Theology

DEPARTMENT PHILOSOPHY

The mission of the Theology Department at Divine Savior Holy Angels is rooted in Saint Augustine’s understanding of theology as "faith seeking" understanding. Our primary goal is to nurture spirituality through knowledge of faith and to engage students in service to God and others. Department faculty commit themselves, with the entire DSHA faith community, to transforming students to transform the world. Courses and curricula are aligned with the United States Catholic Bishops' document, Doctrinal Elements of a Curriculum Framework for the Development of Catechetical Materials for Young People of High School Age, as well as the Archdiocese of Milwaukee's High School Theology Curriculum guidelines. The theology department is committed to the school’s focus on daily prayer, annual retreats, service, and liturgy and worship experiences that contribute to an environment in which faith formation is valued and nurtured.

THEOLOGY DEPARTMENT COURSE OFFERINGS

List of 7 items.

Freshman Year Semester 1 | THE BIBLE: THE LIVNG WORD OF GOD — 9051

This freshmen course is an introduction to the Sacred Scriptures’ unfolding story of salvation in the Old Testament, with a Christian understanding that Jesus Christ is its fulfillment revealed in the New Testament. Divine and natural revelation are explored, as are biblical inspiration and interpretation; i.e., biblical exegesis. This course guides students in coming to know the people and events of salvation history, and in understanding important themes of creation, human dignity, and covenant.
Freshman Year Semester 2 | CHRISTOLOGY: JESUS CHRIST AND THE PASCHAL MYSTERY — 9052

In this second semester freshmen course, students more fully encounter Jesus Christ, the Second Person of the Trinity in the four Gospels. Students are led toward a deeper understanding of divine revelation, the Trinity, Incarnation, Christian discipleship, and salvation through the Paschal Mystery. This course guides students in understanding important themes of the Kingdom of God, the Beatitudes, miracles, forgiveness, and human suffering.
Sophomore Year Semester 1 |THE SACRAMENTAL LIFE: ENCOUNTERS WITH CHRIST — 9101

This course provides an opportunity to encounter Jesus Christ in a full and real way through an examination of the history, scriptural foundation, and current practices of the seven sacraments. In addition, students develop a deep understanding of the Eucharistic Liturgy, different forms of prayer through our Catholic tradition, and the general sacramental outlook rooted in our faith.
Sophomore Year Semester 2 | CATHOLIC MORALITY: OUR RESPONSE TO GOD'S LOVE — 9102

This course is a survey of Christian morality, rooted in the belief that morality is an ongoing developmental process of discernment and application. Students are presented with methods of conscience development and decision-making. These skills are applied as they examine the teaching and traditions of the Catholic faith as they apply to living a moral life within the context of Christ-centered values. Sexual morality, the consistent ethic of life, and modern ethical issues challenge the students to make moral decisions commensurate with the Catholic tradition.
Junior Year Semester 1 | THE NEW TESTAMENT: THE GOOD NEWS OF JESUS — 9201

In this course students do an in-depth study of each of the Gospels from the perspective of the unique voices of Mark, Matthew, Luke, and John. As we consider the substance and style of each Gospel, and the sociohistorical context in which it is written, a portrait of Jesus emerges that contributes to our understanding of the mystery of the Incarnation and encourages a more substantial relationship with God. Students receive an introduction to St. Paul’s letters, as well as the Book of Revelation.
Junior Year Semester 2 | THE CHURCH: ITS MESSAGE AND MISSION — 9202

This survey of the Catholic Church begins with a study of the Acts of the Apostles and the letters of St. Paul to the earliest communities of believers. Juniors are introduced to the early Church Fathers, Church Councils, and the development of Church doctrine. Historical events that indelibly shaped the Church are noted, including the development and role of the hierarchy, the East-West Schism and the Protestant Reformation, and Vatican II.
Senior Year Semester 1 | CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY — 9320

Each one of us desires to live a life of purpose, meaning, and personal fulfillment. Throughout history God makes known God’s desire for our happiness in this world and the next. Christian thought and tradition offer the opportunity to examine the lives of those who have responded to God’s call to become holy examples of discipleship and love. We will study and reflect on the writings of influential spiritual leaders, such as Thomas Merton, Mother Theresa, Oscar Romero, Jean Donovan, Thea Bowman, and many others who discerned, often through trial and error, God’s plan for their lives. In addition, we will focus on the meaning of the word vocation and our call to live a life that matters through our relationships with God, self, and others.

