25th Entrance
Father Ian Gibbons, SJ
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: 1995
First profession: 1997
Final profession: Aug. 18, 2020
Ordination: 2006
Education: Bachelor’s degree in economics, Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, 1991
Master’s in business administration in economics, Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, 1994
Master’s in American Studies, Saint Louis University, 2000
Master’s of divinity in theology, Weston Jesuit School of Theology at Boston College, 2006
Master’s in Catholic school leadership, University of San Francisco, 2010
Service in the archdiocese: Principal, Saint Louis University High School, St. Louis 2017-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Village teaching/ministry, St. John’s College (Belize), Belize City, Belize, 1996
Regent, Regis Jesuit High School, Aurora, Colorado, 2000-03
Director of pastoral ministry, Rockhurst High School, Kansas City, Missouri, 2006-12
Special assistant to the president, Strake Jesuit College Prep, Houston, Texas, 2013-14
Assistant principal, Regis High School, New York, New York, 2014-17
About Father Ian Gibbons, SJ: Saint Louis University is my fifth high school assignment. Previously, I assisted with student affairs at Regis Jesuit High School in Denver and developed English programs at the boarding school Fenyi Gyula Jezsuita in Miskolc, Hungary.
I completed seminary studies at Saint Louis University and Boston College. After ordination, I spent six years as the pastoral, service, and faculty formation director at Rockhurst High School in Kansas City. While at Rockhurst, I served as the NFL’s Catholic Chaplain for visiting football teams. I worked in advancement at a Jesuit school in Houston and as the academic dean at the only U.S. Catholic scholarship school, Regis High in New York City. Over my career, I have taught economics, history, Scripture, Church history, and business accounting. My diaconate year was at St. Paul’s Church in Cambridge, Massachusetts. I am a first-generation American. My mother is British and my older sister lives in Iceland. I have four nieces and a nephew, and I assist regularly on weekends at St. Joseph Parish in Manchester.
25th Entrance
Father Christopher Collins, SJ
Birthplace: Phoenix, Arizona
Entrance: 1995
First profession: 1997
Final profession: 2015
Ordination: 2006
Education: Bachelor’s in philosophy, University of St. Thomas, 1993
Master’s in history, Saint Louis University, 2001
Licentiate in sacred theology, Weston Jesuit School of Theology, 2006
Master of divinity, Weston Jesuit School of Theology, 2006
Doctor of sacred theology, Boston College, 2012
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher of theology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, 2012-present
Assistant to the president for mission and identity, Saint Louis University, St Louis, 2015-20
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Marquette University High School, Milwaukee Wisconsin, 2001-03
Pastoral minister, Holy Rosary Mission/Red Cloud Indian School, Pine Ridge, South Dakota, 2006-08
About Father Christopher Collins, SJ: I am immensely grateful for the number and variety of people I’ve been able to come to know, minister to and become friends with over the years thanks to the various missions given me by the Society.
50th Ordination
Father James Sebesta, SJ
Birthplace: Binghamton, New York
Entrance: 1958
First profession: 1961
Final profession: 1977
Ordination: 1970
Education: Bachelor’s in philosophy, Fordham University, 1964
Master’s in physics, Fordham University, 1965
Bachelor’s in theology, Weston Jesuit School of Theology, Weston, Massachusetts, 1970
Service in the archdiocese: Professor of aeronautics, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, 1995-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Joseph’s Preparatory School, Philadelphia, 1965-66
Teacher, Copper Valley School, Glennallen, Alaska, 1966-67
Teacher, Monroe High School, Fairbanks, Alaska, 1971-72
Pastor, St. Teresa Church, Kaltag, Alaska, 1972-75
Pastor, Little Flower of Jesus, Kaltag, Alaska, 1977-82
Alaska mission superior, St. Mary’s Catholic School, St. Mary’s, Alaska, 1984-90
Working in family life program, Brother Joe Prince Community, St. Mary’s, Alaska, 1990-91
Pastoral minister, assistant in ministry training program, St. Lawrence Church, Mountain Village, Alaska, 1991-94
About Father James Sebesta, SJ: I have been very fortunate in the assignments I have received as a Jesuit. I was particularly blessed to be able to live and work among the native people of Alaska. To have entered the lives of the people and actively worked through unique problems and celebrate the common joys as a member of their family has helped me grow as a human being. It also helped me understand how much we, different though we are, have in common at the deepest level. My years, especially among the Indian people where I served for the longest time, were most memorable.
