Dear Friends,
I am pleased to announce that the USA East Province of the Society of Jesus is embarking on a two-year Apostolic Planning Process. During my time as provincial, I have become acutely aware of the vastness and complexity of our new province. I have been greatly consoled by the outstanding apostolic vitality of our Jesuit institutions and the ministry of individual Jesuits and lay colleagues. As many of you know, the Jesuit mission over the next decade is guided by four Universal Apostolic Preferences: Showing the way to God through the Spiritual Exercises and the practice of discernment; Walking with the poor, the outcasts of the world, and those whose dignity has been violated, in the mission of reconciliation and justice; Walking together with young people, to build a hope-filled future; Working together to care for the earth, our common home.
To affirm our mission and live these Preferences more effectively, this process will bring Jesuits and colleagues together in spiritual conversation and communal discernment directed toward the development of a Province Apostolic Plan. Discernment, collaboration, and networking are at the heart of our Jesuit way of proceeding. We will carefully analyze the contexts in which we labor and listen attentively to people closest to the lived reality of our apostolates and communities so that we may emerge poised and ready to better serve the Church, the people of God, and those on the margins.
As we embark on this new chapter for Jesuits USA East, please pray that we move forward with the wisdom and boldness of our beloved founder, St. Ignatius Loyola.
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Joseph M. O’Keefe, S.J.
Provincial
