Apostolic Planning Through Common Discernment

More than half a century ago, Father General Pedro Arrupe voiced a concern that today mirrors the reasons why we seek communal discernment in creating an apostolic plan for Jesuits USA East. He stated, “It is not the new world I fear. I am afraid rather that we Jesuits may have little or nothing to offer this world, little to say or do that would justify our existence as Jesuits. I am afraid that we may repeat yesterday's answers to tomorrow's problems.”

This is why, 55 years later, our current Superior General, Fr. Arturo Sosa, calls us to what he refers to as Discernment in Common to create an apostolic plan. He states in part, “Discernment in common takes place both in our communities and in our apostolic works, with the active participation of our partners in mission… In the life of the Society, many decisions require that more than one group contribute to the discernment in common so that a final decision may be reached that is in consonance with the will of God that is earnestly sought… Thus, apostolic planning born of discernment in common becomes an instrument of our apostolic effectiveness, and we avoid the dangers of a trendy type of planning that makes use of only the techniques of corporate development.”

Later this year, conveners will gather groups from every region of our province—every Jesuit community, apostolate, institution, and province staff—to embark together through Discernment in Common on a shared apostolic planning process.