House System

Oftentimes, there are leaders who make an impact when it is needed most. Father William Kane was one such figure in SJCP’s long history. A tour de force, as noted by his “hurri-kane” cross, Father Kane brought Saint John’s Literary Institute into a new era. Much like a phoenix rising stronger from its ashes, Father Kane led the rebuilding of our school’s original campus after it was burned down in the Civil War. Yet his ushering in of change for the better did not stop there, as Father Kane was a staunch supporter of equality in education and spearheaded the development of creating co-educational classes at Saint John’s, tipping the scales in favor of all students who entered the school’s doors.

Marked with a regal griffin, the Reid house shield recognizes the strength and sharp vision school leaders provide to their community. During his thirty-year tenure at SJCP, Father George Reid worked tirelessly to serve as a guardian and steward of our school’s mission, serving as an anchor to students and staff alike. As a spiritual pillar, Father Reid embodied the life and purpose of helping turn others to God when they were lost and celebrate with Him in times of joy, as noted by his shield’s use of a Bible with upturned hands.

Small but mighty, the McSherry House mink symbolizes the resilience, adaptability, abundance, and determination that Mr. and Mrs. James McSherry were known for during their time as parents to twelve children, five of whom are alumni. At the school’s “Prospect Hall” campus, the McSherrys funded the building of our school’s first gymnasium, earning them points for Viking school spirit. More than spirit, however, the McSherrys best represented SJCP through their faith, serving as shining examples of what it means to be Catholic.

All parents aim to create a solid and enduring foundation for their children, hoping to impart wisdom and foster deep roots like those of the mighty oak tree. Bernie Grove embodies these values, supporting the SJCP community throughout his time as an active parent and grandparent of the school. Keeping the doors open during a time of hardship in the school’s history, his house shield also highlights Mr. Grove’s dedication to faith and accessible education for Catholic students through its use of a key cross. Embodying the strong survival instincts and quiet but dignified presence of a stag, Mr. Grove was a man who could lead herds to safety through his convictions.

The name Rocca identifies more than a former parent and benefactor at SJCP; it identifies a man who displays loyalty much like a Labrador retriever, to the highest degree. True to his stripes, Mr. Rocca was a military veteran who valued honor, respect, and discipline in all aspects of life and business. Throughout his many years supporting the school’s athletic program, fine arts program, and individual students through scholarships, Mr. Rocca helped SJCP maintain its high standards of excellence for Catholic education each and every day.

Proud and strong, the lion marks the Rice family’s leadership within the SJCP community over the course of their generational history with the school. Champions of academics, the Rice family has been a continual supporter of SJCP’s Catholic education mission, sponsoring the STEM wing of our school’s current campus. To the Rice House, education is the flame that illuminates the world through any darkness and raises young people who are able to make a difference in the world.