COVER Story
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sings Our Catholic and Jesuit identity is stronger since five Jesuits from the New York Province stepped into new roles this fall. “Jesuits continue to be sent, ” explained Rev. David Ciancimino, S.J., provincial superior of the New York Province of the Society of Jesus, “because the Society of Jesus believes in the important work being done at Saint Peter’s College.” Now settled on the Jersey City campus, meet the five Jesuits who bring diverse gifts and talents to Saint Peter’s College.
Rev. Vincent Sullivan, S.J. Rector of the Saint Peter’s College Jesuit Community Rev. Vincent Sullivan, S.J. is happy to be back in Jersey City. “It’s a great place for us to be,” said the Brooklyn-born Jesuit, who served as pastor of Saint Peter’s Church in downtown Jersey City for eight years. The experience of working with a multicultural community fostered a deep appreciation for the city—both its people and institutions. “The Jesuit presence of Saint Peter’s College is an important presence in Jersey City,” said Father Sullivan. “People know of Saint Peter’s and the Jesuits. This really is an opportunity to do good and to serve people in many ways.” Father Sullivan entered the Society of Jesus after graduation from high school. Spiritual, administrative and pastoral concerns have been the primary focus of his ministry. The bulk of his career has been spent in parishes in New York and New Jersey. During his tenure at Saint Peter’s Church from 1996–2004, Father Sullivan was appointed rector of the Saint Peter’s Prep Jesuit Community. For the past six years, he has served as the rector at Ciszek Hall, the Community for Jesuit Scholastics in First Studies at Fordham University. As rector of the Saint Peter’s College Jesuit Community, Father Sullivan’s chief role is to support the men in living their personal, communal and apostolic lives as Jesuits. As a priest who “likes to be where the action is,” he is also furthering his engagement with the College community by celebrating Mass and lending support for workshops and programs focusing on The Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius Loyola. He is also a member of the College’s Board of Trustees. “The College is growing and it has a direction that I’m happy to support,” said Father Sullivan. “Jesuits are called to cross boundaries and barriers of different ethnic groups and I hope to find my place in it.” Saint Peter’s College • Fall 2010 13