From a very early age, I had a deep interest in aviation. Through generous people who took me under their wings, I learned to fly and became certified by the time I was 17. By the time I reached Alaska I had acquired professional certificates and was able to serve the needs of the bishop, the diocesan programs and my assigned village parishes in a land where there were no roads. When I was given a sabbatical at Saint Louis University, I was able to fit easily into the Saint Louis University Flight Sciences Program where I had close interaction with students from many foreign countries. Being involved in the student retreat program and Bridges gave me a deeper involvement in the spiritual life of the university. Now that I am getting on in years, I am grateful for all God has allowed me to do in His service.
50th Ordination
Father Jerome Neyrey, SJ
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Birthplace: New Orleans
Entrance: 1957
First profession: 1959
Final profession: 1980
Ordination: 1970
Education: Bachelor’s in philosophy, Saint Louis University, 1963
Master’s in classics, Saint Louis University, 1964
Master of divinity, Regis College, 1970
Master of theology, Regis College, 1972
Doctorate in theology, Yale University, 1977
Licentiate of sacred theology, Weston Jesuit School of Theology, 1987
Service in the archdiocese: Pastoral minister, Jesuit Hall Community at Saint Louis University, St. Louis, 2017-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Instructor of theology, Spring Hill College, Mobile, Alabama, 1971-73
Professor of theology, Weston Jesuit School of Theology, Weston, Massachusetts, 1977-92
Professor of theology, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, 1992-95, 1996-2001, 2002-07
Retreat and spiritual director, Our Lady of the Oaks Retreat House, Grand Coteau, Louisiana, 2007-14
Pastoral minister, St. Charles College, Grand Coteau, Louisiana, 2014-17
About Father Jerome Neyrey, SJ: I have always understood my priestly ministry in terms of the "Service of the Word." My ordination card showed this, a prophecy of times to come. My professional training was in New Testament Studies, which I taught for 40 years. I also brought to my weekend parish ministry a dedication to the Word. In 2007 I changed ministries, beginning to preach retreats. When this brief period closed, I became a researcher in the province archives, writing three books telling the apostolic stories of Jesuit brothers and priests, and publishing six articles on Jesuit parishes and ministries in the South. I served those who were directly serving the Word in Jesuit ministries. But the spirit that first drew me to the study of the Word returned and I was re-inspired to serve the Word with more careful research and writing on the New Testament. Although most effort was spent on the Gospel of Luke, my signature concern for the humanity of Jesus bloomed ("like us in all things") that resulted in several articles and a small book. Words about the Word became for me fields and gardens, streams and seas. My Jesuit priesthood, then, has been from the beginning until now a love for the Word in the "Service of the Word." I have two recent books: "Imagining Jesus . . . in His Own Culture" and "An Encomium for Jesus. Luke. Rhetoric, and the Story of Jesus."
50th Ordination
Father John Hunthausen, SJ
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: 1959
First profession: 1961
Final profession: 1975
Ordination: 1970
Education: Bachelor’s in accounting/business administration, Saint Louis University, 1958
Master’s in accounting/business administration, Saint Louis University, 1963
Doctorate in accounting/finance, University of Missouri, 1974
Certified professional accountant certificate, State of Missouri, 1979
Service in the archdiocese: Province consultant and province consultor, former Missouri Province Office, St. Louis, 1975-84
Administrative assistant, Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, St. Louis, 2003-05
Director of spiritual formation, Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, St. Louis, 2005-12
Pastoral minister, Jesuit Hall Community at Saint Louis University, 2012-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher of Latin and religion, Regis Jesuit High School, Denver, 1964-65
Instructor of accounting, Regis College, Denver, 1965-67
Assistant professor of accounting, 1974-79, and director of MBA program, 1979, Regis College, Denver
President, Rockhurst High School, Kansas City, Missouri, 1980-86
Treasurer, 1986-2002, and minister, 1992-2002, Collegio S.R. Bellarmino, Rome, Italy
Secretary and socius, 1988-93, and consultor, 1990-98, to Delegate for International Roman Houses, Rome, Italy
About Father John Hunthausen, SJ: One way to sum up the past 50 years as a Jesuit priest is to say that God is the God of surprises. When I entered the novitiate, I had no idea where this pilgrimage would lead me. A number of outstanding Jesuit companions fostered my vocation and many lay colleagues have been sources of inspiration on this road. My main ministries have been teaching, administration and spiritual direction. Through all these years I have received more blessings than I have been a channel of them to others. Seeing God working in and through others has been an amazing gift. Now that I am pretty much retired, my union in Christ and His Church still reaches out through prayer to others, many of whom I will never meet personally in this life. I have a profound sense of gratitude for being called to the priesthood in the Society of Jesus and from being a witness to God’s love, mercy, compassion and fidelity in my own life and in the lives of others.
