By Joe Skoog ’13
THE ROUNDUP
The Ignatian style of teaching, with its emphasis on faith, not only impacts Brophy students, but also the Brophy teachers.
When asked for their interpretation of faith, teachers responded in different ways.
“Faith is belief unencumbered by reason,” said Mr. John Damaso ’97.
Mr. Damaso, an alumnus of the school, has experienced both sides of faith at Brophy.
He said as a student, he did not enjoy Kairos or other Brophy activities, but his time as a teacher has changed his views.
“I went on one, but I didn’t like it. I find that I enjoy it more as a teacher because I don’t have a cynical peer group,” Mr. Damaso said.
He said Brophy encourages students and teachers to act out their faith.
“This means they can all act out similar actions among the community regardless of their religious affiliation,” Mr. Damaso said.
Ms. Monica Castañeda, who said that faith is, “believing in something without tangible evidence,” has also been impacted by Brophy’s teaching style.
Ms. Castañeda said that Brophy has helped her to “become more open, the diverse people, students and teachers religious backgrounds.”
This echoes Mr. Damaso’s view that Brophy’s style of teaching unifies the student body, regardless of their religious affiliation.
Mr. James Grindey also said he believes that teaching at Brophy has affected his view on faith.
“My faith has been enhanced positively,” Mr. Grindey said. “Jesuit spirituality is essential to finding God in my life, as well as in the lives of the students at Brophy.”
Mr. Grindey said he has also been influenced by a faculty retreat at Los Altos in California.
“I prayed for five days in silence,” he said. “The exercises of Ignatius that I did on that retreat have made me a contemplative in action.”
Mr. Scott Heideman said his faith has been influenced by teaching at Brophy.
“Well, I am exposed to faith on a daily basis,” Mr. Heideman said. “From talking with priests while I walk down the hall every day, to seeing God all over the place.”
Similar to Mr. Grindey’s experiences, Mr. Heideman was also inspired by a teacher retreat at Los Altos.
“Los Altos teaches you to see God everywhere,” he said.
