals, symbols and meaning of the
Sacraments of Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick.

The Alumnae Cup

studies the tradition of Saints in the Catholic Church using Baradene’s special Saints,
Madeleine Sophie Barat and Philippine Duchesne, as case studies.  It studies the history
and traditions of the Society of the Sacred Heart in France, North America and New Zealand. 
The Alumnae Cup is awarded to the Year 10 student who shows the best knowledge of this topic.

Being Human
covers the value of the human person from conception onwards; the stages of foetal
development; issues surrounding contraception and abortion from a Catholic understanding
of human dignity; making the best choices we are able to.