Search
Close this search box.

Dear Friends,

What is service, and what is work?

One of this issue’s writers, Jacob Zelinski, reflects on this question. He concludes that if we participate in an activity (in this case, a “job”) with gratitude, and if we do so for the greater glory of God, our activity is both work and service. In Jacob’s words, “Our work is our service, and our service is our work.” I invite you to read more of his thoughts on pages 16-17.The founder of the Jesuits would no doubt be pleased with that assessment. As St. Ignatius of Loyola reminds us in the Spiritual Exercises, Christ calls us to follow him, and the most effective work happens when we allow God to act through us.

Throughout this magazine, you will find stories of people who are answering Christ’s invitation to join Him in healing the world—people like:

  • Dr. Bill Ahrens, a pediatrician and emergency medicine physician who co-founded and works at the Mayan Health Initiative in Guatemala (page 5).
  • Fr. Michael Flecky, SJ, a professor of fine arts at Creighton University, whose art is “a form of service” (pages 8-9).
  • Joyce Tibbitts, who coordinates ministries on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, and reminds us that “Ignatius taught us that we need to see God in all things” (pages 18-19).

Continue Reading Fr. Paulson’s Letter

COVER STORY

Special Report: Ignatian Innovation

The Jesuits opened the first Cristo Rey high school in Chicago in 1996, a model that has since grown to include 37 schools, all of which help to transform the lives of students in urban America.

ON THE COVER
Cristo Rey Jesuit High School Milwaukee graduated its first class of seniors on May 31 at Church of the Gesu.
Photo: Jennifer Mazza

News

JRS Marks 40 Years of Accompanying Refugees, A North American Cardinal, New Seminars in Ignatian Formation, and more!

Jesuit Connections

Klaire Mathews has gained knowledge and heart for humanity from her involvement with the Jesuits.

The Gift of Time

Dr. Bill Ahrens co-founded the Mayan Health Initiative and works in Guatemala full-time in his retirement.

Vocations

Meet the 2019 Novices

Arts and Culture

Fr. Michael Flecky sees where art and spirituality intersect. – By Michael Austin

A Heart on Fire

The Truth Concerning God – By Pierce Gibson, SJ

A Jesuit’s Journey

“Out of the Blue” – Fr. John Mace, SJ

Living the Magis

A Privilege to Serve – By Jacob Zelinski

Jesuit Parishes

Parishes such as Holy Rosary Mission serve as “destinations of faith.”

We Give Thanks

In Memoriam Fall/Winter 2019

Social and International

Breaking Out of the Tomb of Racism
By Billy Critchley-Menor, SJ

Assignments

Jesuits on the Move

Spirituality

Following St. Ignatius to Follow Jesus
By Fr. Brian Paulson, SJ