The Gospel of John Club: A beacon of faith and community at St. Joe’s

In the rush of daily life, where constant deadlines and schedules overwhelm, many feel lost, unsure of where to turn or what to believe. Finding a sense of calm and direction can seem like an impossible task. However, John Risely ‘24, president of the Gospel of John Club, presents a calm assurance on a weekly basis that, “Everything is going to be okay.”

Founded during the 2022-2023 school year by Robert Ilcyn ‘23 and Jeremiah Fairman ‘23, the Gospel of John Club started as a way to learn more about the Bible. This year, Risley has taken the group to a new level by sharing more with his peers, hoping to ignite a spark of hope and faith within the Saint Joe’s community.

“When I finally started to embrace my faith, I began to find the answers to those questions,” Risley said. “Who am I? Why am I here? This gave me a new insight and I started to discover what the Bible really means and what it has to offer. It was natural for me to become the leader this year.”

During one of the weekly meetings, Bishop James F. Checchio visited the Saint Joe’s campus to see what the Gospel of John Club is all about.

“It’s so beautiful to see, all you young men coming here on your lunch break, to study the words of Saint John and read Scripture,” Bishop Checchio said.

Under Risley’s newfound leadership, students also meet to encounter God’s love and explore their faith. “God’s love is real, it exists,” Risley said. “You just have to say ‘yes’.”

More than just a place to discuss religious teachings, the Gospel of John Club is about forging a personal connection with Jesus and supporting one another on the journey of faith.

“It’s a great opportunity to begin a relationship with God, not just a transactional relationship with the Church,” Risley said. It’s this emphasis on relationship and community that sets this club apart.

For Jack Cummings ‘27, an avid member, the club offers both spiritual guidance and a sense of belonging.

“It’s the best part of my day,” he said. “It helps me realize that every single part of the Bible carries value and meaning.”

 

Campus Chaplain Father Tom Lanza, a guiding figure within the club, notes the genuine desire for knowledge and growth among its members. But what struck him the most was how the club was completely run by students.

“You have student leaders that have gotten other students to think about where true joy and happiness comes from,” Father Tom said.

Beyond knowledge and understanding, the Gospel of John Club also fosters the Saint Joe’s Brotherhood.

“It’s a judgment-free zone where students are free to ask questions,” Father Tom said. Tracey Coudriet, director of campus ministry, notes the impact of the club on its members as they listen to the discussions and insights each week.

“You can see their openness to what they’re hearing,” she said.

As the Gospel of John Club continues to thrive, it welcomes any student that would like to strengthen their faith or just see what it’s all about. Coudriet advises students to give the club a “shot.”

“Once a student makes that leap of faith, they might be surprised and realize it’s what they’ve been searching for all along,” Coudriet said.