-final stage of formation; Fr Joe entered Jesuits in 2000, ordained priest in 2011
-vow Mass set for May in St Louis MO

I have been approved for final vows as a Jesuit!

I am grateful to my provincial and Jesuit leaders for approving me for final vows in the Society of Jesus. The vow Mass is set for the first weekend of May in St Louis.

It will occur at St Francis Xavier “College” Church at Saint Louis University. This church has a special meaning for me. I prayed there as a college student and entered the Jesuits when I graduated from SLU in 2000. I was also ordained as a priest there in 2000.

2025 is a Jubilee Year in the Church; Pope Francis has declared it as a Year of Hope. 2025 is also my 25th Anniversary Jubilee as a Jesuit!

Jesuits take final vows several years after priestly ordination. This is unique to the Jesuits, as most men’s Catholic religious orders take final vows before ordination. St Ignatius outlined this revolutionary plan for formation in his writings in the 1500s. He wanted ample time for a Jesuit to be tested and proven in his vocation through varied ministries in different cities. In a sense, final vows are a bit like ‘Jesuit confirmation,’ sealing my vocation in the order. At the Mass, I will profess my vows as my provincial holds up the Eucharist, the Body and Blood of Christ. It’s powerful– making my commitment to Jesus, in the Church, before my religious superior.

In my 25 years in the Jesuits, I’ve lived in 10 different cities for my studies and ministry. I taught at all-boys high schools in Kansas City and Colorado; I served at our mission to Mayan villages in southern Belize. I also worked as a campus minister at SLU and served at the White House Jesuit Retreat. Jesuits are ‘men on the move.’ This has continued in my travels and ministry at PWPN.

It is a joy and an honor to serve Christ and the Church as a Jesuit priest. My family, friends, and Jesuit brothers have been a consistent source of love and support. I am especially grateful to serve Francis, our 1st Jesuit pope, in the Pope’s Prayer Network [Apostleship of Prayer].

Prayers appreciated, 

Fr Joe Laramie SJ   PopesPrayerUSA.net