DUAL CREDIT COURSE OFFERINGS

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Senior Year Semester 1 | THEO 4510: SURVEY OF WORLD RELIGIONS — 9310**

This class was formerly called EL 104: WORLD RELIGIONS – 9310

This course introduces the following major religious traditions: Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Confucianism/Taoism, Judaism, and Islam. Study includes the major founders (where applicable), beliefs, scriptures, practices, and ethics of the traditions as well as contemporary internal issues, the impact of globalization on the traditions, an introduction to the concept of contextualization in the study of religion as well as interfaith dialogue around common issues of concern to the traditions.

**Students will be eligible to receive 3 transferable college credits from Marquette University by enrolling in the Concurrent Enrollment dual-credit program.

Learn more about AP & Dual-Credit Offerings.
Senior Year Semester 2 | THEO 4400: CHRISTIAN FAITH & JUSTICE - 9315**

This class was formerly called REL 343: CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING - 9315

This course will examine the historical settings and the biblical and theological foundations for Catholic Social Teaching. By applying a process of social analysis, students will probe the underlying causes of issues of social justice and peace. The course will explore how the principles of Catholic Social Teaching address these issues and how students might apply these principles to their future service experiences.

**Students will be eligible to receive 3 transferable college credits from Marquette University by enrolling in the Concurrent Enrollment dual-credit program.

Learn more about AP & Dual-Credit Offerings.

MEET THE THEOLOGY DEPARTMENT FACULTY

Jena Thurow-Mountin | at DSHA since 2022 | teaching since 2019

Theology Faculty
Liturgy & Prayer Campus Minister
Freshman Retreat Team Co-Curricular Moderator
BA in Theology, Marquette University
MDiv, Saint John's School of Theology and Seminary
Thurow-MountinJ@dsha.info

"Communities like DSHA offer spaces of belonging and nurturing which are pivotal for girls’ social, emotional, spiritual, and academic development. It is a pure gift to accompany young women as they ask important questions about the state of our Church and world, and as they grow in confidence and wisdom."
Lisa Metz | at DSHA since 2000 | teaching since 2000

Theology Department Chair
Theology Faculty
Coordinator of Adult Faith Formation
Sisters of Culture Co-Curricular Moderator
BA in Social Work, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
MA in Religious Studies, Cardinal Stritch University
Advanced Certification in Religious Education, Archdiocese of Milwaukee
MetzL@dsha.info

"I’m deeply proud of the work that we do at DSHA in the area of faith development. We challenge our students to think critically about the role they play as members of the Body of Christ. I love having daily conversations in my classroom about the questions young people struggle with and how our faith can shape their decision-making."
Lynn Lassa-Dziadulewicz | at DSHA since 2022 | teaching since 2008

Theology Faculty
Sophomore Retreat Team Co-Curricular Moderator
BA in Theatre Arts, English, and Secondary Education, Marquette University
MA in Communications, Marquette University
MA in Religious Studies, Cardinal Stritch University
DziadulewiczL@dsha.info

"I have many fond memories of my experiences at the all-girls Catholic high school I attended, and am inspired whenever I think of my favorite teacher who was kind, gentle, generous, and uplifting as she brought into fine focus both the beauty in each of our hearts, as well as the beauty in the great wide world around us."
Mary Duffy | at DSHA since 2010 | teaching since 1988

Theology Faculty
Respect Life Co-Curricular Moderator
BS in Education, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
MA in Theology, St. Joseph College
Certification in Youth Ministry, Archdiocese of Milwaukee
Advanced Certification in Religious Education, Archdiocese of Milwaukee
DuffyMA@dsha.info

"What I love most about the all-girls’ environment is their eagerness to learn, willingness to support their classmates, and their unabashed confidence. I also love they give more attention to their learning than to their appearance–messy bun getting things done."
Catherine Lennon | at DSHA since 2014 | teaching since 2014

Theology Faculty
Campus Ministry Special Weeks Co-Curricular Moderator
BA in Music, English, Minor in Theology, University of Notre Dame
MSM in Choral Conducting, University of Notre Dame
LennonC@dsha.info

"I find working with young girls in their faith journey the most rewarding aspect of my job. I am fortunate enough to work in faith formation both in the chapel with prayer and liturgy and in the theology classroom. It is rewarding to see students across their four years, teaching them as freshmen to seeing them serve as liturgical ministers at their Baccalaureate Mass."
Daniel Pavlovich | at DSHA since 2013 | teaching since 2007

Theology Faculty
Hometown Heroes Co-Curricular Moderator
BA in History and Political Science, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
MA in Elementary Education, Alverno College
MA in Religious Studies, Cardinal Stritch University
PavlovichD@dsha.info

"I love the constant commitment to excellence displayed by my students. Whether in the classroom, in extracurricular activities like athletics, or in the development of their faith, the students of DSHA always make the effort to do the very best of which they are capable. Their dedication inspires me to give them my personal best each and every day."