Being religious is one of the core tenets of the Jesuit Profile of the Graduate. Over the course of four years, the Jesuit student enhances his basic knowledge of the Christian faith and commits to living out his faith. Last year, the fulfillment of the religious tenet was exemplified through a group of sophomores, a small conglomerate that met occasionally during community time. Soon, this group of students evolved into the Godly Guys. So, I conducted an exclusive interview with Mr. Goll, one of the moderators of this student-led organization, in order to learn more about this club’s history and function.
Where did the idea of having a club like Godly Guys come from?
At my previous school, I noticed that there were few opportunities for students to develop spiritually outside of their classroom. So, I wanted to establish an environment where students could spiritually grow through conversations, readings, and reflections on biblical passages and focused prayer. When we provided these opportunities, students began to show up and participate more meaningfully over time.
In 2020, I came to Jesuit during the COVID-19 pandemic. I felt led to develop a club where students could interact with one another and enhance their faith. I wanted to turn the ideas I held at my previous school into a reality here at Jesuit. However, I knew that Godly Guys would go where the students took it; I couldn’t be the one to lead it. Towards the middle of my second year at Jesuit, I approached a few students in my English classes and gauged their interest in developing a club called Godly Guys. Soon enough, a number of my students grew increasingly passionate about participating in a club in which they could be open and honest about the struggles in their lives. The idea for Godly Guys would have not come to fruition had it not been for some very dedicated students.
Who are some people who helped you form Godly Guys?
I know that two of my closest friends at Jesuit, Mr. Berry in the English Department and Mr. Ellis in the Theology Department, have been instrumental in helping me form this club. Both of these men have played such a critical role in my life and I feel very fortunate to have them alongside me during our Godly Guys meetings. Both men have such a heart for Jesus and serving others. I know our boys benefit greatly from their involvement.
As I have mentioned before, I know that a substantial number of juniors joined this club in sophomore year and continue to show up to meetings. They have made this club a priority and it is through their commitment and dedication that this club is what it is. The beauty of Godly Guys is not determined by one person. It’s about who we are as a group. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says that “where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am.” Godly Guys provides a designated time where we can set aside the daily distractions of our chaotic lives and invite Jesus into that messiness of our lives, trusting that He is who He says He is and that we are who He says we are. Through our meetings, we get to remind one another that the Creator defines His creation.
What do moderators and students do during these meetings?
At the start of each semester, we survey students to measure their interests. These interests include what students would like to discuss or reflect on. For instance, during this semester, we have almost finished reading Ephesians. We’ve had conversations about what it means to have an identity rooted in Jesus and how to live out that identity into our daily lives. To answer your question, the content of our club meetings is entirely student-driven and Mr. Berry, Mr. Ellis, and I serve as facilitators.
On a special note, I would like to express my gratitude to the core members of Godly Guys for showing up to all the meetings with open minds and hearts. Our members are always prepared to listen to and engage with one another. I really appreciate the insights our young men offer from our discussions. I hope over time to see more students trickle into our meetings.
What do you hope students will gain from this club?
My biggest hope is that the Holy Spirit through our Godly Guys sessions will transform students’ lives. Specifically, I desire for these students to become committed to living the most godly lives they can. When trouble surfaces in life, I hope they will turn to scripture, seek guidance and support from their brothers in Christ, and know that God will always be with them in whatever the future holds. I pray these students’ lasting identities will continue to be upheld and affirmed throughout the rest of their lives.
CONCLUSION
“One of the goals for Godly Guys is not just learning about our identities in Christ, but learning how to live a life of JOY. By JOY, I mean learning to live a life for Jesus first, others second, and yourself last. If we can have that foundational paradigm in our lives, there is no trouble too severe and no problem too daunting that can keep us from deepening our faith and growing closer to Christ. Living out this paradigm can help us in our journeys of becoming men for and with others.” – Mr. Goll
Stay tuned to The Roundup for more news about our student organizations!