50th Entrance
Father Francis William (Billy) Huete, SJ
Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana
Entrance: 1970
First profession: 1972
Final profession: 1993
Ordination: 1982
Education: Bachelor’s in philosophy/English, Spring Hill College, 1976
Bachelor’s in sacred theology, Pontifical Gregorian University, 1982
Master’s in theology, Weston Jesuit School of Theology, 1983
Diploma in educational administration, Fordham University, 1984
Service in the archdiocese: Socius, UCS Province Office, 2019-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Regency, Strake Jesuit College Preparatory, Houston, 1976-79
Principal, Strake Jesuit College Preparatory, Houston, 1984-90
Socius to master of novices, St. Charles College, Grand Coteau, Louisiana, 1991-95
Master of novices, St. Charles College, Grand Coteau, Louisiana, 1995-2008 (and rector, 1999-2005)
Rector, Dallas Jesuit Community (renamed St. Aloysius Gonzaga), Dallas, 2009-15
Teacher, Jesuit College Preparatory School, Dallas, 2009-15
Rector, Loyola Jesuit Community, New Orleans, 2015-18
Teacher of theology, Jesuit High School, New Orleans, 2015-18
About Father Francis William (Billy) Huete, SJ: I grew up in a large family as the oldest of six sons. Becoming a priest was an idea that came to me when I was a child, but it was my years as a student at Jesuit High School in New Orleans that made me decide that the Jesuits were what I wanted. My family had a history with Jesuit education and with Ignatian retreats, and there were teachers on both sides of my family. Being taught by many Jesuits inspired me to want to be a Jesuit teacher and live in community. Although I am not an extrovert, I have always liked having people around me! My years as a Jesuit have brought me much happiness and fulfillment teaching high school boys and working with the Jesuit novices as they discerned and grew in their Jesuit vocation as companions of Jesus.
50th Ordination
Father Richard Buhler, SJ
Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana
Entrance: 1957
First profession: 1959
Final profession: 1976
Ordination: 1970
Education: Bachelor’s in philosophy, Saint Louis University, 1963
Master’s in anthropology, Saint Louis University, 1964
Master’s in divinity, Saint Louis University, 1971
Doctorate in anthropology, Tulane University, 1974
Service in the archdiocese: Superior and director, White House Jesuit Retreat, St. Louis, 1999-2008
Pastor, St. Francis Xavier College Church, St. Louis, 2008-12
Rector, Jesuit Hall Community at Saint Louis University, St. Louis, 2001-17
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, St. John’s College, Belize City, Belize, 1964-67, 1972-77
President, St. John’s College, Belize City, Belize, 1977, 1984 (also consultor of mission, 1979-83)
Executive secretary, Jesuit Conference USA, Washington, D.C., 1985-89
Superior, Leonard Neale House, Washington, D.C., 1987-90
Secretary, JRS and International Ministries, Jesuit Conference USA, Washington, D.C., 1989-91
Superior and director, Sacred Heart Retreat House Jesuit Community, Sedalia, Colorado, 1991-98
Retreat director, Manresa House of Retreats, Convent, Louisiana, 2018-present
About Father Richard Buhler, SJ: An important dimension of Ignatian Spirituality is the central place of gratitude. It is a virtue that strengthens our understanding that God loves us and cares for us, and a reminder that He will always be with us. As I reflect on my 50 years of priesthood and 63 years as a Jesuit, I am overwhelmed with the realization of Jesus’ love for me and even more overwhelmed by His sharing of His priesthood with me. My priestly life has been fairly evenly divided between teaching and administrative assignments and pastoral ministries. With hindsight, I am able to say that I have never had an assignment that I wanted to leave and every new assignment opened new ways to be Jesus’ priest. My 15 years in Belize were wonderful; it was difficult to leave. My administrative jobs in Washington and at Jesuit Hall in St. Louis offered new opportunities to be a priest and I am deeply grateful for those ministries and the people I served.
My eight years at Sacred Heart Retreat House in Colorado, 10 years at White House Retreat in St. Louis and four years at St. Francis Xavier College Church all provided me opportunities for direct priestly pastoral ministries with many men and women. I pray for all of them each day! Now I am beginning my fourth year at Manresa House of Retreats in Louisiana. I am very grateful for these 50 years of priesthood.
