Finding God In All Things Blog

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  THE POWER OF LOVING CHALLENGE

  10/21/2026
  Jimmy Tricco, Principal
  Rigor is a word often used in educational circles to describe the difficulty or challenge of courses or a school. Classes and teachers could be considered rigorous based on the amount of work or the intensity of grading. For nearly 150 years, a Regis Jesuit education is rigorous in a holistic sense; students are lovingly challenged to think intensively, to think critically, to seek Truth and to develop goodness in character to live life with God. As former Superior General of the Society of Jesus, Fr. Pedro Arrupe, SJ, once said, “Today our prime educational objective must be to form men and women for others, men and women who will live not for themselves, who cannot even conceive of a love of God which does not include a love for the least of their neighbors…” Regis Jesuit’s curriculum—academic, spiritual and service-oriented—is enriched by diverse, mission-aligned programs and experiential learning that inspires excellence across disciplines, fosters belonging and mastery, and prepares students for life beyond high school for the kind of lives they are called to lead. They are surrounded by compassionate adults accompanying them in their rigorous formation. 

  
  That’s where the rubber meets the road at Regis Jesuit. It’s us and the kids; however, we also invite the Holy Spirit. One of the countless graces experienced in my role at Regis Jesuit is the opportunity to observe inspiring teaching and learning. Whether a scheduled classroom visit or an informal pop-in, one will find our teachers and students engaged in all sorts of activities, lessons and discussions nurturing growth. Our teachers at Regis Jesuit create safe spaces for our students to be vulnerable. Whether the particular period is student-centered or teacher-centered, group work or a Socratic seminar, a presentation or a quiz on Canvas, the pastoral presence and affect are evident. Occasionally, on retreat, at service projects or in the classroom, we experience what Ignatian education offers for transformation. Many are the moments when colleagues eagerly request me to “come watch, watch this class, check out this lesson.” I observe and witness the brilliant learning taking place through the eyes of students, teachers and parents. Frequently, little sacramentals from the ways teachers interact, the way teachers are present, the way we encounter the Spirit at work, make their way into my office: an electroplated Coke bottle; a cross from Belize; a sticker-covered religious candle from Panama; a hockey shirt; an emailed note of support and prayer. 
  
  

  The Spirit is felt in those moments when the students can’t get enough time around our teachers. They stay after class and after school, and we must shoo them away at some point. They choose to spend more learning time with our faculty when they don’t have to. Students share that they love when faculty and staff show up to support them, even when faculty and staff don’t have to. When we exercise our freedoms to be in right relationship, the Spirit is at work.
  
  

  Forever fused into Regis Jesuit is the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm (IPP), rooted in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. It is the undercurrent of all that we do, helping students understand who they are, Whose they are and how they are called to act in the world. Teachers seek to understand the context and experiences each student brings to the classroom, inviting them to engage deeply in learning, reflect on what they discover and discern how God may be calling them to respond. There is a profound interplay between teacher and student in this process, with loving challenge and compassionate support helping students grow. 
  
  

  Regis Jesuit is best when the Holy Spirit sets the pace. At times it is confusing and difficult to hear, but we trust in the slow work of God when proceeding may feel too slow or too fast. Holistic rigor involves faith and discernment. 
  
  We have students, parents and even staff members (maybe me) who like to bulldoze through things, just go hard and simply allow grit and determination to get us through any adversity and challenges. We remember to pause and discern the best step forward together, recognizing the different speeds of those of us in the community and the mysterious speed of God. 
  
  Right now, while we are aware of the transformative, rigorous Catholic, Jesuit education that has existed for nearly 150 years, we strive for greatness this year. This month, this day, this class period, this meeting, this retreat activity, this Eucharist, this final two minutes of a game, this scene, this department meeting, this interaction with a student.
  
  I am grateful for another year of partnerships and encountering the Holy Spirit with our community.