Gap Year Academics
You take undergraduate-level courses on Scripture, Church History, Philosophy, and more at St. Therese Institute.
These courses span October to March, or six of the nine Gap Year Program month. You spend approximately two hours per week in each course.
The Catholic Studies program adds up to a holistic and comprehensive understanding of the Catholic faith and and its meaning for your life. When you complete the program, you receive a Certificate in Catholic Studies for the Lay Apostolate.
| Time of Day | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Morning | Spirituality and Christian Community | Introduction to Scripture | Study Period | Critical Thinking | Study Period |
Afternoon | Study Period | Church History | Our Moral Life in Christ | Holistic Sexuality/Charisms | Study Period |
Evening | Adoration | Study Period | Foundations of Catholicism | Study Period | Community Night |
Catholic Academics Courses
Foundations of Catholicism I: The Creed and the Sacraments: This course looks at the heart of Catholic teaching through the lens of the first two parts of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. These are “The Profession of Faith” and “The Celebration of the Christian Mystery”. The Catechism is a rich resource that, regretfully, seems rarely mined by Catholics today. It is a deep well of instruction and inspiration!
Introduction to Scripture: St. Jerome said, “Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ.” This course highlights the themes of salvation history and covenant in the Old and New Testaments. It introduces the different genres of writing in the Bible and the individual books. You also learn about Scripture scholarship and interpretation.
Faith and Reason: An Introduction to Critical Thinking: This course is an introduction to thinking philosophically. It examines questions like, “How do we know reality? Do we have free will? Can God’s existence be proved? What does philosophy show about God’s nature and His relation to the world? Are there objective and unchangeable moral principles?”
Our Moral Life In Christ: This course offers an introduction to Christian moral principles and the moral ethic of the Ten Commandments. It is informed by the life and teaching of Jesus and the teachings of the Church. You discuss moral questions from today’s society and culture and are provided with tools for living a moral life.
The History of the Church: This course teaches the history of the Church from Pentecost to the pontificate of Francis, so you learn to see the Holy Spirit’s action among mankind through the ages. It offers a balanced view of the past and present and looks at both good times and bad times of the oldest and largest single institution of human history – the Holy Catholic Church.
Holistic Sexuality I: The Truth and Meaning of Human Sexuality Men’s and Women’s Sessions: In the comfort of a classroom with only members of your own sex, this course gives you deep understanding of the gift that human sexuality really is. You examine the beauty of your own masculinity or femininity, the conjugal meaning of the body, and the call to establish holy relationships. You will grow in understanding and respect for yourself and for those around you.
Spring Course Series
Once the 20 weeks of regular courses are completed, you enter a third trimester composed of a series of one-week intensive courses. These are open to public registration as well, and include the following (subject to change):
- A Theology of the Laity
- Ecumenical Apologetics in the New Evangelization
- Theology of the Body: the Gospel of the Body and the Little Way
- An Introduction to Ignatian Discernment
Read the full Spring Course Descriptions!
