Roc O'Connor, SJ

Jesuit Father Roc O'Connor has been a member of the Society of Jesus since 1967, entering the Wisconsin Province from his home in Omaha, Nebraska. For more than 25 years he has planned, performed and written liturgical music.

He has a bachelor's degree from St. Louis University, earned a master of divinity and master of sacred theology from the Jesuit School of Theology and received a licentiate in sacred theology from Weston Jesuit School of Theology. He also holds a master's in liturgical studies from The Catholic University of America.

His pastoral experience includes working in various capacities at St. Madeleine Sophie Parish in Bellevue, Washington; Ss. Peter and Paul in Mankato, Minnesota; Gesu Church in Milwaukee; Jesuit Novitiate and St. Luke's Church in St. Paul, Minnesota; St. Ann parish in Boston; Macalester College; and Immaculate Heart of Mary church in St. Paul.

His work has appeared in many publications, including Liturgical Ministry, Crossroads, and Pastoral Music. He has two solo collections, Rise Up in Splendor and Behold the Glory of God.

For many years, Roc was a part of the St. Louis Jesuits. Along with the other members, he received Grammy nominations in 1976, 1977, 1978 and 1980. The St. Louis Jesuits all hold honorary doctorates from the University of Scranton and Creighton University.

He currently divides his time between teaching theology and liturgy at Creighton and serving as co-director of liturgy for St. John Catholic Church and the campus ministry at Creighton. Beginning in August 2007, he will serve as rector of the Creighton University Jesuit Community for the next six years.