Milewski, S.J., Finishes Two Years at SJP; Next Up Teaching in Beirut

Andrew Milewski, S.J., has spent the past two  years at St. Joseph’s Prep as part of his formation. He has been a wonderful part of our community, and we wish him well as he is missioned to Beirut, Lebanon, teaching at Collège Notre-Dame de Jamhour.

“I’m very grateful for my time at the Prep,” says Milewski. “From the start, I felt immediately welcomed into a tight-knit community. One of my first experiences was leading a Senior Service trip to Camden, and it was very affirming to see the Catholic, Jesuit mission of the school in action even before day one of classes. These young men were being challenged by the poverty they saw around them and were questioning how they were going to respond.”

Milewski has certainly shown the versatility that the Jesuits are known for during his time at the Prep. He has taught World Religions, US Government and Politics, and Science Fiction Literature. Some of the teaching highlights were working with the Art Department for a comparative project on the Buddha and St. Ignatius as well as organizing Reacting to the Past style games, where students could learn about ancient China, the early Roman Church as well as the inner workings of the Vatican during a papal conclave. Other highlights have been accompanying students internationally, such as the Asian Culture Trip last summer. 

“Seeing our students engaged in the complexities of history, language, and culture was incredible,” he says. “Not only were they becoming better global citizens, but they were also learning about ecological justice firsthand—with a bike tour through palm tree plantations and meetings with executives in the industry. Moreover, we got to learn about Jesuit history by visiting the sights were Francis Xavier and the early European Jesuits first spread the Gospel to Asia.”

In addition, Milewski became the Chaplain for the Prep Rugby team and was able to learn a lot about the sport through weekend games and midweek training sessions. His dedication to the student-athletes and coaches has been appreciated by all. 

“Praying with the boys before games, such during our last game in the Italy tour, was an experience,” he says. “Seeing their passion and celebrating with them after wins and comforting them after defeats meant a lot to me. Being valued in that way matters. And getting to know parents has meant a lot, too.”

Milewski will miss being a part of the daily life of the Prep, a place that has made an impact on his formation. “Going on Kairos and working with the student leaders, setting up for AMDG Fridays, giving out communion and being able to call students by name to receive the Body of Christ, accompanying them in service—whether to Gesu School, Meade Elementary, or Cathedral Kitchen, there are so many things I’ll miss as I move on to a new mission,” he says. “But just to walk down the hall, to see students smiling and calling out hi because they’re happy to see me—that’s the best. That’s where I can feel the presence of God.”