Creating the Plan

At the start of our Apostolic Planning Process, we carried out extensive research to better understand the needs and context of our East Coast province, the nation, and the world. These included Pew research reports on religion in the United States, a deep dive into the four Universal Apostolic Preferences, a review of past apostolic plans (both from our own U.S. provinces and those around the world), and an examination of how to effectively encourage spiritual conversations and communal discernment.

The USA East Province then hosted gatherings of the extended Ignatian family from Maine to Georgia. These included Jesuits and lay colleagues from our high schools, colleges and universities, parishes, and retreat houses, as well as a wide range of Jesuit-affiliated organizations like the Christian Life Communities (CLC), the Ignatian Volunteer Corps (IVC), Jesuit Volunteer Corps (JVC), the Jesuit Anti-Racism Sodality (JARS), and our Jesuit-sponsored Cristo Rey schools.

These gatherings captured the thoughts and ideas of many Jesuits and more than 300 colleagues in mission. In addition, every Jesuit community in the province engaged in a series of meetings to understand and embrace where God is leading the province.

An Apostolic Planning Advisory Board was created consisting of Jesuits and lay colleagues to review and prioritize the extensive data that came from these gatherings and to assist the provincial in drafting the plan. Feedback was gathered and edits were made before the Apostolic Plan was ready to send to Rome for Father General Sosa’s comments and approval.