Dear Friends, 

It is my honor and privilege to write to you for the first time as provincial of the USA Midwest Province of the Society of Jesus. 

In the few weeks since assuming this position, I’ve been struck by the graces—large and small—that have accompanied my new role. In a very short time, I’ve met Midwest Jesuits I’d not previously known and visited some of the works of the province I’d not previously seen. And while there are many more to meet and much more to see, I am heartened by the vitality of our shared mission. 

This vitality was evident at the ordination of eight new priests on June 12 in Milwaukee. Each of these men brings gifts that will benefit the Church and its people for decades to come. I hope you will enjoy reading and getting to know a little bit about these wonderful servants of God. I hope you’ll also enjoy reading messages from our jubilarians—Jesuits celebrating 50 years in the Society of Jesus. What a blessing it is to reflect with them on their lifetime of service. 

It is in the spirit of service that Jesuit Frs. Michael Graham and John Fitzgibbons have modeled their long careers as university presidents. Service is an attribute whose ripple effect invites others to give back, as shown by the students at Jesuit schools taking on environmentally focused projects and with the Creighton University dental students volunteering on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota. We are grateful for all who work for and with others. 

Lastly, on the Monday after the ordinations, at a Mass in the province office’s chapel, the leadership reins were passed to me from Fr. Brian Paulson, SJ I am very grateful to Brian for his work in preparing me for this important mission. And I am especially grateful for the warm welcome I’ve received from the office staff; I am blessed by their patience and unfailing assistance in supporting me. 

I’m just beginning to learn of the breadth and depth of the dedication of our friends and benefactors— the readers of this magazine—to the Jesuit mission. Your commitment to walk with us in service to others is so important; none of our work would be possible without you. I stand on the shoulders of those who have preceded me. I ask for their blessings, and I ask for your prayers that I may be found worthy of this mission. 

In Christ,