Most Religious Orders have a unique orientation that distinguishes them from each other. This is referred to as the “Charism” of the Order. The Jesuit Charism reflects what Jesuits value, the choices they make personally and in community, and in the minor and major decisions they make regarding ministries and lifestyle.
How is the Jesuit charism active at the parish?
Jesuits encourage the people to pray to know Jesus in a deeper way, so as to love him more intimately and to follow him more closely.
To be a “contemplative in action,” seeking God in all things.
Jesuit ministries are partnerships with the laity.
Jesuits minister in ways so that people can become more open to God’s loving and reconciling presence in the world.
In decision making, not having strong attachments to anything and remaining indifferent to outcomes in order to be completely free to follow Jesus wherever he leads.
Jesuits and partners see themselves as “Friends in the Lord” and as parts of an international body bound together by a communion of minds and hearts.
With new forms of cultural and economic deprivation in the world, Jesuits work in cooperation with many others to influence the structures of society where decisions are made and values shaped.