Jesuit Novitiate of the Midwest USA

09/08/2026

The novices had a wonderful day of community today, holding the Second Annual Novitiate Labor Day Pickleball Tournament (congrats to our champions Grant and Ryan!) and ending with a delicious pulled pork feast. Please pray for us as we begin our fall ministries and classes!

09/01/2026

To celebrate the ending of "First Probation", the first two weeks of a new Jesuit novice's formation, we took a trip to the great Minnesota State Fair! From endless milk and a bucket of cookies to apple fries to cheese curds to baklava, we enjoyed bonding in community ahead of starting our Fall ministries and classes!

08/18/2026

Please join us in welcoming Ryan, Brian, Will, Joe, Adam, Jack, Christian, and Antony to our novitiate!

During these weeks of "first probation," they settle into the rhythms of the novitiate while growing in community together and continuing their exploration of the Jesuit vocation.

08/14/2026

07/16/2026

Over the past month in Peru and Ecuador, our novices immersed themselves in Latin American culture, gained practical experience in the Spanish language, and built new relationships with brothers in the global Society, all while participating in a rigorous schedule of ministry. Highlights included assisting with English classes, teaching at mountain schools, organizing school libraries, serving at masses and street processions, and much more.

06/19/2026

Con mucha alegría damos la bienvenida al Hno. Ralph Cordero SJ, a cinco novicios de las provincia jesuita de UMI (Midwest Jesuits) y a uno de la provincia jesuita de Canadá (Jesuits of Canada). Durante su estancia en el Perú, estudiarán español y tendrán la oportunidad de conocer nuestra Provincia, fortaleciendo los lazos de formación, fraternidad e interculturalidad.

06/16/2026

Recap #3: Pilgrimage Experiment

Following the tradition of St. Ignatius, the first-year novices headed out for a 30-day pilgrimage, given $30, a one-way bus ticket, and the mission of relying on God's providence and the generosity of God's people before returning to the novitiate. Novices could be found anywhere from Monterey to Manhattan, and from Montreal to El Paso!

06/09/2026

Recap #2: Hospital Experiment

After the Spiritual Exercises, the first-year novices headed out on a six-week experience caring for elder Jesuits in both body and spirit. As nurse aids, musicians, poker players, and conversation partners, novices had the opportunity both to serve and to learn from their older brothers.

06/02/2026

Our novices have been busy since last you saw them! Join us for the next few weeks as we recap the journeys they've taken over the past six months.

Recap #1: Spiritual Exercises

After the second-year novices left for their Long Experiment assignments across the country, the first-years began their 30-day retreat following the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Here's what a few novices said about their experience:

Jacob: "The silence of the Exercises allowed me to move beyond boredom in stillness and instead see how God speaks to me there."

Matt: "The Exercises led to a deeper understanding of Jesus's desire to walk with me in friendship."