Page 9 - SPIRIT-Fall2016

Integrating theology & science

Connecting Truths
Is there any evidence for a Creator of the Universe?
Why do the known laws of astrophysics require a Supreme
Being outside of time and space?
Those are exactly the types of questions that are posed to stu-
dents in Theology II and IV, as they embark upon lessons that
deepen their awareness of God’s presence in all of creation,
thanks to interdisciplinary theology and science units taught in
sophomore and senior theology classes at Cor Jesu.
Now in its third year and implemented by Cor Jesu faculty,
who have established a partnership with teachers from three
other Catholic high schools in St. Louis to collaborate on the
units, the theology-science lessons are helping students – begin-
ning in their sophomore year and
reinforced their senior year – to
strengthen their understanding of
First alumna principal appointed to CJ God’s existence by teaching them CJ students are
how reason and faith have the same learning that
Divine Author. Through videos from
Making History the Magis Center and lessons based scientific truth is
When Sr. Veronica Beato, ASCJ ’74 got word that she would be head- on The Reason Series: What Science
ing back to her hometown, she was thrilled! It had been since 2002, Says about God and From Nothing to indeed consistent
when she last taught on St. Louis soil, and she was excited to step foot Cosmos, CJ students are learning that
in her alma mater once again. But this time, her role would involve scientific truth is indeed consistent with religious
more than teaching in the classroom or serving as associate principal, with religious truth. truth.
as she had done previously. Sr. Veronica was going to be appointed The impetus behind implement-
the school’s first alumna principal. ing the interdisciplinary units at CJ
“I felt humbled to become CJ’s principal,” said Sr. Veronica. “We’ve came about after theology teacher,
had so many wonderful Apostle principals over the course of the past Linda Rabe Martin ’67, attended an
60 years, starting with Sr. Anita Marie Giampetro, who was my prin- Archdiocesan workshop presented by Fr. Robert Spitzer, S.J., Ph.D.,
cipal in New York when I first began teaching, followed by Sr. Anne president of the Magis Center who teaches the close connec-
Toohey, Sr. Stephanie Termini, Sr. Ellen Cronan, Sr. Ritamary Schulz, Sr. tion between faith and reason in contemporary astrophysics and
Sheila O’Neill and Sr. Kathleen Mary Coonan. It’s still amazing to me philosophy.
that I am the first CJ alumna to take on that role.” “I felt that there was a need to help students make a greater
Sr. Veronica brings 38 years of rich experience in teaching and ad- connection between theology and science,” Linda stated. “It
ministration, having taught on the elementary and secondary levels. She seemed like a logical fit to add to our Theology of the Body con-
was a science teacher and department chair at Sacred Heart Academy in tent, when we discuss Genesis and the creation stories.”
Hamden, CT (1982-1990), served as associate principal and science teach- For Theresa O’Hanlon ’19, delving into the integrated unit
er at Cor Jesu Academy (1990-2002) and served as principal of St. Raphael challenged her “to think deeper and ask new questions about
School in Bridgeport, CT (2002-2010) and Our Lady of Pompeii School in why we believe certain truths. Before, if someone would have
New York, NY (2010-2016). She also was named lead principal for six cluster asked me a question about proving our faith and the exis-
schools in Bridgeport, where she also worked as a member of the diocese’s tence of God, I wouldn’t have been able to come up with a
curriculum mapping steering committee and on the Cathedral Education good answer, but now I will be able to very easily.”
Cluster Advisory Board. In addition to her ministry as an educator, Sr. Veronica The goals of these lessons are for the students to:
has served in leadership positions within the Congregation of the Apostles of • understand that faith and science, as well as faith and
the Sacred Heart of Jesus as local superior, member of the Province Advisory evolution, are not conflicting teachings for Catholics;
Council and most recently, reappointed as a Provincial Councilor.
“Cor Jesu has always held a special place in my heart!” said Sr. Veronica. “I hope • arrive at a logical conclusion about the existence of
that, under the guidance of the Sacred Heart, Cor Jesu will continue to flourish as a God based on scientific facts;
strong Catholic academic institution in St. Louis.” • be able to discuss their beliefs with others regard-
ing science and faith and the existence of God
and have facts to back up their beliefs.
“I thought it was cool learning how science
supports the fact that there has to be a begin-
“I felt humbled to become CJ’s principal. We’ve had ning,” stated one of the seniors, after she
finished watching From Nothing to Cosmos.
so many wonderful Apostle principals over the course “And that the beginning didn’t come out of
of the past 60 years.” nowhere, because ‘nothing can come from
nothing.’ Something had to be the spark
–Sr. Veronica Beato, ASCJ ’74 that ignited creation.”