Thank you to Fr. Tom Pipp, SJ for providing the below information at the 2025 Winter Sports Player/Parent Meeting:

ATHLETICS IN A JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL [adapted from "Characteristics of Jesuit Education" (1986)]
 
What is the meaning of athletic competition in a Jesuit high school? We must begin with the truth that God is revealed in the mystery of the human person – in the young men, the athletes, that we serve. They are made in the image and likeness of God.    
 
The aim in Jesuit education is to work toward the fullest possible development of all the God-given talents of each young man --- as a member of the human community. 
 
And so Jesuit education promotes physical development in harmony with other aspects of the educational process. For this, a well-developed program of sports and physical education is essential. 
 
In addition to strengthening the body, sports programs help young people to develop their souls:
-to learn to accept both success and failure graciously;
-to become aware of the need to cooperate with others,
-to use the best qualities of each individual to contribute to the greater advantage of the group. 
-to encourage each individual to learn his role as a member of a team.    
 
All athletes are expected to show good manners, in order to create an atmosphere of care and respect. 
 
A Jesuit school values the stimulus of COMPETITION; however, students also learn to distinguish themselves by their ability:
-to work together,
-to be sensitive to one another,
-to be committed to helping all who compete as they go through a season.      
 
Jesuit education is counter cultural in a world of sports, which values individualism, consumerism, and success at any cost. 
 
In short, all of this is to say that the world view of St. Ignatius, founder of the Jesuits and the first Jesuit schools, is based upon Jesus Christ, THE MAN FOR OTHERS. 
 
Jesus, the Son of God, is the model for human life; Jesus gave himself – his life - completely in service to humanity. 
 
Jesuit education is about that kind of complete service. 
 
Graduates of St. John's Jesuit should have acquired a way of life so that they proclaim the charity of Christ and the justice which he announced. 
 
We want to develop young men who are the best versions of themselves – in all things – in academics, on retreats, in service, and in athletics. 
 
THIS IS THE MEANING OF SPORTS IN A JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL. 
 
May the Lord bless all of your GENEROUS efforts with our young men this winter. 
 
Thank you, and have a great season!

PRAYER FOR ATHLETES (adapted from Xavier University website)
Lord our God,
Send your Holy Spirit upon us as this winter sports season begins. 
Bless these parents and coaches who are so important in teaching and guiding the young men of St. John's Jesuit. 
Give our young men the desire to compete in a manner pleasing to you. 
May they always play with a spirit of fairness and with respect for members of the opposing team. 
May their passion for sport be filled with your love. 
May their hours of training be filled with a commitment to excellence and to virtue. 
May their enthusiasm bring joy and inspiration to others. 
Temper their competitive desires by the call to be "men for others" in all they do.
Keep them safe and healthy as they engage in competition this season.