Do Jesuits get to choose in which field they get their academic degrees during their formation? And if they don't, then how does it work?

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Theemonk

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I’m particularly interested in Jesuit lay brothers since I don’t have a vocation for the priesthood.
I remember reading on a Jesuit website that lay brothers are allocated a job based on the need of the society and province at that time. Does that mean that during your formation it would go something along the lines of your superiors coming to the conclusion that they need an archivist let’s say and that you would be suitable for it and therefore you get enrolled on a bachelor’s degree in archival studies??
 
Based on what I’ve heard from my Jesuit friend, pretty much everyone gets a degree in philosophy, whether they’re planning on the priesthood or not. Further discussions take place between the Jesuit and his provincial in determining the intersection of what the Society needs and where someone’s interests and talents are.
 
The Jesuit brothers I met over the course of my education seemed particularly matched to their talents and passions . . . whether in the library, running the “co-op” (student store), the chemist working on the wines . . .

hawk
 
Jesuits have a strong history of discernment, of listening to hear how God is working in their lives. This applies to both the individual and to the superior. In most cases then, it is their judgment of what God is calling the individual and the society to.

That said, obedience is also strong in these. If a superior says something is black, it is black. Still, it is said in fidelity to their discernment of God’s will.
 
One of the Jesuits I know, asked if he could learn another language than the language that was suggested during the last part of the formation. It was accepted as he already knew the language his group was planned to learn. It would be a waste of time to take beginner classes when he already speaks it well.
 
My goodness, aren’t we sarcastic.
Of course I would end up making a few phone calls if I were to decide on the Jesuits but in the mean time I wanted to discuss this with other people the way friends talk about things…plus this forum is called The Catholic ANSWER Forum, remember?
You might as well post that sarcastic little comment on all the threads in the vocation category.
 
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Theemonk said:
In what context did you meet them?
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For years each of high school and college.

In then80s ninhigh school, it was unusual to not have at least one class with aa Jesuit any given semester in high school.
 
I don’t feel commentstor’s reply to me was sarcastic at all. I agree with it. In reading the replies, not one is giving you a definitive answer.
In Australia there is a Jesuit run school and seminary that is very accessible for young men who wish to discuss potential Vocations. I am sure it’s the same everywhere. If not, email the Australian one and ask. The Phillipines turns out some great Jesuits too.

Their Jesuits in formation come to Aus at certain times to complete training. It is desired they all get educated to PH.D. level. The last Jesuit in training we had at my Diocese was here to complete his missions. He was already a priest. However to become a Jesuit involves more.

And this is why you really should be approaching them directly.
 
I really wasn’t being sarcastic, nor serious, just joking around. I concede it wasn’t that great a joke, but we live in grim times, we should take ourselves lightly now and then.

I will pray for the vocation discernment, far more important than my little comment.
🙂
 
THe monk we say this a bit on CAF when no one here can give a definitive answer. I am sure it was dry humour.
On a serious note, do you want to be educated to Ph.D level? The Jesuits are a great organisation to realise that if you do.

Please contact the Australian Seminary or College and fire some questions at them. It does not beholden you.
 
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