Departments
Religion and Chaplaincy
Our Religious Studies Department provides a comprehensive Catholic education throughout all their child’s high school career. Students are required to take one Religion course each academic year, totaling four credits by graduation. The program includes class retreats, prayer, reflection, and community service. Students will learn about Catholicism in Grades 9, 10, and 12, and comparatively explore the faiths of a variety of World Religions. We believe that Religious Education fosters a Catholic identity that nourishes the lifelong faith development of every student. Our focus is on Scripture, Catholic Social Teaching, ethical and moral formation, prayer and sacramental living, and family life education.
Students may also engage in Chaplaincy initiatives such as Choir, Peer Ministry, Community Outreach, and the Food Drive Team. Our Chaplaincy program is built to directly complement the Religion program. Each year, students participate in a Religious Retreat of learning and service in various ways (ex., St. Francis Table, Places of Worship Tour, Gospel Peacemaking Retreats, etc.) Through liturgy and common worship at our local Church, through social justice projects and through the formation of character by growth in the virtuous life, all members of the school community learn to make their Christ-centred faith real. As a whole, the department aims to prepare students to navigate a diverse society while recognizing the call of God and the dignity of every person.
All students can expect to embark on a journey of exploring the Christian narrative as revealed in Sacred Scripture. The courses delve into the joy and challenges of living out the call to discipleship through the four Ls—Liberate, Lead, Launch, and Love. They will deepen their understanding of discipleship through the Sacred Tradition of the Church, which encompasses the Sacraments, Liturgical Year, Church Teaching, and Law and explore Catholic teaching rituals, teachings, practices, morals, values, and virtues all to cultivate a healthy and covenantal relationship with themselves, God, and others. Through theological reflection, they will be prompted to examine the connections and disparities between major ethical concepts and issues as understood by the Church and contemporary culture.
Overall, the Religious Education program emphasizes the importance of knowing and loving by following in the footsteps of Jesus. By studying His words and deeds, students will recognize the significance of prayerfully serving the community to bring about the Reign of God. We aim to foster personal growth, faith understanding, and a strong foundation for students' spiritual journey throughout their high school years. We encourage all students to embrace their role as a disciple and engage with the teachings of the Church while critically reflecting on the intersection of faith and contemporary society.
In Grade 9 and 10, Religion is offered at the Open level for all students. In Grade 11 and 12, they are offered at the Open or "M" level, which allows the courses to be used for College and University applications. These courses lay the foundation for students to pursue diverse career and post-secondary pathways such as careers in religious education, pastoral ministry, or chaplaincy within the Catholic Church. Further studies in theology, religious studies, or philosophy can lead to opportunities in academia, research, or teaching. The knowledge gained in studying world religions is valuable in fields like international relations, cultural studies, social work, or interfaith dialogue organizations. These courses foster critical thinking, empathy, and a broader perspective, enhancing cross-cultural understanding and ethical decision-making skills applicable to various careers and academic pursuits.
More than anything, Religious Education at Loretto College School fosters critical thinking, empathy, and a lasting foundation for living a faith-filled, compassionate life in a diverse and complex world.
Chaplaincy
The goal and purpose of Chaplaincy is to strengthen the faith life and moral conscience of the school, to lead and show, by example, what it means to witness The Gospel and be of service to others.
Ms. Mary DeNisco, the school Chaplain, with the help of Peer Ministers, plans and assists in school Masses, food drives and various charitable activities, reaching out to our school and local communities.
We promote diversity and inclusion and are always ready to welcome new members to our Chaplaincy Team.
The service you do for others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.
- Muhammad Ali
Peer Ministers
Peer Ministers are a group of students who serve the school and help with initiatives that tend to be "spiritual" in nature.
Their help is invaluable in countless ways:
They assist at school Masses by doing the readings, serving the priest and ushering.
They are involved in school outreach initiatives, especially in helping Student Council with homeroom Christmas basket collection, distribution, etc.
They usher classes to various in school locations on Reconciliation Days.
They read the morning prayers on a voluntary basis.
School Chapel
The Loretto College School Chapel is a warm, inviting place for students and staff to visit and spend time in quiet prayer and reflection.
Since the 100th Anniversary of Loretto College School, the Chapel is home to the Legacy Tree which celebrates memories of students, staff and alumni who are part of Loretto history.
The Chapel also boast its very own Nativity scene. After gently used “life size” figures and animals were purchased, Mr. Fenech cycled to work with a backpack full of tools and within hours built a custom wooden manger to house the Nativity scene. Ms. Decina graciously gave her time to help with set up and finishing touches.