Stages of Jesuit Training

Noviate and First Vows:

The first two years of Jesuit formation (when a young Jesuit is called a “novice”) offers a series of “experiments” or experiences in which is formal incorporation into the body of the Society of Jesus begins.  Novices live and study in community, go on pilgrimages, work among the poor, teach catechism, study the life and writings of St Ignatius of Loyola and other foundational documents.  These experiences introduce him Jesuit life. Key to this time is the 30-day silent retreat, based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, which leads a novice into an encounter with God who calls him.

After two years, a novice applies for his first vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.  After pronouncing these vows, he becomes a Jesuit scholastic (continuing to prepare for ministerial priesthood) or a Jesuit brother. Read more

First Studies:

After a Jesuit pronounces his first vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, he moves out of the Novitiate to a house of studies.  These years of studies in philosophy and theology invite the young Jesuit to integrate his spiritual and intellectual life; to see, through careful study of culture and history of ideas, the workings of God. Often during this time, Jesuits earn advanced degrees in philosophy or other disciplines. 

In the United States, there are three Jesuit First Studies programs: at St. Louis University (www.slu.edu), Loyola University -Chicago (www.luc.edu), and Fordham University in New York City (www.fordham.edu/ciszek/index.html). Read more

Regency:

Following First Studies, a Jesuit in training will often be missioned to an apostolic assignment to serve for several years in a ministry of the Society. In high schools and universities, in parishes or in other works, the young Jesuit gains experience and skills for later ministry, and for those preparing for ordination, also deepening his own call to priesthood.

Theology and Ordination:

Coming out of his Regency work, the Jesuit Scholastic returns to studies to prepare directly for priestly ordination.  Earning a Master of Divinity (M. Div.) degree and possibly another degree, the Jesuits usually spend three years before priestly ordination in one of the theology schools  sponsored by the Society of Jesus.  Jesuit Brothers will often complete a one or two year degree program in theology or religious education at this time.

In the U.S. there are two theological centers for Jesuits in training:
1. Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, California (www.jstb.edu) and
2. the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry near Boston, Massachusetts (www.bc.edu/schools/stm). Both schools welcome U.S. Jesuits and other students from all parts of the world. Read more

Tertianship:

Tertianship refers to the period of preparation for final vows in the Society of Jesus. The Provincial usually invites Jesuits to begin tertianship three to five years after ordination or graduate studies.  During this time (usually six months to a year) the Jesuit studies the foundational documents of the Society of Jesus, makes the 30-day silent retreat, based on the Spiritual Exercises, and spends time in active ministry working for the poor.  After the tertianship period, the Jesuit is invited to pronounce final vows.  These vows include a renewal of his vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, as well as other promises (e.g. not to seek advancement or authority in the Society of Jesus). Most will pronounce a special vow of obedience to the Pope regarding availability for missions.