Tag: jesuits

By sharing their work through the latest means of communication, these religious orders are only adapting what has been a long tradition of making contact with the world.

On Oct. 7, I had the privilege of witnessing Gonzaga University President Thayne McCulloh and Gonzaga Prep President Al Falkner sign the St. Francis Pledge to Care for Creation and the Poor, making the Catholic and Jesuit schools partners in the national movement for faithful action on climate change.

Catholics like organizational labels. We like to sort and classify. We insist on believing in the power of the Holy Spirit to grace each person differently in order to bring about wholeness of wisdom and compassion in our communities.

With Michelle Wheatley’s anticipated promotion to director of University Ministry at Gonzaga, comes another first for the university.

Wheatley is the first laywoman to lead the program. Her promotion comes four years after the university elected Thayne McCulloh as its first lay president.

“He’s the first Jesuit. God bless the church, right?,” said the Rev. Frank Case, the university’s vice president for mission.

Jesuits are known for their commitment to higher education and helping the poor, but the legion of priests also has a reputation for bucking authority.