Rector's Letter

Dear Friends,

I’m learning new things every day. That’s what I tell my friends who ask about my recent transition from heading a busy university ministry program to directing this Jesuit Center. No doubt, I miss the daily give and take of campus life, interacting with energetic young students preparing to change the world. But I don’t have to worry about any of my charges here pulling too many all-nighters, since most of them turn in around 9 PM.

Every Jesuit at Wernersville has his own story to tell, bringing with him a lifetime of achievements in missionary and pastoral work, in teaching and academic research. Each has his own way of dealing now with retirement and physical diminishment. As novices here, they were filled with holy desires and ambitious dreams. But their formation never really prepared them for anything but doing and serving others. The secret, I have learned, is to help them celebrate their lives as Jesuits and tap into the graces of this new phase of that life.

My other responsibility is to our Spiritual Growth staff as it continues to provide an important ministry to those who come here for retreats and workshops, for training in spiritual direction, or just for quiet respite from a tumultuous world. I have learned much from our experienced staff, headed by its leader for many years, Susan Bowers Baker. Later this year, we shall celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Center’s dedicated promotion of St. Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises. Certainly, it is a time to look back with thanksgiving, but also to look forward with hope and creative vision.

We have recently re-constituted an advisory board to support our efforts to respond to the needs of the Church today – within the Allentown diocese celebrating its 50th anniversary, but also beyond to a regional and even national clientele.

How does all this fit under one roof as a common ministry? Another learning for me!

Joseph A. Currie, S.J.

© 2005-2010 Jesuit Center
501 N Church Road PO Box 223 •   Wernersville, PA 19565

Last modified: April 7, 2011