Patrick N. Couture, SJ, 34, grew up in Quincy, Washington. He attended Quincy High School, where he played golf, a pursuit he still enjoys. In 2000, Couture graduated from both Quincy High and Big Bend Community College in Moses Lake, Washington, as part of an accelerated program where students receive a high school diploma and an associate degree. He matriculated on to Carroll College in Helena, Montana, where he also worked part time at the Helena Regional Airport and was employed at a local brewery as an assistant to the brewmaster, utilizing his knowledge of homebrewing. In 2004, Couture earned a bachelor’s degree in English literature as well as a bachelor’s in English writing with a focus on creative writing. For the next two years, he traveled through Europe and then worked for his father’s heating and air conditioning business. While applying for graduate school, he revisited his childhood idea of becoming a priest and explored joining the Jesuits at the suggestion of a friend. Couture ultimately entered the Society of Jesus in 2007 and, as a Jesuit novice, taught as a substitute at Jesuit High School in Portland, Oregon, an experience he treasured. Missioned next to Regis College at the University of Toronto, he earned a Diploma in Philosophical Studies in 2011. Returning to Jesuit High for his next assignment, Couture taught theology, worked on retreats and served as chaplain for several sports teams. In 2013, Couture was missioned to the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University in Berkeley, California, where he earned a Master of Divinity degree while serving as a deacon at St. Ignatius Church in San Francisco. Additionally, he serves on the candidate review board for the novitiate. Following ordination, he will earn his Licentiate in Sacred Theology. Couture will celebrate his first Mass as a Jesuit priest at St. Aloysius Gonzaga Parish on the campus of Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, and will also celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving at his home parish, St. Pius X Church in Quincy. (Oregon Province)