The Feminine Genius (St. Therese Session F 2:40-3:25 pm) 9th-12th

Year long ($50 enrollment fee)

Let's cultivate virtuous, confident, and graceful young women rooted in Catholic tradition, inspired by the lives of saints, and guided by Church teachings.

Discover the beauty, strength, and dignity of your authentic femininity in this year-long class designed for homeschool high school girls. Inspired by Scripture, along with modern and historic role models this class is a journey into the heart of what it means to be a virtuous woman. Through engaging lessons, hands-on activities, and meaningful discussions, students will grow in confidence, grace, and faith, while preparing for the unique roles and relationships God has called them to embrace. Students will explore the dignity of women, learning about their God-given worth through writings like Mulieris Dignitatem, while developing key virtues such as humility, purity, temperance, and gratitude to help them in leadership roles whether the dignity of the home or in the world. They will draw inspiration from biblical role models like Elizabeth and Mary, traditional role models like St. Therese of Lisieux & St. Catherine of Sienna, modern role models like Edith Stien, Dr. Gianna Molla, & Alice Von Hildebrand who exemplify authentic femininity. The class will delve into the various roles women are gifted with, such as daughters, sisters, friends, wives, mothers, and leaders, guided by traditional values and practical applications. Participants will also gain insight into vocations, including marriage, religious life, and living as a single woman for God’s glory, and master practical skills such as homemaking, artistry, overcoming fears, communication, and leadership, all while living out their faith. Activities will include hands-on projects like organizing a group project, sewing, letter writing, hosting a tea party, artistry and crafting, as well as group discussions, journaling exercises, and service projects to demonstrate Christ-like love in action. By the end of the course, each young woman will have a deeper understanding of herself as a woman, practical skills to confidently fulfill various roles and relationships, a toolkit of spiritual practices to grow closer to Christ, and a stronger connection to her community through service and fellowship. This class is perfect for homeschool girls who desire to grow in virtue, strengthen their faith, and develop the confidence and skills to embrace their God-given role in the world. Whether they dream of becoming wives and mothers, discerning a religious vocation, or simply wish to explore their femininity with grace and purpose, this course provides the foundation to do so. ""Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” – Proverbs 31:30.

1 Introduction to Femininity - Mulieris Dignitatem (Pope St. John Paul II)

2 Choosing a Role Model - Mary, the Perfect Woman

3 Daughter: Delight of the Trinity - Talitha koum Mark 5:41

4 Sisterhood: We are a Family, I Got All My Sisters With Me - Mary & Elizabeth

5 Bride: Freely in Love - St. Zelie Martin

6 Co-creators: Motherhood - St. Monica

7 Define Authentic Beauty - 1 Peter 3:3-4

8 Virtue of Purity - St. Maria Goretti

9 Authenticity: Modesty in Dress, Speech, Thought & Deed - St. Rose of Lima: Patroness of Peru

10 Courage in Authenticity - St. Joan of Arc

11 Power of Silence: Vulnerability with Self - Edith Stein aka St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross

12 Vulnerability with God - St. Therese of Lisieux

13 Hope in God’s Love - St. Catherine of Siena

14 How Do I Get Faith? - St. Hildegard of Bingen

15 All You Need is Love - St. Theresa of Avila

16 Abiding vs. Striving: Stewards of the Home - Proverbs 31

17 Martha, Martha: Hospitality - Martha & Mary - Temperance

18 The Art of Conversation - St. Catherine of Siena

19 The Role of the Holy Spirit in Our Lives - Fruit of the Spirit Galatians 5:22-23

20 Women as Leaders - St. Teresa of Calcutta / St. Elizabeth of Hungary

21 Women as Artists or Writers - Alice Von Hildebrand

22 Women in Religious Life - St. Faustina

23 Women as Protectors of Life - St. Gianna Molla

24 Fight Like a Girl: Spiritual Warfare - Armor of God Ephesians 6:10-18

Required Materials: As announced we'll ask for posterboard, etc. throughout the class.

Instructor: Jenn MacDonald (260) 445-3838 jennmacd@me.com

Check out this instructor's other classes at https://www.lifehs.net/category/jenn-macdonald

*** Significant discounts are available for full-day enrollment and co-op families. ***
Contact Jenn MacDonald for questions (260) 445-3838.

St. Therese Catholic Church, 2304 Lower Huntington Rd., Fort Wayne, IN

* If a student has special needs, please contact the teacher to discuss any accommodations that might be made.

** All classes require online family registration and enrollment. Year-long classes carry a $50 yearly enrollment fee. This enrolls your student in the class for the entire year. There is no need to re-enroll for 2nd semester. The cost of the class is due no later than the first day of each semester in an envelope labeled with your student's name & the class name with cash or a check made out to the teacher. Registration and Enrollment Fees are non-refundable.