Theology Department

The theology program introduces students to the currents of spirituality and religious expression throughout history while encouraging them to put words on their own spiritual experiences and insights. They are invited to name their personal spirituality in the context of their religious tradition with emphasis on responsibility to transform contemporary society.

Theology is a requirement for all four years at St. Scholastica Academy. The freshman course, Catholic Christianity and Scripture, provides an organizing principle and a springboard to address topics in the next three years: Christian Morality and Lifestyles; Peace and Justice; and Personal and Religious History.  The courses are not isolated from life; students are called to apply their learnings to day-to-day experience.

An International Baccalaureate senior elective in Philosophy explores the issues of meaning and value and the universal human search for the Divine. Through contemporary writings it also addresses the philosophies of major world religions.  The entire theology program is informed by the Benedictine rhythm of listening and responding to self, others, and the Divine as this is developmentally appropriate for adolescents.

Classes meet four out of the seven days of the cycle and students receive a half-credit for Theology I, II, and IV;   because of the added component of the Junior Theology Field Experience, Theology III merits .75 credit.   The scope of each class extends far beyond the classroom into personal ministry, the Campus Ministry program, and the entire culture of the school. Liturgies and retreats offer opportunities for each student to reflect and worship with others. Every day begins with an all-school prayer led by the principal.

 
Theology Dept. Faculty:  Sr. Susan Quaintance, OSB, Mr. Vincent Donoghue, and
Ms. Virginia Hamill

Ms. Virginia Hamill
Ms. Virginia Hamill holds a B.A. in English with a minor in Communications from Loyola University of Chicago.  She completed an M.A. in Writing from DePaul University in 2004.  She began her career at St. Scholastica Academy as the junior varsity basketball coach and assistant track coach in 1996.  Ms. Hamill has been teaching full-time in the English department since 1997, taking on the I.B. Philosophy class in 2006.

Sr. Susan Quaintance, O.S.B.
Sr. Susan Quaintance received her B.A. in English from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1985, and completed an M.A. in Theology at St. John’s University in Collegeville, MN.  Having taught at the Academy since 1991, she received the University of Chicago’s Outstanding Teacher Award and has been listed several times in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers.  She is also on the Editorial Review Board for the American Benedictine Review.

Mr. Vincent Donoghue
Mr. Vincent Donoghue earned undergraduate degrees in social work and theology, and a M.P.S. (Master’s Degree in Pastoral Studies) from Loyola University of Chicago.  Having started his teaching career in his native Ireland, Mr. Donoghue taught in Zimbabwe for one year and at Queen of Peace High School for six years.  He has been a member of the Saint Scholastica Academy Theology department since 1996.