Fr. Timothy Perron, SJ
Entered the Society of Jesus: 2015
As a Jesuit: Father Perron worked as a music teacher at St. John Chrysostom School in the Bronx, where he also ministered to undergraduate and graduate students at Fordham University.
Assignment Following Ordination: Father Perron will continue to pursue a Licentiate in Sacred Theology at Boston College.
Expression of Gratitude and Inspiration: I am so grateful to God for all the people who have supported me throughout the years, which made the journey to ordination possible. I am consoled as I look forward to many years of ministry and service to the Church and to all. My family has been a bulwark of support, and I certainly never would have arrived at ordination without their care and presence. The many Jesuits I have come to know in the past decade have been a great source of encouragement, and I am graced by their friendship and prayers. Also, the many friends of the Society of Jesus who have been partners in mission are a great blessing. From them I have learned how Ignatian spirituality is lived out in many and varied ways.
I also want to thank the Lord for all of those who have accompanied and taught me and formed me to be a minister of the Gospel. There are so many Jesuits who have shaped me spiritually and have been living examples of what it means to be a son of St. Ignatius. Many lay people as well have instructed and formed me. I especially want to extend my gratitude to all those at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School Twin Cities in Minneapolis, the Fordham University theology and campus ministry departments, and Fordham’s Spellman Hall Residence Jesuit community. You have taught me so much about being ministers of God in an academic setting. I am grateful for you all!
Several Jesuits influenced my decision to enter the Society. Father John Murphy was very important in this decision. He was my spiritual director in the two years leading up to my entrance. Having arrived at Loyola University Chicago as a graduate student in theology, I brought many questions about my faith and my vocation. Father Murphy listened with compassion and offered insights as I sorted through these questions. He supported and stabilized me during this confusing time. He also was the first person to formally invite me to apply to the Jesuits. While I was resistant at first, the idea took root and grew in me until I eventually applied. I will always be grateful for these spiritual conversations we had, which illuminated the way on the journey to my vocation in the Society of Jesus.
