In Harmony, Small Things Grow
XAVERIAN IDENTITY
What does it mean to be Xaverian?
St. John's Prep is a Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School, one of 13 in a network of Roman Catholic schools that share a common mission and a similar governance structure. St. John's was founded in 1907 by the Congregation of the Brothers of St. Francis Xavier, known as the Xaverian Brothers, to fulfill the Congregation's mission of evangelization through the ministry of education.
Xaverian Spiritual Values
This is where you'll see our Xaverian identity lived out most obviously. Each year, we choose one or two values to focus on, through both prayer and service. On the first day of school, all students, faculty, and staff are given a silicon bracelet with that year's value on it—some collect them over four or seven years! Later in September, cards are distributed after the Mass of the Holy Spirit with that year's prayer on them.
Simplicity
A way of thinking, feeling, and acting that frees the heart, the mind, and the soul.
"In a spirit of appreciation and gratitude, we acknowledge that “through the common, ordinary, unspectacular flow of everyday life, [we] will experience a liberation and a freedom never before imagined.” (Fundamental Principles)
Humility
The recognition that each person is a unique expression of God’s love.
Humility inspires a sense of connectedness, allowing members of the school community to affirm each other, to learn from each other, and to work with each other.
Compassion
The tenderness of heart that sees and hears the needs of all, near and far.
We are called to stand with one another in difficulties, supporting and encouraging all of our brothers and sisters, especially the poor, weak, and oppressed, for they too are called to experience and share the love of God with and through us.
Trust
The meeting place of mind, heart, faith, and courage.
Trust allows people to grow in faith in spite of life's difficulties. Through trust we are joined together in our faith and efforts to build our community, comforted and inspired by the understanding that "in harmony, small things grow." (Fundamental Principles)
Zeal
The joyful and enthusiastic commitment to the mission of the Catholic Church.
Zeal unifies our community in single-minded devotion and intense passion for the formation of the whole person. Through zeal we are emboldened and empowered to face trials and obstacles in our path, knowing “that nothing special is achieved without much labor, effort, and zeal.” (Fundamental Principles)
God of all creation, the Xaverian values of trust and zeal call us to mutually help, encourage, and edify one another. They call us to look within our hearts and to open ourselves to all whom we encounter. Lord Jesus, we pray you empower us to model, through our words and actions, the servant leadership of the Good Samaritan each day.
Prayer for the 2026-2027 academic year.
“This was the vision Theodore James Ryken had in view when he founded the congregation: A band of Brothers who mutually help, encourage, and edify one another, and who work together.”
Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers
Get to Know the Xaverian Brothers
Bro. Tim Paul, C.F.X. has worked and taught at St. John's Prep for more than 50 years. He has served as an administrator, teacher, and moderator. In 2003, he helped found the Prep's Aviation Club, which has been transformative in the lives of so many students. In 2024, he was inducted into the School's Hall of Honor.
A member of the Class of 1964, Br. Hamilton, C.F.X. was elected to the role of General Superior of the Xaverian Brothers in 2025, and was named St. John's 34th Distinguished Alumnus the same year.
September 6, 1875 – May 10, 1955
Br. Benjamin served as the first headmaster of St. John's Prep. He saw the student population grow to nearly 300 and oversaw construction of the chapel, Xavier Hall, Ryken Hall (now Ryken Center for the Arts), and the School's first gymnasium.
August 27, 1931 – February 5, 2016
Br. Edward Keefe, C.F.X. wore many hats; he served as a teacher, coach, moderator, prefect, director of residents, director of studies, and was the first director of development before being appointed headmaster from 1974 to 1989. The Brother Keefe, C.F.X. Academic Center is named in his honor.
July 30, 1930 – October 12, 1977
As a religion teacher, guidance counselor, three-sport coach and mentor, Brother Linus, C.F.X. transformed the lives of countless students until his passing in 1977. The Brother Linus, C.F.X. Scholarship was established in his honor and memory, and is awarded to a freshman who is an outstanding individual and a student who, in his first year, has displayed a model of academic achievement and involvement in school activities.
Concordia Res Parvae
In harmony, small things grow.
Motto of the Xaverian Brothers
Xaverian FAQs
Do the Brothers teach?
Brother Tim Paul, C.F.X., currently teaches biology and aviation and is actively involved in moderating the Aviation Club.
Will I see Brothers around campus?
Yes! Adjacent to campus is Xaverian House, a residential community for retired Brothers. Often, students will visit Xaverian House as part of campus ministry programming to get to know the Brothers, or students will see them walking or biking around campus.
What's the difference between a Brother and a priest?
While both Brothers and priests take the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, priests can officially celebrate Mass. When we have a Mass or liturgy on campus, our school chaplain, Father Jim Ronan '62, or a guest priest will preside.
Where are the other Xaverian Brothers Sponsored Schools located?
There are five in Massachusetts, while others are located in Connecticut, Kentucky, Maryland, and New York.
How do you pronounce Xaverian?
Good question! Like this: zuh-VAIR-ee-un—through you would pronounce Saint Francis Xavier like ZAY-vee-er.
Is St. John's Prep a diocesan school?
Though St. John's is located within the Archdiocese of Boston and works closely with the Archdiocese, we are not governed by the Archdiocese of Boston.
Xaverian Catholic Identity Statement
What does the Lord require of you, that you act justly,
love tenderly and walk humbly with your God
Micah 6:8
The St. John’s Prep community lives our inclusive, Catholic identity rooted in the ministry of Jesus Christ and the lived experience of the Xaverian way. In our quest, we seek, embrace, and respond to the call of the Gospel. We seek to allow ourselves to be formed by God through the common, ordinary, unspectacular flow of everyday life, open to experiencing a liberation never before imagined.*
Called to become more deeply aware of God’s presence among us, we foster prayer and reflection as a way of being, we celebrate the spiritual and liturgical life of the Church, we come together in community with one another, we engage in retreats and experiences of service, and we honor diverse religious and spiritual practices.
We embrace all people as created in the image and likeness of God, and we see all people as called to be unique expressions of God’s love in the world. *
Animated by a vision of Church that cherishes all, we are an academic community of faith that strives to embrace a habit of excellence in living the Catholic intellectual tradition. We promote the growth and development of the whole person in a manner that nurtures individual and communal formation and forges strong interpersonal relationships.
We respond to the call of a life of constant searching, looking to the developments of our times as sources of comfort and challenge. We commit to journeying with our sisters and brothers as we strive to use the gifts God has given us for the good of others. *
Inspired by Ryken’s humility and love for God, we nurture in all members of the Prep family the ongoing discovery and realization of their unique, God-given gifts and the call to serve the common good by living prophetic lives of charity, justice and hope.
*Adapted from the Fundamental Principles of the Brothers of St. Francis Xavier
There's More to Explore
Arts
From screenprinting to beginner piano, there is something for every emerging artist.
Wellness
We focus on six dimensions of wellness: spiritual, emotional, social, intellectual, physical, and aesthetic. See how wellness works its way into all facets of life at the Prep.
Alumni
All alumni are welcome and encouraged to reconnect with St. John's Prep. We can't wait to hear what you've been up to!
