Dear Friends,

This time of year is always filled with joy as we celebrate ordinations. Of the 27 Jesuits ordained this summer across the United States, Canada, and Haiti, five are from our Midwest Province. In this issue you will learn more about four of these remarkable men—a physician, a lawyer, a paramedic, and an MBA graduate—who were ordained together on June 9 at Church of the Gesu in Milwaukee. In the fall, we will cover the ordination of Andrij Hlabse, SJ, a Ukrainian Greek Catholic who was ordained July 15 according to the Byzantine Rite at St. Josaphat in Parma, Ohio.

We give thanks for our Jesuit jubilarians, especially our four golden jubilarians who offer wonderful (and brief) reflections on their 50 years of ministry. We also remember our Jesuits who have gone home to God with special tributes to two giants of Ignatian spirituality: Fr. Howard Gray, SJ, and Fr. Richard “Dick” Hauser, SJ.

As you will see from our news, Jesuit reflections, and upcoming events, the Midwest Province has many reasons to give thanks—to God and to you, our companions in ministry. We currently have 75 Jesuits in formation, and this August we will welcome the new class of novices as our second-year novices take their first vows and move into first studies. Please join me in praying for these Jesuits who are taking the next steps in response to God’s call.

(From left to right) Newly ordained Jesuit Frs. Tho Vu and Kyle Shinseki, Most Rev. David Ricken, bishop of the Diocese of Green Bay, Wis.; Fr. Brian Paulson, SJ, provincial of the Midwest Province; newly ordained Jesuit Frs. Nathaniel Romano and Kevin Embach.

We also give thanks to the many benefactors and friends who have helped our $25 million With Others. For Others. Campaign for Senior Jesuit Healthcare cross the $11 million mark. To learn more about this essential campaign to ensure necessary healthcare for today’s historically high number of senior Jesuits and for generations to come, please visit www.WithOthersForOthers.org. With your help, we can reach our goal and honor Jesuits who have meant so much to so many.  

As we enter the second year in the life of the new USA Midwest Province, I am filled with gratitude for the powerful difference we are making throughout the region and the world. With your help, we are able to recruit and form Jesuits for an amazing array of ministries, care for our senior Jesuits who have given their all for the Lord, support our international missions, meet the needs of our operating budget, and serve wherever the needs are greatest. It cannot be said enough—thank you!

Sincerely yours in Christ, 
 
Brian G. Paulson, SJ 
Provincial, USA Midwest Province

Return to the Jesuits Magazine Summer 2018 Magazine Index