From the first week on Sherrin Avenue to walking across the stage on graduation, there is one course that is required all four years for students to take. That course is theology. Since Trinity High School is a catholic school under the Archdiocese of Louisville, theology classes are required all four years for high school students.
Theology gives Trinity students time to think about who they are and what they believe in. It is not a class about religion; it is a class about becoming a man of empathy and morals to carry into life after high school. Students’ lives are a main part of the theology program, but its founders and department hold an especially significant role.
Mr. Patrick Koopman and Mr. Scott Holzknecht have had lots of theology experience prior to teaching at Trinity and have a lot to offer to students at this school. Koopman believes that students have a lot to gain from theology courses at Trinity. “I think the biggest thing that students gain is perspective. Having something that collects it all and gives it meaning and purpose can help you to take a step back and see what it is all for and what it is all about.”
Koopman also shared that he believes students can grow in theology courses so that they are prepared in their lives for the future. “I hope we are planting seeds that somehow guys may see later and say that it did matter. Stress, anxiety, and purposelessness. All these are things adults deal with and students deal with.”
Holzknecht gave lots of insight into what he wants Trinity students to get out of theology courses. He wants students to increase their relationships with God. “The theory is if you understand who God is on a deeper level, it will help you improve your relationship and be men of faith and character.”
Koopman also gave insight into where the program’s studies came from. “We have a program of study that was developed by the USCCB (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops). This was to make sure that what we are giving at Trinity is good, and we would argue this is the best of what everyone has to offer.”
Scripture holds value in these courses, and the Bible is constantly studied. It is important to dive into scripture to learn knowledge about the Bible and what is has to offer. Holzknecht also added the importance of every student. He explained that having both students who are unfamiliar with scripture and those who understand it well, in the same room, is a blessing. He also added that students can work together and by themselves to better understand their relationship with God.
In the end, Trinity’s theology requirement is not just a tradition, but an investment into the future of students. These classes give students something deeper than themselves that sticks with them beyond high school. Theology shapes the way we act in a world that desperately needs leaders. That is why the requirement matters and why it deserves to stay.
