Creighton University Opens New Phoenix Health Science Campus 

Creighton University School of Medicine students now have the opportunity to live and learn on two campuses—one in Omaha and one in Phoenix. On September 9, Creighton officially opened the university’s new $100 million Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust Health Sciences Building at Park Central in midtown Phoenix. The 195,000-square-foot campus will be home to nearly 900 students by 2025. 

The modern facility—which features cutting-edge technology, equipment, and spaces—enriches Creighton’s Jesuit education. On campus and in the community, students have a wide variety of opportunities to develop skills and transform health care. Phoenix is also home to several residency and fellowship programs through the Creighton University Arizona Health Education Alliance. 

Creighton’s infusion of health professionals comes at a crucial time for Arizona, which faces a boom in population and a shortfall in physicians, nurses, and other medical professionals. By 2030, the state is expected to have just one primary care doctor for every 1,900 people and a projected shortage of 50,000 nurses. 

The recently released census data shows Phoenix is the fastest growing city in the nation. Nearly 200 people per day are arriving in Maricopa County, driving rapid growth in Phoenix and the state of Arizona. The state needs more compassionate, well-trained professionals to meet the growing health demands of an aging population as well as new generations of Arizonans. 

Jesuit Academy Welcomes New Principal

This school year, Jesuit Academy in Omaha welcomed Joe Murray as the school’s new principal. Murray, who officially became principal in July, has extensive experience in elementary education. He most recently served as the assistant principal at Omaha’s Nelson Mandela Elementary. Prior to his role as assistant principal at Nelson Mandela, Murray taught fourth grade at Jesuit Academy for six years. Before teaching at Jesuit Academy, he taught fifth grade at Minne Lusa Elementary School. Murray earned his bachelor of science in elementary education from Northwest Missouri State and holds a master’s in educational administration from University of Nebraska Omaha. 

Jesuit Academy president Mike Masek says, “I am very excited for Joe to rejoin our community and am confident he will build upon the strengths of our school. Joe has demonstrated a commitment, not only to Catholic education, but also to the unique Jesuit charisms that make our school special. Joe is excited to join Jesuit Academy in making a difference to help enrich the lives of these young men.” 

Jesuit Academy opened its doors in August of 1996 and is currently undergoing renovations as it enters its third decade of operation. After leaving Jesuit Academy, 99% of graduates go on to earn their high school diploma. 

Br. Mark Mackey, SJ, Serves as Ecojesuit COP26 Delegate 

Brother Mark Mackey, SJ, has been chosen as an Ecojesuit delegate for the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP26, in Glasgow, Scotland. Ecojesuit is the global ecology network of Jesuits and partners. The goal of Ecojesuit is to facilitate dialogue and engagements to reconcile with God, one another, and Creation, addressing the broad call for action of Laudato Si’ and the urgency of a just global transformation in care for the Earth and the most vulnerable. 

Within the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States (JCCU), the Office of Justice and Ecology and Ignatian Solidarity Network have launched the Renewing the Earth: Living Laudato Si’ in the Year of Ignatius campaign. 

Brother Mackey is currently in formation as a second-year regent and missioned to Loyola University Chicago’s School of Environmental Sustainability. While completing first studies at Loyola, he received his master’s degree in Christian spirituality with an emphasis in ecospirituality, studied how Ignatian spirituality and ecology intersect, and helped teach the course Ecospirituality for Action. Additionally, Mackey developed and led the Green Team for the Jesuit community at Loyola and is a member of the JCCU Jesuit Ecology Network. 

Four Midwest Jesuits Ordained as Transitional Deacons 

During their final year of theology studies, Jesuit scholastics are ordained as transitional deacons. The ordination to the diaconate is considered one of the last steps in the long, rigorous process of Jesuit formation. This fall, four Midwest Jesuits in theology studies were ordained to the diaconate, and they will be ordained as priests in June 2022. 

Jesuits Matthew Donovan, Eric Immel, and Stephen Molvarec—who are completing their theology studies at the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry—were ordained as deacons alongside seven other Jesuits and one Franciscan by the Most Reverend Mark O’Connell, auxiliary bishop of Boston, on Saturday, September 18, at Church of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. Aaron Bohr, SJ, who is completing his theology studies at the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University, was ordained to the diaconate at Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland, California, on October 23. 

Jesuits typically serve as transitional deacons for six months to a year. They are now members of the clergy, but they will continue their theology studies. As deacons, they are able to proclaim the Gospel, preach in the name of the Church, and minister sacraments. Following their priestly ordination next summer, the Jesuits will receive assignments to full-time apostolic work or continue onto specialized studies.