Religion
religion
Our Lasallian charism inspires our students to see, act, and think “quite differently.” We believe that the study of religion is instrumental in the authentic development of a young man’s life and that no other academic exploration can better assist him to find his voice, feed his soul, and tap into his spirit to fuel the human desire to help others and grow closer to God.
Philosophy
“In the light of faith you see things quite differently”
- St. John Baptist de La Salle
In an educational environment living in the holy presence of God, the Religion Department seeks to meet the religious, spiritual, and emotional needs of developing adolescents in the rich and inclusive Lasallian Catholic Tradition. Our department strives to become familiar with and respect the experience of the students entrusted to our care, while still passing on the riches of the Christian faith in the Roman Catholic tradition. Students will be able to articulate and participate in the essentials of their faith – both communal and personal, with strong emphasis placed on living a moral life with special consideration toward the poor, emphasizing social justice.
In De La Salle’s model of religious education, our staff follows the founders call to “fulfill your ministry with all the affection of your heart” (Meditations for the Time of Retreat 9.1). Our experienced and dedicated faculty in the Religion Department are here to guide, challenge, and inspire our young men to see with eyes of faith. And with this student-centered model of educating the whole person, our courses expose the young men right from the start to the Catholic Lasallian identity, ground them in text and tradition of Sacred Scripture, prepare them to grapple with social injustices and personal decision-making in Morality, before challenging them to continue to live the mission of De La Salle in a life long journey of faith.
Classes Offered
Faculty

Dr. Christian Arellano
Faculty Member, Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Moderator: Multicultural Club, DEIC

Mr. Lewis Clark
Director of Lasallian Mission & Ministry, Faculty Member, Moderator: Ministry & Service Team

Mr. William Leahy
Faculty Member, Social Science, Guidance Counselor, Moderator: Investment Club, Outdoor Adventure/Fishing Club, SJU Stock Market Competition Team

Mr. Owen Schugsta
Department Chair, Religion, Faculty, Religion and History & Political Science, Moderator: Travis Manion '99 Foundation Club

Mr. Daniel Williams
Faculty Member, Assistant Coach: Basketball, Co-moderator: Intramurals, Moderator: Fencing Club, Co-moderator: Human Rights Forum