Jesuit Identity

Gesu Parish and School have been guided by the Society of Jesus since the parish community was founded in 1926.  The church and school are  located directly across the street from John Carroll University, one of the 28 Jesuit colleges and universities in the nation. This proximity enhances the Jesuit identity of both parish and school and enables the community rich opportunities to understand and practice the Spiritual Exercises fostered by the Society of Jesus.  Parishioners and students are highly encouraged to collaborate with the Society of Jesus in living out the Jesuit mission in the local and global communities.  This involves a variety of service projects locally, an annual parish service day in December, and two mission trips to Honduras each year.

At an early age students learn about the life of St. Ignatius through a series of lessons taught by Mr. Jacob Halusker.     They enjoy learning the story of the transformation Ignatius  underwent in 1521 when he convalesced at his home in Northern Spain after an encounter with a cannonball in the battle of Pamplona badly damaged his leg.   Those many months of convalescence proved to be a journey of healing not just for his body but also his soul. Students learn that this conversion to God transformed Ignatius to write, preach, and invite others to join him to become “Companions on the Journey”.

Students go on to learn and practice the fundamental ideas that characterize Ignatian Spirituality.  They include:

  •  Finding God in all things
  • Examining one’s daily life to explore what God is calling each person to do
  • Developing an attitude characterized by being a “person for others”
  • Becoming an instrument of God in the world

Students participate in the Novena of Grace in March, a devotion honoring St. Francis Xavier, SJ, the famous Jesuit missionary and friend of St. Ignatius.  Students also pray  St. Ignatius’ Prayer for Generosity each morning.  There is also a retreat for the entire school during Catholic Schools Week which deepens students’ relationship with our Lord.

Prayer for Generosity

Lord, teach me to be generous
Teach me to serve you as you deserve,
To give and not to count the cost,
To fight and not to heed the wounds,
To toil and not to ask for rest,
To labor and not to seek reward,
Save that of knowing that I am doing your will.  Amen.