Jesuit Education

Proven results in the Jesuit Tradition

Jesuit Education – Developing Christian leaders

For more than 450 years, Jesuit education has been producing tomorrow’s leaders in a Christ-centered atmosphere. Jesuit education is world-wide and the largest and oldest academic system with schools in 73 countries and every major city in the world. In the United States alone, there are 49 schools (enrolling over 41,000 students) and 28 colleges and universities, including Loyola (Chicago), Marquette, Georgetown, Boston College, and Xavier. This system creates a far-reaching educational, religious, social, and business network that opens doors for alumni wherever they go.

What does a Jesuit education mean for your son?

It’s an opportunity to be part of something bigger. Networking is important. There isn’t any place he would go where he wouldn’t find another Jesuit-educated colleague. The International Jesuit Alumni Association includes over 10 million graduates.

• Unique scholarship opportunities are available at top colleges and universities. Students who graduate from a Jesuit high school and apply to Jesuit colleges and universities often have exclusive scholarships and admission advantages.
• College admission officials, public and private, recognize the caliber of a Jesuit education.
• In a Jesuit high school, your son will be surrounded by positive peer influence. Jesuit education develops the academic abilities of all students in an environment where they are encouraged to achieve their greatest potential.
• Our Christian Service Program provides opportunities locally, nationally, and internationally, to help students develop compassion for others. Nothing has more impact than seeing your son develop his “caring heart” as he strives to be a “man for others."
• A three-pronged approach develops your son’s spirituality and consciousness through theology classes, Christian service, and campus ministry activities, such as liturgies, retreats, and prayer services. These three formational areas deepen spirituality and lead young men towards developing a Christ-like compassion.
• We reinforce the values you teach at home on a daily basis.
• An important part of high school life is making friends and getting to know more people. Our students represent over 100 different elementary and junior high schools throughout northwest Ohio. This environment and diversity provide an experience that broadens your son’s horizons and better prepares him for college and life.

Worship Opportunities

Each school day begins with morning prayer. The Jesuit tradition of the Daily Examen is every afternoon when the entire school shuts down to reflect on their 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 7:45 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.

Developing Christian Leaders 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. St. John’s Jesuit High School & Academy 5901 Airport Highway Toledo, Ohio 43615 419-865-5743 ext. 248