Saint Peter's college:  The Jesuit College of New Jersey

Jesuit History and Education

A Jesuit Institution

Saint Peter’s College, founded in 1872, is a Jesuit, Catholic, co-educational, liberal arts college in an urban setting which seeks to develop the whole person in preparation for a lifetime of learning, leadership and service in a diverse and global society. Committed to academic excellence and individual attention, Saint Peter’s College provides education, informed by values, primarily in degree-granting programs in the arts, sciences, and business, to resident and commuting students from a variety of backgrounds.

A History of the Jesuits

The Jesuits are members of the Roman Catholic order of religious men called the “Society of Jesus.” Founded in 1540 by St. Ignatius of Loyola, who believed passionately in the capacity of education to develop the hearts and minds of students to help them become leaders, the Jesuits have since become the largest male religious order in the Catholic Church. They are known throughout the world as educators dedicated to “finding God in all things.”

Jesuit Education

The Jesuit academic tradition emphasizes open inquiry, a sense of purpose, and service to others. A Jesuit education challenges the mind, encourages the development and exploration of values and beliefs, and inspires high achievement. As a small institution, Saint Peter’s College is committed to the Jesuit tradition of cura personalis (”personal care”) as well as the Jesuit motto of “men and women for others.” Our Jesuit community is actively involved in the life of the College: twenty-one Jesuits reside at Saint Peter’s with seven serving on the full-time College faculty.

Jesuit Colleges and Universities

Jesuit Traditions

Spiritual Life

As a Catholic, Jesuit institution, Saint Peter’s College offers many opportunities throughout the year for faith development. The Campus Ministry Office sponsors year-round liturgies, as well as training for liturgical ministries such as Eucharistic minister, lector, and choir and instrumental accompaniment. Through the Office of Campus Ministry, students can attend retreats at beautiful locations throughout New Jersey and beyond. This year, the calendar of retreat topics includes “Community-centered, ecologically sound solutions to world hunger,” “Student peers sharing stories of faith,” and many more. Students of all religious traditions are invited to share and learn from one another as they participate in Campus Ministry opportunities. Our objectives are to provide a forum where community members can learn about one another and to build understanding and trust among people of different faiths on campus.

Community Service

Students at Saint Peter’s are especially committed to the service aspects of the Jesuit tradition. Each year our students participate in community service projects both at home and abroad, ranging from one-day events like walk-a-thons or soup kitchen service to tutoring kids all year. Since 2003, the Global Outreach Team (GOT) has traveled to Honduras for two weeks of service and immersion into the community. Comments GOT student Rabia Sattaur, “having the opportunity to be part of the team to Honduras in 2004 has served as a reminder for what I want to do in life. Social justice will definitely play a role in whatever path I choose. It is not our choice but our obligation to help our fellow human beings!”

Jesuit Seminars

To further the educational experience, the Jesuit community offers a lecture series open to all. This year’s topics have included “Challenges Facing Third World Nations,” “New Roots in America: Sacred Ground — Religion, Race, and Ethnicity in Indian America,” and “A View from Jerusalem: Palestinian and Israeli Peacemaking Efforts.” These seminars provide special opportunities for members of the community to gather to explore Ignatian themes through conversation and reflection.

Call 888. SPC. 9933 or e-mail us at admissions@spc.edu for more information.