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

I am currently missioned to the first studies program at St. Louis University. It’s going well. I finished the de universo (the philosophy capstone project) this semester and I will be here for one more year of history and theology courses. When I’m not studying I get to tutor at a juvenile detention center, volunteer at a Catholic Worker house here in town, and teach a catechism class for high schoolers at a Jesuit parish.

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

I was at Bellarmine Prep in Tacoma where I met Frs. Dan Weber, Jerry Chapdelaine, Fred Mayovsky – and Paul Grubb and Craig Hightower my senior year. Paul was a novice on his long experiment, Craig was in regency. I watched them teach, preach and relate with others with lots of grace and their lifestyle started to attract me. They helped me imagine that I could be a Jesuit. And God’s sustaining love definitely plays a role in all this.

3. How have your friendships changed or stayed the same since you were ordained to the priesthood?

Some of the friendships I had before I entered the novitiate have actually deepened. Sometimes it can be sort of a balancing act, trying to be present to the people in my life here in St. Louis while working to maintainpast relationships. I feel supported and I know that these folks are praying for me too.

4. Is there a particular author, artist, musician, etc. that has resonated with you during these years of religious life?

I read Blessed Peter Favre’s Memoriale for the first time in the novitiate and was inspired by his honesty about his struggles and his deep yearning for holiness.

5. What’s the biggest surprise so far?

One of the things that attracted me to the Society of Jesus was the fact that the Jesuits I knew were down-to-earth, fairly normal guys. That being said, now that I’m a Jesuit, I’m surprised by how truly counter-cultural our daily living of the vows can be – in ways that have the potential to inspire and give hope to others.

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

There is much daily-lived grace to be found in the quality of the men given to us Jesuits as companions. Other Jesuits support me, teach me, and challenge me. But that’s just the beginning because each day we get to go out and utilize the unique gifts God has given each of us to help bring ourselves and others into deeper encounters with Christ. I have much to be thankful for in this life.

(Matthew is currently a regent, teaching at Bellarmine Prep in Tacoma, WA.)