The Rev. Philip Amidon, S.J., said he is always willing to meet with students and believes the Jesuits are at Creighton to benefit the students.

His newest project is offering prayers for students who ask for it.

“We are trying to invite students to let us know if they need us to pray for them,” Amidon said. “We want to let the students know we are here.”

Spiritual growth and development inspired one Jesuit to dedicate his past 16 years at Creighton to the students.

Amidon has taught at Creighton since 1994, when he decided to become involved in the Jesuit support system.

“Students should know we are here for them, even if we seem busy, we are here for them,” Amidon said.

Amidon has played several roles at Creighton. As a theology professor, a residence hall chaplain and a staff member at St. John’s, he recognizes the importance of supporting the young community.

Raised in a Catholic home, Amidon said his parents inspired his growth in his faith.

It was at his high school’s senior-year retreat that he discovered his life’s calling. Amidon said he did some research and read about the Jesuit traditions. At the retreat, when he was encouraged to pray about his life’s vocation, he did.

“It was a gradual growth in my faith . . . I felt like I was being called to join the Society of Jesus,” Amidon said.

In 1974, he was ordained and attended a small Jesuit college in Minnesota and then went to St. Louis University to study theology and philosophy.

Amidon then traveled the world, teaching English for four years at a Jesuit school in Korea. He said these experiences opened his eyes to different cultures and were another chance to grow his faith.

“It wasn’t always easy, but it was a very fruitful experience and gave me a chance to grow in the Society of Jesus,” Amidon said.

He then traveled to the International Jesuit Headquarters in Rome. This gave Amidon an opportunity to see just how large the Jesuit organization is all over the world. While doing clerical work, he received the opportunity to see places and people he wouldn’t have seen otherwise.

“It was a wonderful introduction to a worldwide Society of Jesus,” Amidon said.

With all of his work around the world, Amidon said he has patience and a respect for cultures other than his.

“Contact with foreign culture helps you to appreciate where international students are coming from,” Amidon said.

Another passion of Amidon’s is translation. He has translated ancient and modern texts into a manageable and reasonable language for his readers.

He has even provided notes on the subjects to further help readers understand the text. He said translation not only helps reader, but it also teaches them.

“It is an intellectual challenge,” Amidon said.

Amidon enjoys being the Kiewit Hall chaplain. He lives on the second floor and says the students are very considerate and always busy.

“There always seems to be something going on,” Amidon said.

Just like in the residence hall, he likes to give his time to the community. He attends residence hall staff meetings, celebrates Mass and makes sure his door is open to any student who needs advice.

He said his favorite part about celebrating Mass is the togetherness.

“All of us together get a chance to receive the Lord’s goodness,” Amidon said.