JESUIT FORMATION
The Journey of a Jesuit: Stages of Formation
Becoming a Jesuit is a lengthy and immersive process, encompassing several distinct stages that can span over 15 years. Each stage focuses on developing specific aspects of a Jesuit's life, fostering their spiritual growth, intellectual foundation, and practical skills for serving the Church and the world.
The Novitiate (2 years)
This initial stage serves as an introduction to the Jesuit way of life and is exactly the same for prospective Brothers & Priests. Novices live in a dedicated community under the direction of a Novice Master. In the Novitiate they will deepen their prayer lives (in particular, in engaging with the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius for a month’s long retreat), then study the Society's history, spirituality and constitutions, and will be missioned to various short-term apostolic works in hospitals, among refugee groups, parishes etc… This first two years allows the Novice to further discern and confirm his calling from God. At the end of the two years, if the calling seems to genuine, the Novice is invited to formally take the religious vows of Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience, and commit himself to life in the Society of Jesus.
First Studies (3 years)
Depending on which studies have been done before the Novitiate, the Jesuits will often be sent for further studies. Jesuit scholastics (those preparing for priesthood) will typically pursue a degree in philosophy or a related field, while Jesuit brothers will do some studies in theology and spirituality, they might also enhance their skills in areas such as finance, ecology, education etc… developing their critical thinking and intellectual abilities while continuing their spiritual development.
Regency (2 years)
This stage marks a shift towards practical experience. Jesuits engage in full-time ministry, often teaching in schools or universities or working full-time in a social project, or a parish or a retreat centre. This allows him to test himself over an extended period in a demanding apostolate, connect with diverse communities, and work alongside other formed Jesuits and co-workers in frontline ministries.
Theology Studies (4 years)
Following Regency, scholastics return to academic life, undertaking in-depth theological studies. This phase equips them with the necessary knowledge and understanding of scripture, theology, sacraments and pastoral training to prepare them for ministry as priests.
Ordination
After completing their theological studies, scholastics are invited to ordination when they become Catholic priests, at the service of the Church.
Ministry (3 or 4 years)
Following ordination, new priests are often missioned to work utilising their priestly skills in different apostolates. Some might be sent for further post-graduate studies for future missions that have been planned by the Province.
Tertianship (1 year)
This final stage of Jesuit formation is a year which is very similar to the Novitiate, acting as a ‘book-end’ to the Jesuit programme of formation. It is often done in a mixed international setting, where Priests & Brothers come together under a Tertian Master and repeat the Spiritual Exercises, study the Constitutions and are sent-out on short, apostolic ministries. For St Ignatius this period of formation is not academic in nature: he calls it the schola affectus… ‘the school of the heart’.
Final Vows
A number of years after Tertianship the Jesuit will be invited to take Final Vows, at which point the individual Jesuit and the Society of Jesus permanently commit to each other in the service of Christ’s Church under the banner of the Cross.
The Journey of a Jesuit: Stages of Formation
Becoming a Jesuit is a lengthy and immersive process, encompassing several distinct stages that can span over 15 years. Each stage focuses on developing specific aspects of a Jesuit's life, fostering their spiritual growth, intellectual foundation, and practical skills for serving the Church and the world.
The Novitiate (2 years)
This initial stage serves as an introduction to the Jesuit way of life and is exactly the same for prospective Brothers & Priests. Novices live in a dedicated community under the direction of a Novice Master. In the Novitiate they will deepen their prayer lives (in particular, in engaging with the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius for a month’s long retreat), then study the Society's history, spirituality and constitutions, and will be missioned to various short-term apostolic works in hospitals, among refugee groups, parishes etc… This first two years allows the Novice to further discern and confirm his calling from God. At the end of the two years, if the calling seems to genuine, the Novice is invited to formally take the religious vows of Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience, and commit himself to life in the Society of Jesus.
First Studies (3 years)
Depending on which studies have been done before the Novitiate, the Jesuits will often be sent for further studies. Jesuit scholastics (those preparing for priesthood) will typically pursue a degree in philosophy or a related field, while Jesuit brothers will do some studies in theology and spirituality, they might also enhance their skills in areas such as finance, ecology, education etc… developing their critical thinking and intellectual abilities while continuing their spiritual development.
Regency (2 years)
This stage marks a shift towards practical experience. Jesuits engage in full-time ministry, often teaching in schools or universities or working full-time in a social project, or a parish or a retreat centre. This allows him to test himself over an extended period in a demanding apostolate, connect with diverse communities, and work alongside other formed Jesuits and co-workers in frontline ministries.
Theology Studies (4 years)
Following Regency, scholastics return to academic life, undertaking in-depth theological studies. This phase equips them with the necessary knowledge and understanding of scripture, theology, sacraments and pastoral training to prepare them for ministry as priests.
Ordination
After completing their theological studies, scholastics are invited to ordination when they become Catholic priests, at the service of the Church.
Ministry (3 or 4 years)
Following ordination, new priests are often missioned to work utilising their priestly skills in different apostolates. Some might be sent for further post-graduate studies for future missions that have been planned by the Province.
Tertianship (1 year)
This final stage of Jesuit formation is a year which is very similar to the Novitiate, acting as a ‘book-end’ to the Jesuit programme of formation. It is often done in a mixed international setting, where Priests & Brothers come together under a Tertian Master and repeat the Spiritual Exercises, study the Constitutions and are sent-out on short, apostolic ministries. For St Ignatius this period of formation is not academic in nature: he calls it the schola affectus… ‘the school of the heart’.
Final Vows
A number of years after Tertianship the Jesuit will be invited to take Final Vows, at which point the individual Jesuit and the Society of Jesus permanently commit to each other in the service of Christ’s Church under the banner of the Cross.
