As a Catholic Marianist school, Archbishop Riordan has come a long way since 1949 in terms of its religious diversity.
Recently, Religious Studies Department Chair Danielle Jow and Religious Studies teacher Joshua Keeney created new sacraments class for interested students who want to further and discover more about their faith.
Over the course of time, the class has transformed from a modest gathering of students into a lively and engaging class.
Keeney said, “We want to interest them in developing and maturing in their faith and with the Lord, then diving deep to explain that it’s important for students to learn and understand the sacraments and their significance.”
Over 30 students have enrolled to engage in this class, one of these students being senior Julian Serrano who said, “As someone who doesn’t understand much about the church it really explained how it operates as well as my place in the church.”
He, along with others, are hoping to obtain a transformative educational experience.
“It’s a good way for people in our school to get an opportunity to receive their sacraments and eagerly grow in their faith,” said Zachary Yip ’24.
With a different approach, Jow and Keeney at the helm are using their experiences along with engaging open discussions, prayer, and thoughtful presentations with deeper thought to adopt a unique approach that blends traditional teaching into real world applications that illuminate the Catholic sacraments’ significance.
“This class is for those seeking a deeper understanding of God,” Keeney said.
Through dynamic discussions and having a welcoming environment without distractions, students in the class are invited to learn the symbolisms and catechisms behind each sacrament. From being taught about the cleansing through Baptism, to delving into the faith further with confirmation, these teachings are not just confined to textbooks, rather they come from places of deep faith and lived experiences.
The class transcends the boundaries of traditional religious studies. It serves as a journey of spiritual growth. Having both teachers and students invested in the process fosters a sense of community and a way for students to say “I will strive to live this way,” said Keeney.
The Sacraments Class is becoming more than just an academic pursuit that differs from the core religious studies being taught currently, as the class will come to stand as a testament to the school’s ongoing commitment to spiritual development and inclusivity, offering students the opportunity to explore and embrace their faith.
