Inside This Week's Issue Student Council, WSJP, and Summer
Edited by Joe Egler '16 and Ryan Naehr '16
The Student Newspaper of St. Joseph's Prep
September 11, 2015
Service Trips
Volume 41, Issue I
Papal Visit Preparation Peaks with Francis' Imminent Arrival
By Fintan O'Toole '16 A bustle of activity greets the students of St. Joseph’s Prep as they enter a new school year. Many changes accompany this busy schedule, whether it be the fresh faces of the Class of 2019 and incoming faculty, inauguration of the school’s the installation of a school- thirty-second President, Rev. wide use of Chromebooks John Swope, S.J. (cue applause), or the Though these drastic
everyone buzzing; Pope Francis’ visit to Philadelphia. Truly the most dominating headline of this new school year, the Papal Visit promises to have a profound impact on the Prep community. Preparation for the changes at times seem to add Pontiff has been underway a hectic feel toward life, one since a team led by Mayor constant simultaneously calms the seas yet has Continued on page 7.
Introducing... Fr. Swope
By Aidan O'Connor '17 This yea,r Fr. John Swope ’72 joins the halls of Prep presidents as the 32nd man to hold the position. Fr. Swope grew up in Drexel Hill and attended the Prep, followed by King’s College, Saint Louis University, Weston School of Theology, and University of London for a Ph.D. in sociology. He has previously served the Prep as a member of the Board of Trustees. The search committee was comprised of board members, a current Prep parent, and Mr. Rupertus, an English teacher
Fr. Swope '72 gets to know students before the start ofthe school year.
at the Prep. The chairman of the committee was Jim Metgiotti of the Prep Board of Trustees. Throughout the process he was open to feedback and allowed
dialogue to flow. Fr. Swope remarked that it was a healthy search process, both sides always asking questions and talking. There were many applications and it was
difficult to decide which candidate, with their strengths, would fit the job. They were searching for the best person for the job. It has always been a Jesuit, but the fact that Fr. Swope is an alumnus just adds to his already impressive résumé. Fr. Swope is excited to return to the Prep. He already feels that sense of belonging again as he continues to reconnect with the community. The last time he lived in the area was when he was 18 years old. Since then he has journeyed Continued on page 4.