Andy Jaspers, S.J.

My name is Andy Jaspers, S.J., and I am a Jesuit regent teaching philosophy at Creighton University.  I am from Lake Crystal, Minnesota, and I have been a Jesuit for almost seven years.  I graduated from Mankato Loyola High School and Marquette University.  I did my First Studies of philosophy and theology in the Jesuits at Fordham University in New York.

From my youth, I sensed a call to the priesthood and a life of poverty as my most likely way to happiness.  When I attended Marquette, I volunteered at Nativity Jesuit Middle School, and was inspired by the example of Fr. Bill Johnson, S.J.  I also found Frs. John Laurance and Raymond Gawronski to be models of the priest-scholar that I felt called to be.  It was after an eight-day silent discernment retreat at the Detroit Province novitiate that I clearly heard God’s call.  When I finally put aside my busyness and activity, I found profound consolation and love in the solitude where the Lord waited to meet me.  This assured me that I would be able to live the life of a vowed religious, never lonely, since I knew that Christ was always with me.

I am daily rewarded in my ministry as a Jesuit teacher.  Our institutions permit one immediately to be in a position of leadership for spiritual formation.  I have been a part of many conversions to the Catholic faith, and have helped others deepen their faith.  If fruits in the vineyard are sparse, I find deep fulfillment in the support of my Jesuit community, especially in our shared Eucharistic celebration.  I would suggest to any young man considering any vocation to learn the basics of spiritual discernment, perhaps from a Jesuit he knows.  The rules for discernment of spirits can enable one to know God’s will in matters great and small.  God is willing to tell you His plan for you.  Are you willing to listen?

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