60th Ordination
Father Joseph Tetlow, SJ
Birthplace: New Orleans
Entrance: 1947
First profession: 1949
Final profession: 1964
Ordination: 1960
Education: Bachelor’s in classics, Loyola University Chicago, 1954
Licentiate in philosophy, West Baden College/Loyola University Chicago, 1954
Master’s in English, Loyola University Chicago, 1956
Licentiate in sacred theology, St. Marys College, 1961
Master’s in American history, Brown University, 1967
Doctorate in American civilization, Brown University, 1969
Service in the archdiocese: Visiting distinguished professor of spiritual theology, Saint Louis University, 1992-96
Writer, lecturer and retreat director, Jesuit Hall Community at Saint Louis University, 2011-15
Service outside the archdiocese: Juniorate instructor, St. Charles College, Grand Coteau, Louisiana, 1961-62, 1963-65
Associate professor of history, 1969
Dean of arts and sciences, Loyola University New Orleans, 1969-73
Executive secretary, Jesuit Conference USA, Washington, D.C., 1973-75
President, Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley, Berkeley, California, 1975-77
Associate editor and literary editor, AMERICA magazine, America House Jesuit Community, New York, 1977-81
Spiritual director of seminarians and tertian director, Druhan House, New Orleans, 1981-83
Tertian director and spiritual director for clergy, Austin Diocese, Xavier House, Austin, Texas, 1983-87, 1988-91
Secretary for Ignatian Spirituality, Curia of the Society of Jesus, Rome, Italy, 1996-2004
Director, retreat and program director and superior, Montserrat Retreat House, Lake Dallas, Texas, 2004-11
Retreat director, NEW EMMAUS formation for lay retreat directors, Our Lady of the Oaks Retreat House, Grand Coteau, Louisiana, 2015-19
Writer, Montserrat Retreat House, Lake Dallas, Texas, 2020-present
About Father Joseph Tetlow, SJ: Books published, among others: "Manna for a Desert of Busyness: Advent and Lent"; "Choosing Christ in the World: Spiritual Exercises on the 18th and 19th Annotations"; "Ignatius Loyola: Spiritual Exercises"; "Always Discerning"; "Finding Christ in the World: A Twelve-Week Retreat in Daily Life." I can’t start without mentioning that I suffered through licentiates in philosophy and theology - texts, lectures and exams - all in Latin. Very old. Then Vatican II made us realize that both subjects ought to address current life. As Gustav Mahler said, "Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire." I say that it’s having the fire and passing it on. A priest who doesn’t know and love Jesus is a heap of ashes. A doctorate in American social and intellectual history made me see how big our job is, everywhere. The places I loved most were the dioceses: St. Louis, Austin and Norwich, especially. There, I was a spiritual director to other priests. I’d expected to spend my life in a university writing dry stuff that would never matter much. That had been the idea, but it got lost in a dozen cities and different jobs. Then a decade in Rome - and traveling to visit "middle-class holy" people on five continents - made me see that my concepts (and criticisms) of the Church and the world needed work. Still do. I’ve tried to get the thinking of six splendid popes and I’ve worked under truly fine bishops. But there is one thing I’m sure of: Things never were as good as they used to be. I know: I was there when they used to be. The present is always best: it’s where God stays.
60th Entrance
Father Gary Seibert, SJ
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: 1960
First profession: 1963
Final profession: 1981
Ordination: 1973
Education: Bachelor’s in classical studies, Saint Louis University, 1966
Master’s in English, Marquette University, 1969
Master’s in dogmatic and systematic theology, Saint Louis University, 1973
Master of fine arts in drama, Carnegie Mellon University, 1976
Service in the archdiocese: Associate professor of theatre and communications, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, 2002-13
Pastoral minister, Saint Louis University Health Science Campus, St. Louis, 2013-14
Pastoral minister, Jesuit Hall Community at Saint Louis University, St. Louis, 2017-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Marquette University High School, Milwaukee, 1967-70
Teacher of communication arts, Regis College, Denver, 1976-86
Staff member, America House Jesuit Community, New York, 1986-89
Publications editor, Catholic Near East Welfare Association, New York, 1989-90
Speech teacher in local colleges and pastoral minister, St. Joseph Church, New York, 1991-97
Speech teacher in local colleges and pastoral minister, Holy Cross Church, New York, 1997-2001
About Father Gary Seibert, SJ: With a background in theater, Father Seibert encourages an appreciation for the arts and theater and its role in American society.
