Formation
Becoming a Jesuit – life-long learning
The novitiate and the First Vows are followed by a long time of formation during which it is literally a matter of growing further into the Society of Jesus and its mission with head, heart, and hand.
When you join with previous experience, whether studies or professional training, we build on it. Here we present the path that includes priestly ordination. If someone decides to become a brother, the path is individually coordinated.
Both paths, that of a brother and that of a priest, have one thing in common: a lot of variety between theory and practical phases and the accompaniment of fellow Jesuits and other companions.
Philosophical Studies
Jesuits who want to become priests start with studying philosophy, usually at the Munich School of Philosophy run by the Society of Jesus. The scholastics, as we call Jesuits at this stage of their formation, live in smaller, often international communities, and are involved in social work alongside their studies.
Regency
The regency is a kind of internship in which the aim is to get to know the work in the Jesuit Order better, to gain personal experience, and to practise how prayer and work can be brought together. Typical places of work are school and youth work (e.g., at the College of St. Blasien, in extracurricular youth work at the KSJ Hamburg or the ISG Berlin), pastoral work or a social work of the Jesuit Order (e.g. at JWL – Jesuit Worldwide Learning) – the main point is to be close to and with people. At that time, you live in an ordinary Jesuit community.
Theological Studies
Like philosophy, theology is at the service of one of our main concerns: “helping the souls” and “finding God in all things” – so it is about much more than just increasing knowledge. Theology is usually studied abroad, because that is the best way to experience the worldwide dimension of the Society of Jesus.
Ordinations
The studies are followed by the ordinations to the diaconate and to the priesthood. Though we Jesuits are already in (pastoral) service most of the time, the ordinations are particularly prepared: All candidates meet for the “Arrupe Month”, during which they intensively study what it means being a Jesuit and a priest. As in the case of diocesan priest, the ordinations are administered out by a bishop.
Pastoral Period
The pastoral period is about using our knowledge from studies and religious training in a very practical way for God and people. Whether as a university chaplain, retreat master, teacher, school chaplain, therapist, or lecturer – the main point is to be in the midst of people.
Postgraduate Studies
Postgraduate studies are a hallmark of Jesuit formation. They serve to equip us best to serve God and people, in whatever field. The exact form of postgraduate studies depends on the talents and place of service of the individual Jesuit: Some do psychological-therapeutic training, others study scientific subjects (e.g. biology or physics) , and still others receive a special training organized by the Jesuit Order. Of course, the vocation to Jesuit life also remains in view.
Tertianship
Sometimes the tertianship is also called the “second novitiate”. This year, that is spent in a foreign environment, is about growing even deeper into the vocation of being a Jesuit and following Christ. This includes practical work and another 30-day retreat. After the tertianship, Jesuits take their Final Vows and are thus “full members” of the Society of Jesus.