The journey to become a Jesuit priest or brother involves rigorous education, rigorous prayer, and thousands of hours of service. Formation lasts more than ten years and costs a minimum of $25,000 per year and includes:
Two years at the Novitiate
Three years studying philosophy and the humanities
Three years of apostolic service during regency
Two to three years of theological study
Going where the need is greatest
Jesuit life is a continual learning process. One year you may be teaching college chemistry; the next you may be missioned to serve the poor in another country. Preparation for each new assignment may require additional school, intensive language training or acquiring a new skill.
"We Are All Works in Progress" ... Tom Neitzke, SJ, reflects on what turned out to be the adventure of a lifetime ... his call to become a Jesuit priest.
He is currently finishing his studies and preparing for his ordination as a priest on June 11 st Gesu Church in Milwaukee.
Above: Tom Neitzke visited with a friend at a leper colony during his mission in China. Below: Listen to Tom's reflections on his journey to becoming a Jesuit priest.
Hear from Jesuits as they reflect on their call to a Jesuit vocation and its impact on their lives.
Archived articles:
Discovering Trust, Sorrow and Joy During a Summer in Northeast India- In an effort to deepend the "twinning" relationship between the Wisconsin Province and the Kohima Region, scholastics R. J. Fichtinger, SJ, Luke Hansen, SJ, Joseph Simmons, SJ and Stephen Wolfe, SJ lived and worded in Northeast Inia this past summer.(October 2009)
Three Jesuit Novices Proclaim Vows - Michael Rossmann, Tho Vu, and Benjamin Anderson proclaimed Perpetual Vows of poverty, chastity and obedience on Aug. 15th. (September 2009)
The Unseen Faces of China- Tom Neitzke, SJ, recently traveled to China with 25 other Jesuits to experience Chinese history and culture.(August 2009)
Ordination 2009- Matthew Walsh and Benjamin Osborne were ordained at Gesu Church in Milwaukee on June 12, 2009.(June 2009)
Grateful for the Fire - Thousands of students from Jesuit high schools, colleges, universities, parishes and retreat centers gathered at the Ignatian Teach-In for Justice. (February 2009)
