Since some readers have asked about whether or not I am a priest, I would like to make clear that I am not. I am also not a "brother," since there are some Jesuits who take vows only as brothers and do not feel called to becoming priests. I, however, do hope to become a priest. I'm also just happy to be a vowed Jesuit.
This can be confusing, but let me explain. St. Ignatius wanted Jesuits to take lifelong vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience long before they were priests. The usual program of Jesuit formation for those preparing to be priests is this:
Novitiate: 2 years of prayer, community living, service, etc., discerning whether to take vows
First Vows: a definitive commitment to living the rest of one's life as a Jesuit
First Studies: 3 years of studying mostly philosophy and some theology
Regency: 3 years of full-time work in a Jesuit ministry, often at a high school
Theology: 3 more years of theology in order to finish a Master's of Divinity
Ordination: becoming a priest
So, why am I dressed like a "priest"? In the photos you will see me wearing a "priestly" clerical suit. In fact, seminarians and religious are able to wear these before becoming priests, as a visible witness to their future commitment (so long as they never "impersonate" a priest).
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