More: DO I REALLY WANT TO BE A JESUIT?????
I have had some useful comments yesterday as to my joining the Jesuit order. Many people have suggested further research, talking to actual Jesuits, and talking to prominent Orthodox Jesuits. I have done all three. (even before starting this blog).
Let me explain further why I have started this blog/ inquiry. I hear many things about the order. One that particularly concerns me is that they are ill redeemably unorthodox/leftist as an order.
I tend to agree to some extent, but believe reform is possible, as there are many incoming orthodox and outstanding orthodox at present. My major concern is for the order itself and its wider influence in Catholicism. With the influence it has in its many universities; a renewal of that order would be particularly useful for a renewal in higher education and the wider western culture…
Please…any advice and comments our appreciated.
posted by Fitz @ 8:44 AM
11 Comments:
it concerns me that you say that the jesuits are "ill redeemably unorthodox/leftist as an order." leftist is a political term. this is not a political decision. if you have a problem with leftist ideology, run for office. if you want to serve god, then serve god's people. you can do that elsewhere, even as an attorney. if the jesuits are not a good fit for you, many orders and parishes are in great need of priest.
to me your reason for considering the jesuits seems slimey.
You said "but am informed there are only three major seminaries for Jesuits here in the U.S. (N.Y. Chicago, & California) Its really about what seminary is best. (and I’m not sure the choice is mine)"
...and you have been misinformed.
Most Jesuits in formation study philosophy (plus a little theology) at either Fordham (NY), Loyola (Chicago IL), or Saint Louis University (MO). These aren't really seminaries, although many of the classes Jesuits take will be made up of mostly diocesan seminarians, Jesuits and a few from other orders as well like the Benedictines, O.P. etc... After working through a period of regency, Jesuits in the US usually study theology at Berkeley or Weston. But there is always the opportunity to discern a different path with the Jesuit Superiors.
Christ's Peace,
Jesuit John
Oh, in case you don't already know, Berkeley is in California and Weston is in Boston.
Jesuit John.
Jesuit John
Thank you very much for the information. I knew some of this already but was not aware of St Louis University.
I already have a B.A. in Philosophy,(from a Jesuit School)and am informed that this will satisfy most of my Philosophy requirements.
However, I am cordial to the idea of refreshing my knowledge especially concerning modern philosophy and other specialized areas.
I am aware that the discernment process does precisely track (nor should it) the mere educational requirements, but am looking forward to the Theology training.
I greatly appreciate your advice and hope you will offer more in the future.
PS. Jesuit John (are you a Jesuit)
anonymous 9:37
anonymous 9:37
I hope my motivations are not "slimy"
Politics is a reality in any age, and in every vocation. It’s a fallen world. I am trying to discern the path God intended using the faculties he has given me.
would you become gay in order to reform the gay movement?
i hope not because it would be a very dishonest thing to do.
i know you will find a way to serve God, have faith in that. i have a feeling that this path you are searching for will not be found with dishonesty.
Politics may be a reality in any age, but this is too important a decision to be made on these terms. This is a sacrament, not a poll. Do you make a political statement when you partake in the Eucharist? Would you get married to make a political statement. (Which by the way is the most distastful thing to me about the push for gay marriage. marraige is a sacrament, the manifestation of God's love for us in our love for eachother, it should not be politicized.)
what if I, little liberal me, married George W Bush in a Catholic church because i was hoping to change his mind and reform society? even if i truly believe that carrying out these reforms was what God wanted me to do, don't you think that that action would make a mockery of the presence of God in my life? or maybe even make me just a little slimy?
I completely disagree with anonymous and do not find your motivation the slightest bit slimey. The Jesuits have a long and honorable tradition in the Church, and some great saints. They could use people like you. It may be hard for you - I was never a seminarian but I got a philosophy master's with an openly gay practicing homosexual who was off to Berekely, and it made ME uncomfortable - but I don't know how things are there today. Everything else in the Church is beginning to reform from the past 40 years - why not the Jesuits? May you be the first in a long line
Fitz, I can't put a face to your name, but I'm sure we've met (especially since I'm a Jesuit Novice). I have to say that your blog disturbs me a bit. Stating so publicly that you are considering a vocation to the Society; soliciting advice from people you don't even know; making plans to reform the largest order in the church. It all seems quite presumptuous to me.
Yet, I am sure that your interests and intentions a good.
Here are a few questions to ask: Am I really interested in serving God and the Church or am I more interested in serving some type of church-politics agenda? Do I want to develop a palatable relationship with the person Jesus? Do I know much about Ignatian Spirituality as it has been preserved and revived by the Society of Jesus? Am I in dialogue with the local Jesuit vocation director? Am I seeing a Jesuit spiritual director on a regular basis? When I take a real hard look at Jesuit ministry as it is –and not as I think it ought to be– can I see myself happily engaged in it in the near future? Is there within me a desire to do work that leads to greater social justice in the world? Can I imagine making a vow of obedience in the Society, trusting that whether I consider them ‘liberal’ or ‘conservative’, my religious superiors are trying to serve the same Church that I know and love? Am I open to being formed by Jesuits? Can I live with men of diverse personality, experience and opinion? Do I have a sense of humor about myself?
Just a few questions Fitz! The Society NEEDS all kinds of men. We would not be who we should be if we were all ‘bleeding heart liberals.’ (This is coming from a Black Nationalist novice with dreads who would vote in Bill Clinton for a third term if he could.) There is not one novice brother of mine, for example, that fits into anybody’s ‘liberal’ or ‘conservative’ mold. Every one of us has a deep love for the Church and above all a desire to SERVE and not be served.
Then there has to be some romance Fitz, if you can’t fall in love with the Society and its mission as it is today and not just its history, then I can’t imagine you lasting long enough to change anything.
Peace, Styles
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