Campus Ministry
Worship Opportunities
Each school day begins with morning prayer. The Jesuit tradition of the Daily Examen is every afternoon when the entire school pauses to reflect on the day. Students pray before every class. School Masses and Prayer Services are held throughout the year for the entire student body. Mass is celebrated at 7:15 a.m. each school day. A Communion Service takes place during lunch periods on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Once a month, the school community has the opportunity for Eucharistic Adoration. Communical celebration of the sacrament of reconciliation takes place twice a year — during Advent and Lent. Members of the school community may see a Jesuit priest at any time for individual confession.
The Student Experience
Freshman Year
Theology Class: Introduction to Roman Catholicism and the Society of Jesus (the study of the life of St. Ignatius of Loyola).
Retreat: An overnight retreat at school, the “Freshman Pilgrim Retreat,” is named after St. Ignatius of Loyola, who, in his autobiography, called himself the pilgrim in his life’s journey with God. The retreat introduces freshmen to the ideals of Jesuit education, builds class unity, and helps young men to feel a part of the St. John’s Jesuit community. The retreat brings young men closer to their peers, family and God.
Christian Service: Ten hours are required in the community.
Sophomore Year
Theology Class: Hebrew and Christian Scriptures and study of significant Jesuit saints.
Retreat: The overnight, off campus, “Manresa Retreat” is named after a town in Spain where Ignatius experienced his most important encounter with God. The retreat focuses on God’s love for each person and the mission to share that love as “men for others.”
Christian Service: Fifteen hours are required in the community.
Junior Year
Theology Class: Christian Morality and Social Justice along with a review of the life of Ignatius of Loyola and introduction to Ignatian Spirituality.
Retreat: The Magis (Latin, “for more”) Retreat” encourages retreatants to strive to be “more” in Jesus Christ. This off-campus, two-night retreat emphasizes the gifts that God has given each individual and allows students time for personal prayer and reflection.
Christian Service: Twenty hours are required. Students have the opportunity to participate in our daytime Christian Service Program, to do national service in Appalachia or international service in Central America, and to take part in "Easter on Campus" with Cherry Preschool.
Senior Year
Theology Class: Systematic Theology (a review of major Christian doctrines) and survey of Ignatian prayer techniques from the Spiritual Exercises.
Retreat: The “Kairos,” (the Lord’s time) Retreat, is based upon the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius and is an intensive off campus, three and a half day journey, in which retreatants form a supportive Christian community. Most graduates claim it is one of the most memorable times of their four years.
Christian Service: Most students choose to participate in the daytime Christian Service Program. Other opportunities include “Christmas on Campus” with Rosary Cathedral and a week of service during Senior Project in May.