Jesuits receive $1.5 million gift for formation

The Jesuits USA Central and Southern Province has received a $1.5 million gift commitment from Raymond Hyer and Hector and Claire Vila, all of Tampa, Florida, for Jesuit formation. The donation is the largest non-bequest gift in the history of the province.

The Jesuit formation process — from entrance as novices to priestly ordination or final formation for Jesuit brothers — was outlined nearly 500 years ago by St. Ignatius Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus. Formation — a combination of academic study and experiential training — typically extends over 10 to 13 years.

At the conclusion of their formal training, Jesuits are prepared to serve the needs of the Church and the Society of Jesus in high schools, universities, parishes, retreat centers and other ministries around the world.

The cost of the training averages more than $50,000 a year for each Jesuit. The expense is borne by the Jesuit province. The USA Central and Southern Province currently has more than 60 men in formation.

SoutheastHEALTH joins Mercy

SoutheastHEALTH has signed a definitive agreement with St. Louis-based Mercy to become a member of Mercy’s multi-hospital system. The two organizations have been finalizing details with respect to an affiliation since they announced in January they signed a letter of intent. By affiliating with Mercy, SoutheastHEALTH would become part of one of the largest health care systems in the U.S.

Cape Girardeau-based SoutheastHEALTH includes more than 51 care locations in 11 communities across southeast Missouri, including hospitals, primary and specialty care clinics representing over 30 clinical specialties and provides care for patients in a four-state area.

Next Chapter Program

The Next Chapter Program is a six-month program for people who are approaching retirement or who are recently retired. The program assists individuals who are discerning who God is calling them to be and what God is calling them to do in their next chapter of life. The program is grounded in Ignatian spirituality and is sponsored by the Office of Ignatian Spirituality of the Jesuits USA Central and Southern Province. The next cohort will begin in October. The last information session before the cohort begins will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 18, at Mercy Conference and Retreat Center, 2039 Geyer Road in Frontenac. To RSVP for the information session, email Tom Auffenberg at [email protected]. For more information, see www.nextchapterprogram.org.

Retreat for expecting and new mothers

Gabriel’s Retreat Ministries will host a weekend retreat for women facing unexpectedness in pregnancy or new motherhood from Sept. 22-24 at La Salle Retreat Center, 2101 Rue De La Salle Drive in Wildwood. The Catholic-based retreat provides an environment of love and support, optional spiritual direction or counseling, private rooms, meals and transportation to and from the retreat center if needed. It is free to attend and open to women of all faiths; participation in retreat activities is up to each retreatant’s comfort level. For more information, visit gabrielsretreat.org/6-2/retreats.