60th Ordination
Father Eugene Renard, SJ
Birthplace: Richmond Heights
Entrance: 1947
First profession: 1949
Final profession: 1978
Ordination: 1960
Education: Bachelor’s in philosophy, Saint Louis University, 1953
Master’s in Latin, Saint Louis University, 1956
Bachelor of sacred theology, Saint Louis University, 1962
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, Saint Louis University High School, St. Louis, 1954-57
Socius to master of novices, St. Stanislaus Seminary, Florissant, Missouri, 1962-64
Minister, former Missouri Province, St. Louis, 1973-74
Director of nursing community, Regency and Grand Manor, St. Louis, 1973-79
Director of 3rd floor community, director of nursing community, Fusz Memorial at Saint Louis University, St. Louis, 1975-79
Spiritual director and support priest, White House Jesuit Retreat, St. Louis, 2006-14
Pastoral minister, Jesuit Hall Community at Saint Louis University, 2015-18
Praying for the Church and the Society, St. Louis, 2018-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Regis Jesuit High School, Denver, 1964-73
Associate pastor and pastor, Sacred Heart Parish, Denver, 1980-88, 1987
Associate pastor, St. Joseph Church, Pueblo, Colorado, 1988-89
Associate pastor, Holy Trinity Parish, Trinidad, Colorado, 1989-2006
About Father Eugene Renard, SJ: Best known in St. Louis for his time at White House Retreat, Father Renard has served in a variety of priestly ministries. From teaching to spiritual accompaniment, from parish work to caring for the sick, Father Renard has gone where God and the Society of Jesus called him. He enjoyed every bit of it and is grateful for his life as a Jesuit priest.
60th Entrance
Brother Castenzio Ferlita, SJ
Birthplace: Tampa, Florida
Entrance: 1960
First profession: 1962
Final profession: 1973
Education: Bachelor’s in physical education, Loyola University New Orleans, 1975
Service in the archdiocese: Praying for the Church and the Society, 2019-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Novice, junior brother program, St. Charles College, Grand Coteau, Louisiana, 1960-64
Assistant infirmarian, St. Charles College, Grand Coteau, Louisiana, 1964-65
Assistant athletic director, assistant prefect of discipline, Jesuit High School, New Orleans, 1965-67
Coordinator of athletic department, school infirmarian, Jesuit High School, New Orleans, 1967-71
Infirmarian, St. Charles College, Grand Coteau, Louisiana, 1971-73
Prefect of discipline, athletic trainer, Strake Jesuit College Prep, Houston, 1973-2010
Assistant athletic trainer, assistant to the alumni director, assistant to the principal, Strake Jesuit College Pre. Houston, 2010-16
Praying for the Church and the Society, St. Alphonsus Rodriguez Pavilion, Grand Coteau, Louisiana, 2016-present
About Brother Castenzio Ferlita, SJ: Brother Ferlita was an institution at Strake Jesuit College Preparatory School in Houston, where he served for more than four decades. Former students remember his caring approach to discipline, his availability and presence. He faithfully attended every funeral of a school community member and prayed daily for both the deceased and those celebrating birthdays. The school’s day of service and its gymnasium are both named in Brother Ferlita’s honor.
60th Entrance
Father Vernon Robert Heinsz, SJ
Birthplace: St. Charles, Missouri
Entrance: 1960
First profession: 1962
Final profession: 1980
Ordination: 1973
Education: Bachelor’s in classics, Saint Louis University, 1966
Master’s in English, Marquette University, 1970
Master’s in moral/pastoral theology, Saint Louis University, 1973
Doctor of Ministry, Center for Religious Development, 1984
Service in the archdiocese: Minister of the Spiritual Exercises, Jesuit Hall Community at Saint Louis University, 2019-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher of English, Regis Jesuit High School, Denver, 1967-70
Student counselor, house librarian and assistant principal, Rockhurst High School, Kansas City, Missouri, 1974-76
Acting principal, Rockhurst High School, Kansas City, Missouri, 1976-77
Teacher of religion, alumni counselor, head of library, Rockhurst High School, Kansas City, Missouri, 1977-81
Assistant to master of novices, Jesuit Novitiate, Denver, 1982-87
Teacher in the college of religion, Regis College, Denver, 1988-89
Teacher, Regional Seminary, Zimbabwe, Africa, 1989-91
Professor of religious studies, Regis University, Denver, 1991-92
Teacher of theology and assistant in pastoral care activities, Rockhurst High School, Kansas City, Missouri, 1992-95
Director of Ignatian Spirituality, St. George’s College, Zimbabwe, Africa, 1995-2001
Retreat director, Sacred Heart Retreat House Jesuit Community, Sedalia, Colorado, 2002-04
Assistant to the director, Ignatian Spirituality Program at St. Francis Xavier Parish, Kansas City, Missouri, 2004
About Father Vernon Robert Heinsz, SJ: I take a few moments to remember many blessings - more particularly, I remember many faces from my sixty years of Jesuit life. I remember:
Faces of faculty and students - in Kansas City - as I began my priestly ministry at Rockhurst High School
Faces of novices - in Denver - discerning if Christ was calling them to the Society of Jesus
Faces of fellow teachers, staff, and pupils - in Zimbabwe, Africa - at the diocesan seminary and at St George’s Jesuit College
Faces of men and women - in Kansas City - seeking to grow in their relationship with Christ through the Spiritual Exercises
Faces of my family - parents, brothers, sister, sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and spouses, grand-nieces/nephews - especially sharing celebrations, dinners, and Eucharists
Faces of fellow Jesuits - mentors, teachers, spiritual directors and fellow companions - as we shared challenges and gifts together in studies and on mission.
