Religion

Philosophy/Objectives

The religion department of Oakland Catholic High School commits itself to inspiring in our students an attraction for, acceptance of and commitment to the teachings and values of Jesus. The department recognizes that understanding is an essential element in this ongoing process of faith development. Our role as catechists is to impart a Catholic identity, a respect for life, and a love of and commitment to building the Kingdom of God.

Jesus came to preach the good news of the coming of the Kingdom of God. In view of our call to continue to build the Kingdom of God on earth, we, the members of the religion department, commit ourselves to the following goals:

  • To assist all students in their search for understanding the meaning of their lives in their relationships with God, themselves, others, and their environment.
  • To develop in our students a recognition of and appreciation for the Judeo-Christian tradition.
  • To develop in our students an attraction for, acceptance of, and commitment to the teachings and values of Jesus.
  • To impart an understanding of the Catholic tradition for all students, and a Catholic identity for Catholic students.
  • To foster respect for the diversity of religious experiences and traditions.

Course Offerings

Freshmen Courses: (1 credit)

  • Christ: the Eternal Word (Overview of Scriptures)
  • Christ: Who is Jesus?

Sophomore Courses: (1 credit)

  • What did Christ Accomplish? (The Paschal Mystery)
  • How Does Christ’s Work Continue in the World Today? (The Church)

Junior Courses: (1 credit)

  • Sacraments as the Principal Manifestations of Christ
  • Life in Christ (Part I) Morality

Senior Courses: (1 credit)

  • Life in Christ (Part II) Catholic Social Teaching
  • Sacraments at the Service of Communion (Matrimony and Holy Orders)
  • Honors Religion- A Woman of Faith
  • Honors Religion- Origins of the Catholic Faith

(These course changes were presented to us by the U.S. bishops and the diocese of Pittsburgh in May, 2005. We implemented them immediately, with some modifications. Therefore, the course descriptions are not accurate as presented in the course description book.)

Instructors

Mr. Jeff Patrizio has a B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies from Penn State University and an M.A. in Systematic Theology from Saint Vincent Seminary. He teaches Seniors and Juniors at Oakland Catholic and coaches the newly formed O.C. Ultimate Frisbee team. During the summer, he serves as Chaplain for the Boy Scouts of America at Heritage Reservation. When he’s not working, Mr. Patrizio enjoys playing Frisbee, kickball, pool, darts, and other sports that don’t require a lot of athletic ability. In addition, he loves music, science fiction, camping, and hanging out with friends.

Father Robert J. George has a B.A. in Philosophy, and a M.A. in Theology. Involved in Religion Instruction for 35 years, he began at St. Joseph High School in Emmitsburg, MD, continued at Immaculate Conception High School in Washington, PA, and has taught in Pittsburgh at Southside Catholic High School, Central Catholic High School, and Oakland Catholic High School. Father George is a fun-loving person who loves to listen and tell jokes and anecdotes. He enjoys sharing the Good News of Jesus with the young people of our generation and currently teaches Honors Senior Religion at OC.

Ms. Karen Lehman has a B.A. in History and a minor in Theology from LaRoche College. She has Accreditation and Certification from the Diocese of Pittsburgh and a Certification in Spiritual Direction with 35 years of experience in the teaching field. Ms. Lehman teaches religion to the freshmen and sophomores. She also teaches a pyschology course in our Social Studies department. When she is not engaged in professional activities, she enjoys hiking, yoga, tai-chi, and reading non-fiction.

Mr. Fran Sullen has a B.A. in Philosophy from Duquesne University and a Masters in Theology from Franciscan University, Steubenville, OH. He teaches freshman religion. During the summer he enjoys working in the Trucking and Refractory and Steel- Making Industries.

Mrs. Michelle Wright has a BA in Theology/ Religious Education from Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio. She has been involved in Catholic Education for the past 6 years working at Blessed Trinity Catholic High School in Roswell, Ga, Seton LaSalle Catholic High School and Oakland Catholic High School. Michelle is currently teaching sophomore and junior religion part-time as she finishes an MSEd in Instructional Technology at Duquesne University. In her free time, Michelle enjoys music, swimming and playing video games.

Ms. Amy Farrell has an M.A. in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville, an MSW in social work from the University at Albany School of Social Welfare, and a B.A. in psychology from Alfred University. She worked in the field of social work for several years prior to attending Franciscan University of Steubenville. Amy is teaching freshman religion at Oakland Catholic. In her free time, Amy enjoys doing crafts, playing sports (especially basketball), and spending time outdoors.

Mrs. Natalie Saville Freyvogel has a B.A. in Religious Studies from John Carroll University. Natalie is teaching freshman religion and is the Campus Minister at Oakland Catholic. In her free time, Natalie enjoys hiking, learning how to play golf, and spending time with her husband.