Fr. Erin Kast, SJ
Entered the Society of Jesus: 2015
As a Jesuit: Father Kast taught high school biology and chemistry at Creighton Preparatory School in Omaha, and led Bible study groups for incarcerated men in California.
Assignment Following Ordination: Father Kast will teach science at Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School in Indianapolis.
Expression of Gratitude and Inspiration: My 11-year journey to priestly ordination has been sustained first and finally by prayer and an always deepening encounter with Jesus. But such a habit and encounter do not happen alone. I learned of prayer first from my mom and dad, then also from teachers and mentors, then also from brother Jesuits, colleagues, friends, prisoners and students. Months of silent prayer on retreat accompanying theological study are only possible because many, many people felt supporting such an endeavor was worth their time and treasure. The gift God has given me in relationship with his Son has therefore passed through countless human hands. On the doorstep of ordination, I found myself standing next to Jesus as the wise women and men brought their gifts from near and far. Jesus let me receive them first. And for this I am grateful for I could not have done it without them.
Two groups of Jesuits have been equally influential in not only my entering the Society but, even more importantly, my perseverance therein. First are two 20th century Jesuits: Fr. Pierre Teilhard de Chardin and Fr. Anthony de Mello. I knew of both long before I contacted the vocation director, and both in their own ways revealed to me what it means to be a Jesuit.
I learned of Chardin because of my interest in evolutionary biology. Father de Mello was a personal acquaintance of my mom’s. Over time I have come to see them as men deeply embodying the faith, hope and love so paradigmatically the fruit of the Spiritual Exercises, and the mark of God’s consolation. This remained the case for them even in the midst of great adversity. Second are a whole host of Jesuits with whom I have walked in formation: Fr. Bryan Paulsen, Br. Mark Mackey, my fellow ordinand Nathan Krawetzke and Fr. Adam DeLeon (in order of appearance, to name but a few). By their example and encouragement, I learned in diverse ways what it looks like to be faithful to a calling and faithful to the people and world for whom one is called. If inspiration to enter the Society came from the likes of Chardin and de Mello, then