I have experienced this Society of Jesus - so varied in personalities and cultures, so talented and generous, so dedicated to our mission of faith and justice, so helpful when I have stumbled, and yes so flawed and graced. Many faces, many places, and many graces highlight my Jesuit years and vocation. This is the Society I have come to love, and I thank God for calling me to this life.
60th Entrance
Father John Arnold, SJ
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: 1960
First profession: 1962
Final profession: 1981
Ordination: 1973
Education: Bachelor’s in philosophy (Humanities), Saint Louis University, 1965
Master’s in educational administration, Saint Louis University, 1967
Master of divinity, Saint Louis University, 1974
Master’s in business administration, University of Chicago, 1980
Service in the archdiocese: English, Latin, Math teacher and assistant principal, De Smet Jesuit High School, St. Louis, 1967-70
Principal, De Smet Jesuit High School, 1974-77
Religion teacher, Saint Louis University High School, 1977-78
Assistant treasurer, former Missouri Province, St. Louis, 1981-88
Treasurer, former Missouri Province, St. Louis, 1988-92
Math teacher, De Smet Jesuit High School, 1992-98
President, De Smet Jesuit High School, 1998-2006
Assistant to treasurer, U.S. Central and Southern Province, 2006-18
Superior, Ignatius House Jesuit Community, St. Louis, 2011-17
Pastoral minister, Jesuit Hall Community, St. Louis, 2018
Praying for the Church and the Society, St. Louis, 2018-present
About Father John Arnold, SJ: I have had 60 joyful years as a Jesuit. I have tried to spread the joy of Christ by my life and by telling jokes (some good, some bad). Whether serving in the treasurer’s office or at De Smet Jesuit High School, I tried to show the care, love and joy of Jesus. To paraphrase the author of Macccabees, "I am bringing my own service to an end. If it was well done, that is what I wanted; if it was poorly done and mediocre, that is the best that I could do."
70th Entrance
Father Richard Vogt, SJ
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: 1950
First profession: 1952
Final profession: 1982
Ordination: 1963
Education: Bachelor’s in Spanish, Saint Louis University, 1956
Licentiate in Spanish, Saint Louis University, 1959
Master’s in Spanish and philosophy, Saint Louis University, 1960
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, Saint Louis University High School, St. Louis, 1966-76
Teacher, De Smet Jesuit High School, St. Louis, 1976-83
Associate pastor, St. Francis Xavier College Church, St. Louis, 1998-2001
Associate pastor to Spanish speaking parishioners, Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Louis, 2001-09
Pastoral minister, Casa de Salud, St. Louis, 2010-12
Pastoral minister, Jesuit Hall Community at Saint Louis University, St. Louis, 2012-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Rockhurst High School, Kansas City, Missouri, 1957-59
Teacher, Regis Jesuit High School, Aurora, Colorado, 1965-66
Associate pastor, St. Francis Xavier Parish, Kansas City, Missouri, 1984-85
Hispanic apostolate director, Rockhurst University, Kansas City, Missouri, 1985-90
Hispanic ministry, Diocese of Gary, Gary, Indiana, 1990-92
Associate pastor, Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Chicago, Illinois, 1992-98
About Father Richard Vogt, SJ: In the 60 years of his active ministry, Father Vogt has served in a variety of locations and settings, but most of his life has been devoted to teaching Spanish and serving Spanish-speaking populations. A video of him leading the Rosary in Spanish is available on the Jesuit Province YouTube channel.
