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Who are the Jesuits?
The Jesuits are one of the largest religious orders in
the Catholic Church. The Society of Jesus was founded
in 1540 by St. Ignatius Loyola, a Basque nobleman and
soldier, who found God in all things. Today there are
over 20,000 Jesuits serving the Church in 112 nations
on six continents. more...
Where do Jesuits work?
From the beginning Jesuits have been missionaries, teachers,
spiritual directors, scholars, carpenters, doctors
and administrators. Jesuits go where the needs of the
Church are the greatest, caring for the people of God
and spreading the message of Christ's salvation to
those who do not know him. more...
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How long does it take to
become a Jesuit?
A man becomes a Jesuit when he professes vows after two
years of novitiate. The formation program to become
a priest in the Society takes 11 years from the date
of entrance to the date of ordination. The formation
of a Jesuit Brother is a bit more individualized. more...
What are the entrance requirements?
A man who feels called to enter the Jesuits must also
be free to respond to that call. He must be a Roman
Catholic for at least three years, and have the ability
to complete advanced academic studies. He must be free
from any attachments or obligations. more...
If I don't
live in the Maryland, New England or New York Provinces,
can I still consider entering the novitiate there?
Jesuit Provinces are not religious communities that are
independent of other Jesuit Provinces. Rather the Jesuits
are one international religious order. Because of this,
men typically discern with the Jesuits nearest to them,
even though they may eventually enter any Province novitiate
in the world. We encourage men who are interested in
the Maryland, New England and New York Provinces to contact
us, and we will help facilitate discernment opportunities
within the man's local area. more...
Are there age restrictions?
Typically, we do not accept anyone for admission to priestly
ordination who is past the age of 40. The formation
of a Jesuit brother, though considerably more flexible,
requires that a man be no older than 50. more...
What is the formation
process?
Formation is the process of becoming a Jesuit priest
or brother, from an initial inquiry to the profession
of final vows. The fundamental thrust of our formation
is to prepare priests and brothers who are well educated,
with skills to minister in a diverse and ever changing
environment. more...
What is the
application process and when does it begin?
After a period of reflection and conversation, the Jesuits
may invite a man to join in a formal discernment program
entitled, the Jesuit
Candidates. After an appropriate period of discernment
with the Candidates, a man may elect to apply for admission
into the Novitiate. more...
What is
spiritual direction?
Spiritual Direction is the help that one person gives
another to enable him or her to become more conscious
of how God is working in his or her life and how he or
she may become more responsive to God. more...
Can I become
a Jesuit if I have had some sexual experience?
Most dioceses and religious orders will ask that a candidate
live intentional celibacy for two years before accepting
a candidate into formation. We are looking for men who
are sexually integrated and who view their sexuality
as a gift of God. We want men who can enter into healthy
relationships of celibate love.
Can I become a
Jesuit if I am married or divorced?
Men who apply for admission into the Jesuit novitiate
must be free to make that election. Married life implies
a commitment that would limit a man's freedom to enter
religious life. Divorced men must be in possession of
a canonical Declaration of Nullity (an annulment) for
at least three years before they may apply to the Jesuits.
Also, an applicant who has children who are still minors
or who depend on the applicant financially is not free
to enter religious life.
Can I become
a Jesuit if I have recently converted to Catholicism?
New relationships take time. Faith is ultimately a relationship
with God and a community, and it also needs time to become
an integrated part of a person's identity. Therefore,
we ask recent converts to wait three years before they
are admitted into the Society of Jesus.
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Where do
Jesuits live?
Jesuits generally live in community where there is a
superior chosen by our Superior General to lead the house.
On occasion, because of apostolic necessity, a Jesuit
may receive permission to live in a diocesan rectory,
or by himself. more...
Do Jesuits
wear a habit?
From our foundation Jesuits have always worn the garb
of "a priest in good standing," and
we do not have a distinctive religious habit.
Do
Jesuits pray the Divine Office in common?
Saint Ignatius believed Jesuits were to be men on mission,
contemplatives in action. Therefore, Jesuits pray the
Divine Office privately and observe a rhythm of personal
prayer, which includes the Ignatian Examen, and forms
of Ignatian contemplation and meditation. more...
What
is the difference between a diocesan priest and a Jesuit
priest?
A diocesan priest commits himself to a specific geographical
location and promises obedience to the bishop
of the (arch)diocese. A priest who belongs to an
order, like the Jesuits, commits himself to the special
charism of the Religious Order. more...
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What should I know about the vows of poverty, chastity
and obedience?
St. Ignatius of Loyola imagined religious life in non-conventional
terms. His monastery was the world; his prayer, to find
God in all things; his work, whatever helped people.
In this setting, the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience
become instruments to enable Jesuits to do the work of
God's realm. more...
What is the difference between vows and Holy Orders?
Holy Orders is a sacrament in which a priest is called
forth from a community and is ordained by a bishop.
A religious takes vows publicly in the presence of
his or her Superiors. Both commitments are perpetual
commitments.
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