1. Where are you currently missioned and how’s it going?

My apostolic work is to teach religion classes to 7th and 8th graders at Saint Andrew Nativity School. The 7th graders study the Gospels and the person of Jesus and the 8th graders learn the history of the Church through the lens of various saints and councils. I appreciate the work that I do, although it is not always easy to see progress on a day to day basis. Looking back on the past 7 months, however, helps me to see how much the students have grown both physically, mentally, and (hopefully) spiritually. I think that I am grateful for the opportunity to work at Saint Andrew. We have a great staff of very dedicated and competent teachers, counselors, and administrators. At times it’s quite humbling, but there’s a simple grace in this work.

2. When was the first time you thought about being a Jesuit?

I think that off and on throughout my childhood and adolescence I thought about being in religious life. I didn’t really consider the Society until I was in college toward the end of my senior year. I had tremendous respect for the professors that I had at Gonzaga, especially Bob Egan, SJ. I also learned a lot from the parish, St. Aloysius during the Novena of Grace. In addition, I learned about the Jesuit Martyrs of El Salvador in several of my classes. I think that at the time I had a romantic idea about working in Latin America as the Salvadoran Jesuits had done.

3. How have your friendships changed or stayed the same since you entered the Portland novitiate?

The most meaningful relationships I had with friends from college have changed as friendships often do. It seems to be a natural progression. As my friends are no longer single and I have my own commitments, we do not see each other as often as we did in the past, but we still talk or email quite often. I’m thankful for access to a cell phone. The friendships that I’ve made in the Society take a little more conscious effort to stay in contact, since all of us are in transition frequently and live in various time zones.

4. Is there a particular author, artist, musician, etc. that has resonated with you in these years?

M. Scott Peck’s The Road Less Traveled and the author David Richo offered me a lot of insight into adulthood and growing up in the Society. Because I entered out of college, and for other reasons, I’ve found the insights of these authors helpful as I continue to grow on the journey.

5. What’s the biggest surprise so far?

God’s grace. I know that as Christians we claim to be aware God’s grace, but I wasn’t really aware of the reality of it until I entered the novitiate and lived with others within whom I could see God at work. I also saw God at work in myself. The trend continues. At times I experience periods of real frustration and of real consolation, and I’ve experienced peace, which is a real gift.

6. Is there anything you would want to tell a man considering the Jesuits?

Be aware of your deep desires and be willing to share them with a Spiritual Director. Dig deep and trust that God works through our humanness and not in spite of it. Allow yourself to grieve and let go of things that hold you back and embrace whatever graces God is offering you. Really discern (with someone you trust) what action to take before deciding to take it. Let go and let God.

(Since this was first posted, Matthew has gone on to theology studies in Berkeley, CA and will soon be ordained a deacon.)