Father Mark Thibodeaux, SJ, never expected an impulsive decision to result in thousands of YouTube views and a published book—but that’s exactly what happened when he decided to lead an online retreat during the pandemic.
By Jerry Duggan Over their nearly 500-year history, Jesuits have searched for a new “frontier” or sacred space to encounter the Divine. A believer in the power of personal connection and student of Ignatian Spirituality, Fr. Hung Pham, SJ, provincial assistant for formation for the Jesuits USA Central and Southern (UCS) Province, normally traveled across …
By Jerry Duggan The UCS Province offers retreats for both members of the province and lay colleagues. The pandemic forced the cancellation of in-person retreats, but the commitment and creativity of retreat planners allowed both the Colleagues Retreat and the Province Retreat to proceed online. Colleagues Retreat The annual Colleagues Retreat has become an important …
By Jerry Duggan Father Mark Thibodeaux, SJ, never imagined a single text from a parishioner would set so much in motion. New Orleans was caught in the throes of COVID-19 in early April, with stay-at-home orders in place and the churches closed for in-person Masses. The Holy Name of Jesus Parish community needed a spiritual …
As the pandemic raged on through the summer, the Jesuits USA Central and Southern Province continued its mission as normally as possible. Highlights included a socially-distanced ordination Mass, continued efforts to provide spirituality at a distance, the celebration of 40 years of Jesuit Refugee Service, and several golden jubilees for UCS Jesuits. Read about all …
Photos / Mother Teresa Middle School In March, when most schools in Canada were forced to close because of the coronavirus, students, teachers, and staff members were sent home and virtual learning became the norm. Six months later, the new school year has begun with the threat of COVID-19 still lurking in the air. How …
By Barry Leidl On Friday, September 4, Jesuits, family, and friends gathered at Guelph to say a final goodbye to those Jesuits who died during these past few difficult, COVID-filled months. The cremated remains of George O’Neill, Mike Hawkins, Peter Larisey, Norm Dodge, FX Johnson, Charlie Sitter, Mike Murray, and Joe Frechette were laid to …
A final farewell to the eight Jesuit victims of COVID-19 Read More »
The pandemic has forced the closure of parishes and other churches across Canada. Although lockdown restrictions continue to be eased and churches are now open, health regulations remain in place and a likely second wave of COVID-19 is expected. How can we reach parishioners and other people of faith in this context? Bill Hatch, outreach …
How Jesuit churches adapt to COVID-19: Two examples Read More »