70th Entrance
Father John Stacer, SJ
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: 1950
First profession: 1952
Final profession: 1968
Ordination: 1963
Education: Bachelor’s in philosophy, Spring Hill College, Mobile, Alabama, 1956
Master’s in philosophy, Spring Hill College, 1957
Licentiate in sacred theology, College of St. Albert, Louvain, Belgium, 1964
Doctorate in philosophy, Tulane University, New Orleans, 1970
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher of philosophy and theology, Loyola University New Orleans, 1964-65
Teacher of philosophy, Tulane University, New Orleans, 1967-68
Teacher of philosophy and spiritual direction, Spring Hill College, Mobile, Alabama, 1968-72
Consultor to vice provincial, Spring Hill College, Mobile, Alabama, 1970-73
Province director of collegiate academic formation, Spring Hill College, Mobile, Alabama, 1970-76
Teacher of philosophy, Loyola University New Orleans, New Orleans, 1972-73, 1978-94
Teacher of philosophy, Spring Hill College, Mobile Alabama, 1973-76, 1977-78
Dean of philosophate, teacher of philosophy, Arrupe College, Jesuit School of Philosophy and Humanities, Harare, Zimbabwe, 1994-98
Professor of philosophy, Arrupe College, Harare, Zimbabwe, 1998-2018
Praying for the Church and the Society, St. Alphonsus Pavilion, Grand Coteau, Louisiana, 2018-present
About Father John Stacer, SJ: Over 70 years of service in the Society, I’ve never been assigned back home. I’ve always looked outward to a world that was more needy than my hometown. Joining the Jesuits at age 18, I was under the ever-gracious protection of God who dreamed big for me. I settled into teaching philosophy at Loyola and at Spring Hill College, before, in the 1980s, the Lord inspired me to move out of my comfort zone. I applied to the new philosophy program at a Jesuit university at Harare, Zimbabwe. For 30 years, I worked with young Jesuits, preparing them for their own ministry and their own part of the universal Church. These days were the apogee of my service; there was so much to do. God was so present. The people of God needed so much and taught me so much. I am very grateful to God the big dreamer, to my friends and family. I am grateful, too, to the five Jesuit provincials of the New Orleans and UCS Provinces, because they let me stay in such a wonderful place for so long. To the novices who continue to listen deeply for God and God’s will for them at Grand Coteau, all I can say is "persevere!" I’m so happy that I persevered these many years. You, too, may find after decades of walking and praying with Jesuits around the world, that there is a place for you right back here when you’re 88 or 98 years old.
70th Entrance
Father Gene Martens, SJ
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: 1950
First profession: 1952
Final profession: 1970
Ordination: 1963
Education: Bachelor’s in philosophy and letters, Saint Louis University, 1956
Licentiate in philosophy, Saint Louis University, 1957
Master’s in Latin, Saint Louis University, 1960
Licentiate in sacred theology, St. Mary’s College and Saint Louis University, 1964
Certificate of higher religious education, Institut Pastorale Cathechetique, Catholic Faculty of Theology, University of Strasbourg, France, 1966
Service in the archdiocese: Assistant to the rector for Fusz Memorial Jesuit Community, St. Louis, 1984-87
Associate director, development office of the Missouri Province, 1990-99, 2000-11
Pastoral minister, Jesuit Hall Community at Saint Louis University, St. Louis, 2012-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Rockhurst High School, Kansas City, Missouri, 1957-60, 1966-76
Ministry to bishop and clergy, Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, Springfield, Missouri, 1977-84
Pastor, Holy Trinity, Marshfield, Missouri, 1983-84
Pastor/minister, Bishop’s confessor, Mount Carmel Parish, Pueblo, Colorado, 1987-90
About Father Gene Martens, SJ: I was born at St. Anthony’s Hospital in south St. Louis, baptized in St. Francis De Sales Church, attended kindergarten at former St. Engelbert’s Parish in north St. Louis and went through grade school at St. George Parish in Affton. I graduated from Saint Louis University High School in 1950 and entered the Jesuit novitiate at Florissant the same year. I am the second boy in a family of three boys and three younger sisters. During my Jesuit life, I have been blessed with travelling to or living in over 36 cities in the United States and around the world, including Paris, Lourdes, Rome, and Jerusalem. Besides St. Louis, I have lived and worked in Kansas City, Missouri, Springfield, Missouri, Marshfield Missouri, and Pueblo, Colorado. I lived in France for two years and have been in the countries of Canada, Belize, Honduras, England, Wales, Ireland, Luxembourg, Belgium, Holland, Spain, Italy, Germany, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Greece. In Paray-le-Monial, France, I had the blessing of celebrating Mass many times in the chapel where St. Margaret Mary Alacoque had the apparitions of the Sacred Heart of Jesus during the 15th century. I have taught high school, ministered to a bishop and his clergy, been pastor twice, taken care of our aged and infirm Jesuits, and raised money for our Jesuit needs. In my work, I have visited many cities and states and have preached in about 260 different parishes, and I have been blessed with many friends.
