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Ever wonder what makes a Jesuit education different? Rich Sullivan, who has devoted 27 years to Rockhurst High School as a teacher, coach, and now Director of Ignatian Identity, reveals the heart of what makes "The Rock" unique.
"Our goal isn't just to get these kids into Harvard. Our goal is to get these kids into heaven," Sullivan shares, quoting former president Father Baum. This powerful philosophy guides everything at Rockhurst, where forming "men for others" takes precedence over any single achievement.
The conversation explores how Rockhurst cultivates faith formation for both students and adults through retreats, spiritual exercises, and community building. Sullivan describes monthly faculty meetings, silent retreats, pilgrimages, and workshops that help teachers understand and embody Jesuit values before passing them on. "We do so many Jesuit things that we're not consciously aware of," he explains, highlighting how his role helps uncover these distinctive practices.
Perhaps most moving is Sullivan's reflection on the Rockhurst community itself – the dedicated mentors who shaped his own understanding of Jesuit education through their example. This spirit extends to athletics, where coaches teach students that "you're loved whether you win or lose," embodying Ignatius's teachings on detachment and finding God in all things.
For parents considering Rockhurst, Sullivan offers this perspective: "There are a lot of seeds planted here. Some grow quickly, some take time to germinate, but I can guarantee your son will be exposed to the questions that will give him meaning in life."
Join us for this insightful conversation about faith formation at Rockhurst and discover why, after nearly three decades, Rich Sullivan remains passionate about the transformative power of Jesuit education.
By Steve Redmond & Beth VanDykeEver wonder what makes a Jesuit education different? Rich Sullivan, who has devoted 27 years to Rockhurst High School as a teacher, coach, and now Director of Ignatian Identity, reveals the heart of what makes "The Rock" unique.
"Our goal isn't just to get these kids into Harvard. Our goal is to get these kids into heaven," Sullivan shares, quoting former president Father Baum. This powerful philosophy guides everything at Rockhurst, where forming "men for others" takes precedence over any single achievement.
The conversation explores how Rockhurst cultivates faith formation for both students and adults through retreats, spiritual exercises, and community building. Sullivan describes monthly faculty meetings, silent retreats, pilgrimages, and workshops that help teachers understand and embody Jesuit values before passing them on. "We do so many Jesuit things that we're not consciously aware of," he explains, highlighting how his role helps uncover these distinctive practices.
Perhaps most moving is Sullivan's reflection on the Rockhurst community itself – the dedicated mentors who shaped his own understanding of Jesuit education through their example. This spirit extends to athletics, where coaches teach students that "you're loved whether you win or lose," embodying Ignatius's teachings on detachment and finding God in all things.
For parents considering Rockhurst, Sullivan offers this perspective: "There are a lot of seeds planted here. Some grow quickly, some take time to germinate, but I can guarantee your son will be exposed to the questions that will give him meaning in life."
Join us for this insightful conversation about faith formation at Rockhurst and discover why, after nearly three decades, Rich Sullivan remains passionate about the transformative power of Jesuit education.