Protestant Moral and Religious Education 570-100/570-204

Designed to nourish the reflection of adolescents, who need guidance in a time of change, transition, breakups, bereavement or small victories, the PMRE program emphasizes introspection and reflection on the progression of individuals. Through an examination of the influence of the Bible on the individual, young people search for their identity and improve their understanding of dealings among human beings and of their relationship with God. This transformative reality is then reflected in the culture. Protestantism considers that individuals who are transformed by reading the Bible contribute to the vitality of the culture through their lives and actions. It is in these terms that the covenant - which is considered in-depth throughout the program - is examined.
The PMRE program aims to make students aware of religious phenomena and of cultural and religious diversity, which is at the heart of Protestantism. By gaining a deeper understanding of religious phenomena, students are enriched by becoming aware of centuries of history. They learn about the great religious traditions, as well as Native spirituality. Students discover how believers throughout history have practiced their faith and expressed their thoughts and beliefs. They recognize visible signs such as rituals, symbols and customs. This encourages students to behave respectfully in relation to other religious traditions.
The PMRE program emphasizes discernment and critical judgment. Students consider situations involving an ethical issue. They choose options based on their own conscience – enlightened by the Bible – and on the exercise of free will, in accordance with Protestant values.
This program of study follows up on the elementary-level PMRE program. The same competencies are developed, taking into account, however, the interests and concerns of young people between the ages of 12 and 14 as well as the characteristics of their psycho-religious development.
The PMRE program aims to develop three interrelated competencies:
• Appreciates the influence of the Bible on the individual and on culture from a Protestant perspective
• Acts respectfully in relation to religious diversity
• Takes a reflective position on situations involving an ethical issue.
 
Catholic Religious and Moral Instruction 572-100/572-204

Catholic Religious and Moral Instruction contributes in various ways to the general education of students.
• Philosophically, it gives students the opportunity to reflect on the great questions of humanity. This reflection helps them to construct their ideas and better understand the world around them.
• Spiritually and religiously, it initiates them to forms of interiorization and opens their minds to the transcendence and existence of God. This is achieved by enabling students to learn what characterizes the Catholic tradition and the other great religious traditions, including those of First Nations and Inuit communities. The program also enables students to explore secular currents of thought and humanist endeavours. In addition, it conveys the Christian vision of the individual, the world and life.
• Morally, the program helps students build, through reflection and research done in class, the frame of reference upon which their choices and actions are based. By raising questions, comparing opinions and using discernment, students gradually develop ethical competency and learn to be more responsible so as to promote better ways of living in the community.
• Culturally, Catholic Religious and Moral Instruction encourages students to become familiar with the characteristic features of the Catholic tradition, which is a major aspect of world culture and a major shaping force of Quebec's identity.
As a whole, these different aspects of Catholic Religious and Moral Instruction contribute to the education of young citizens.
Finding a purpose to one's actions is a source of motivation and satisfaction for human beings. That is why the search for meaning lies at the heart of the Catholic Religious and Moral Instruction program. This step toward inner growth, which is essential to self-fulfillment, involves reflection, hesitation, questioning and experimentation on the student's part.
The Secondary Cycle One Catholic Religious and Moral Instruction program follows up the elementary-level program in that the quest for meaning remains a central feature. The narration of stories from the living Catholic tradition still plays a predominant role, which is enriched by applying the stories to a modern context through reference to current events or students' personal lives. Stories illustrating diversity and rituals are still an important part of Catholic Religious and Moral Instruction.
This subject focuses on the development initiated in elementary school of the two following competencies:
• Appreciates the contribution of the living Catholic tradition to his/her quest for meaning
• Takes a reflective position on ethical issues