Myth 1: You need to be exceptionally gifted academically to become a Jesuit.
Reality: You need to have a certain level of academic competence in studies to not just persevere through but benefit from Jesuit formation. Academic degrees are not ends in themselves but rather a demonstration that you are able to understand the world and others with breadth and depth, all of which will help you in the long run to serve both the Lord and your neighbours as a Jesuit.
Myth 2: All Jesuits are trained to become teachers.
Reality: Most Jesuits are put in positions to teach while they are in formation, in a stage called regency, right before they go into theological studies. The point of regency, though, is not to simply make a Jesuit into a teacher as a kind of occupational training. Teaching is a great way for a young Jesuit to learn many valuable skills like being prepared and organised; being a clear communicator; working with others in a team; and above all, developing a relationship of trust with the students, so that they become more open to being formed into men and women for others.
Myth 3: The Society of Jesus only values intellectual or academic work.
Reality: There will always be room in the Society of Jesus for someone who loves the Lord and who wants to follow Jesus and imitate his life in and through the Jesuit way of life. There are many ways to serve (arts, pastoral works, social justice, spiritual direction, etc.), so long as they are deemed to “fit” within the mission of the Society of Jesus.
Myth 4: Jesuits can choose their ministry based only on personal preference.
Reality: The Jesuit Provincial Superior is the one who missions Jesuits, and he will consider both the individual talents as well as the objective needs of the Church and the Society of Jesus. If ever someone is insistent on only doing the things that he likes as his ministry, then he will be challenged by the Jesuit way of life: Are you willing to adapt, to learn and, most importantly, to be missioned?
Myth 5: Being a Jesuit is mainly about one’s ministry.
Reality: When we make ourselves completely available to be of service, the Lord — through the Society of Jesus — makes use of every gift and talent that we have, some of which we may not even know about just yet!
Ultimately, the life of a Jesuit is not simply about what we do, because our actions are both inspired and governed by our Jesuit charism: To follow Jesus, to imitate Jesus and to avail ourselves to be missioned.
Curious about Jesuit life? Learn more at BeAJesuit.org.
