Sign up to save your podcasts
Or
Share The Spiritual Foundation of Brotherhood
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Or
The Spiritual Foundation of Brotherhood
What makes a truly good leader in today's world? Is it enough to be powerful, or must power be guided by something greater? In this profound conversation with Father Stephen Kramer, Rockhurst High School's new principal, we explore the heart of Jesuit education and its focus on forming "men for others."
Father Kramer brings a unique perspective shaped by his experiences teaching at multiple Jesuit institutions across the country—from St. Louis to Denver, New Orleans, and even Kenya. His journey of 20 years as a Jesuit reveals the consistent spirit animating Jesuit schools despite their differences: a dedication to recognizing each person's inherent dignity as God's beloved child.
The conversation delves into St. Ignatius's personal transformation from a glory-seeking soldier to a man who discovered his true identity and purpose. Through this lens, Father Kramer articulates how Rockhurst helps young men understand who they truly are beyond achievements, appearances, or abilities. "You are already God's beloved child," he emphasizes, regardless of performance or circumstance—a realization that liberates students from seeking validation through external measures.
Perhaps most compelling is Father Kramer's distinction between creating merely powerful men versus good powerful men. While Jesuit schools excel at developing students with persuasive skills and critical thinking, their true mission is ensuring this power serves others. "There's nothing worse than a powerful bad person," he notes, highlighting the school's responsibility to form ethical leaders.
Through practices like the daily Examen prayer and personal birthday blessings, Father Kramer demonstrates his commitment to helping students recognize God's presence in their everyday experiences. His ultimate goal? Forming young men who find meaning that makes life's difficulties worthwhile—men who, when they look in the mirror years later, respect the person they've become.
Listen now to discover how Rockhurst's approach to brotherhood and spiritual formation creates graduates prepared not just for success, but for lives of purpose, service, and authentic human connection.
View all episodes
By Steve Redmond & Beth VanDykeWhat makes a truly good leader in today's world? Is it enough to be powerful, or must power be guided by something greater? In this profound conversation with Father Stephen Kramer, Rockhurst High School's new principal, we explore the heart of Jesuit education and its focus on forming "men for others."
Father Kramer brings a unique perspective shaped by his experiences teaching at multiple Jesuit institutions across the country—from St. Louis to Denver, New Orleans, and even Kenya. His journey of 20 years as a Jesuit reveals the consistent spirit animating Jesuit schools despite their differences: a dedication to recognizing each person's inherent dignity as God's beloved child.
The conversation delves into St. Ignatius's personal transformation from a glory-seeking soldier to a man who discovered his true identity and purpose. Through this lens, Father Kramer articulates how Rockhurst helps young men understand who they truly are beyond achievements, appearances, or abilities. "You are already God's beloved child," he emphasizes, regardless of performance or circumstance—a realization that liberates students from seeking validation through external measures.
Perhaps most compelling is Father Kramer's distinction between creating merely powerful men versus good powerful men. While Jesuit schools excel at developing students with persuasive skills and critical thinking, their true mission is ensuring this power serves others. "There's nothing worse than a powerful bad person," he notes, highlighting the school's responsibility to form ethical leaders.
Through practices like the daily Examen prayer and personal birthday blessings, Father Kramer demonstrates his commitment to helping students recognize God's presence in their everyday experiences. His ultimate goal? Forming young men who find meaning that makes life's difficulties worthwhile—men who, when they look in the mirror years later, respect the person they've become.
Listen now to discover how Rockhurst's approach to brotherhood and spiritual formation creates graduates prepared not just for success, but for lives of purpose, service, and authentic human connection.