Our Lady of Mercy Academy 

2026-2027

INTEGRATED HUMANITIES MISSION

 

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"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." - Philippians 4:8 

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Knowing that every human person is created in the image and likeness of God and is therefore endowed with an innate desire for truth, goodness, and beauty, the Integrated Humanities Program at Our Lady of Mercy Academy seeks to cultivate in students a lifelong capacity for wonder. Rooted in the Catholic Intellectual Tradition and the rich heritage of Classical education, our humanities curriculum invites students to encounter God's revelation through Theology, English, History, Communication & Rhetoric, World Languages, Visual Arts, and Music. 

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While each of these disciplines is taught as its own distinct course with its own objectives, methods, and assessments, they are intentionally aligned to reinforce one another throughout the academic year. Students encounter the same historical periods, great works of literature, theological themes, artistic movements, musical traditions, and enduring questions across multiple courses, allowing them to recognize the unity of knowledge rather than viewing subjects in isolation. This interdisciplinary approach reflects the classical understanding that faith and reason work together in the pursuit of truth. 

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As students read the Great Books of Western Civilization, study Sacred Scripture and the teachings of the Church, examine the rise and fall of civilizations, contemplate sacred and classical works of art, experience the beauty of music and the human voice, and develop the classical arts of logical reasoning and persuasive communication through Communication & Rhetoric, they explore the perennial questions of humanity: Who am I? Why was I created? What is true? What is beautiful? What is good? How am I called to live? 

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Although a dedicated Latin course is not currently offered, students will intentionally study Latin roots, prefixes, suffixes, and classical terminology across the humanities curriculum. This integrated approach strengthens vocabulary, reading comprehension, writing, and critical thinking while helping students recognize the lasting influence of Latin on English, theology, history, science, and the languages of Western civilization, laying a strong foundation for future Latin study. 

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Students are challenged to think critically, reason carefully, communicate clearly and charitably, appreciate beauty, engage in respectful dialogue, and pursue wisdom with intellectual humility. Through reading, writing, historical inquiry, artistic expression, discussion, prayer, reflection, research, and public speaking, they develop not only academic excellence but also the virtues necessary for faithful discipleship and joyful leadership. 

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Ultimately, the Integrated Humanities Program exists to help students know Christ more deeply, love what is true, good, and beautiful, and faithfully proclaim these truths through both word and deed. By intentionally connecting Theology, English, History, Communication & Rhetoric, Visual Arts, and Music, students are formed not merely as scholars, but as wise, articulate, and virtuous men and women prepared to serve the Church and the world with faith, reason, creativity, and courage.