Courses

Theology I: Understanding Catholic Identity
Theology II: Forming a Catholic Conscience
Theology III: Understanding Scripture
Theology IV: Church History and Social Justice

Department Philosophy

We believe

That we are Church and are

• called to be active members of a worshipping community.
• called to be people rooted in and formed by our Catholic heritage and traditions.
• called to be formed by the Word of God, the Sacred Scripture.
• called to be witnesses of hope in our present world as well as in the final fulfillment of all creation.
• called to serve others throughout life.
• called to transform the world through the transformation of persons.
• called to eliminate the root causes of injustice.

Thus, it is our aim to help each student

• develop and deepen her relationship with God.
• develop a genuine spirituality to sustain her in life.
• discover her gifts and grow in self-esteem.
• approach spiritual growth as a holistic experience which also includes emotional development and the formation of genuine interpersonal relationships.
• discover a deeper understanding and appreciation of the liturgy, sacraments and Sacred Scripture.
• develop skills and a process for moral decision-making.
• explore the lifestyle options available to her: married, single, and religious life.
• experience the call, responsibility, and privilege of serving others.
• appreciate the faith and religious traditions of those who seek God in different religious expressions.
• understand that her responsibility extends beyond her own local community, ultimately reaching to all of God's children.
• accept that spiritual and emotional growth is a life-long, dynamic process.
• realize her citizenship in and responsibilities to the world community.

Additional Experiences

Students participate in daily prayer, reflection days and yearly retreats. All students participate in monthly liturgical services and other prayer experiences especially during the seasons of Advent and Lent.

Service

Service to others is and always has been an essential element of our Catholic faith.  All members of the DSHA school community are invited to participate in various service opportunities throughout the school year. All students participate in monthly food and clothing drives and outreach to the needy on local, national, and international levels.  These projects are of special importance during Advent and Lent. Students are also invited to participate in liturgy planning and training for various liturgical roles.

All students are required to participate in at least two service experiences each semester, one of which places her in direct service to the poor and/or vulnerable. The Salvatorian Service Award is presented to those graduating seniors who have best exemplified the spirit of Matthew 25:  Whatsoever you do for the least of these, you do for me.

Faculty

Mrs. Judie Gillespie, Department Chair
BA in philosophy - Marquette University
MA in religious studies - Cardinal Stritch University
14 years teaching experience, 5 years at DSHA

Mrs. Lorna Grade
MA in religious studies - Cardinal Stritch University
MA in education in progress
3 years teaching experience, 3 years at DSHA

Mrs. Lisa Metz
BA in social work - UW-Milwaukee
MA in religious studies - Cardinal Stritch University
Certification in youth ministry studies - Center for Ministry Development
Advanced certification in religious education - Archdiocese of Milwaukee
8 years teaching experience, 8 years at DSHA

Mrs. Stephanie Monson, Theology and Pastoral Ministry
BA in Catholic Studies and Theology - University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN
Masters of theology in progress at Marquette University
First year teaching at DSHA after working in religious education at the parish and university level.

S. Linda Surette, O.P.
BA - Regis College
M.A.T. in American literature - Salem St. College
C.A.G.S. in reading and language - U. Mass-Lowell
MA in scripture - Sacred Heart School of Theology
Advance certification in religious studies - Archdiocese of Milwaukee
Wisconsin State certified in English and Reading 6 through 12
38 years teaching experience, 10 years at DSHA

Mrs. Cathy Trochelman, Pastoral Ministry Coordinator
BA in theology - Marquette University
6 years teaching experience, 4 years at DSHA

For more information, contact:
Mrs. Judie Gillespie, Department Chair 
414-462-3742, ext. 3832   
Gillespiej@dsha.k12.wi.us