70th Entrance
Father A. James Blumeyer, SJ
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: 1950
First profession: 1952
Final profession: 1978
Ordination: 1963
Education: Bachelor’s in philosophy, Saint Louis University, 1957
Master’s in education and philosophy, Saint Louis University, 1958
Bachelor’s in sacred theology, Saint Louis University, 1965
Doctorate in education, Saint Louis University, 1968
Service in the archdiocese: Provincial assistant for formation, former Missouri Province, 1980-85
Rector, Jesuit Hall Community, St. Louis, 1991-96
Assistant to the president for mission and ministry, Saint Louis University, 1992-95
Vice president for mission and ministry, Saint Louis University, 1996-2001
Retreat and spiritual director, White House Jesuit Retreat, St. Louis, 2015-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Pastoral minister, St. Stephen’s Mission, St. Stephen’s, Wyoming, 1954-55
Teacher, Regis Jesuit High School, Denver, 1958-60
Director of campus ministry, Rockhurst University, Kansas City, Missouri, 1967-71
Assistant dean, Rockhurst University, Kansas City, Missouri, 1971-73
Dean, Rockhurst University, Kansas City, Missouri, 1973-78
Vice president, Rockhurst University, Kansas City, Missouri, 1978-80
Rector and coordinator of mission and ministry, Rockhurst University, Kansas City, 1986-91
Director, lgnatian Spirituality Center, Kansas City, Missouri, 2001-06; assistant director, 2006-15
About Father A. James Blumeyer, SJ: Father James Blumeyer founded the Ignatian Spirituality Center at St. Francis Xavier parish in Kansas City, Missouri in 2001. In 2018, the ISC began a partnership at Rockhurst High School, establishing a retreat house space for lay faculty and staff in the old Jesuit residence. Father Blumeyer now serves as a retreat and spiritual director at White House Retreat in St. Louis.
75th Entrance
Father James Swetnam, SJ
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: 1945
First profession: 1947
Final profession: 1962
Ordination: 1958
Education: Bachelor’s in Greek, philosophy and Latin, Saint Louis University, 1951
Master’s in philosophy, Saint Louis University, 1952
Licentiate in philosophy, Saint Louis University, 1952
Licentiate in sacred theology, Saint Louis University, 1960
Licentiate in sacred Scripture, Pontifical Biblical Institute, Rome, Italy, 1962
Doctorate in sacred Scripture/New Testament, Oxford University, England, United Kingdom, 1981
Service in the archdiocese: Professor in residence, Jesuit Hall Community at Saint Louis University, St. Louis, 2010-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Regis Jesuit High school, Denver, 1952-55
Teacher, Pontifical Biblical Institute, Rome, Italy, 1960-2010
About Father James Swetnam, SJ: I never would have entered the Society of Jesus without the love and guidance of my parents and two sisters. Holy Redeemer grade school in Webster Groves and Saint Louis University High School gave me an invaluable education. After high school, I entered the Jesuit novitiate and then studied classical language and philosophy before teaching Greek, Latin and speech at Regis High School in Denver and studying theology at St. Mary’s College in Kansas. Next, I completed my tertianship in Sankt Andra-im-Lavanttal in Austria. After that, I served at Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome for 50 years, 1960-2010) spending the first two as a student on the faculty of sacred Scripture and also working as an editor of the Institute’s publications. During this time, I also taught 12 summer school courses at Saint Louis University in the 1960s and six at Paul VI institute in the 1980s. From 1963-2003, I taught the basics of New Testament Greek. Over those 40 years, I taught roughly 1,500 students from 85 countries. I also spent three years working on a doctorate in New Testament at Oxford University and was the first director of the Institute’s alumni association. Once I arrived back in the U.S., I taught, led retreats, and resided part-time in Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis for a number of years. My website, "James Swetnam’s Thoughts on Scripture," is centered on the Mass and Christ’s Real Presence in the Eucharist. It has worldwide readership.