Socius
The executive assistant or “second-in-command” to the provincial at each province’s administrative center, commonly known as the curia.
Spiritual / spirituality
The spiritual is often defined as that which is “nonmaterial,” but this definition runs into problems when applied to human beings, who are traditionally considered “bodyspirits,” both bodily and spiritual. In some modern philosophies and psychologies, however, thespiritual dimension of the human is denied or disregarded. And many aspects of our contemporary American culture (e.g., […]
Spiritual Exercises
The term refers both to the program of prayer and reflection that St. Ignatius Loyola developed and to the book, which has information to help the person who is directing someone who is going through the retreat. The full form of the Spiritual Exercises lasts approximately 30 days, but there are many variations in length.
Spiritual Guidance / Direction
People are often helped to integrate their faith and their life by talking on a regular basis (e.g., monthly) with someone they can trust. This person acts as a guide (sometimes also called a spiritual friend, companion, or director) for the journey, helping them to find the presence and call of God in the people […]
The Society of Jesus
Catholic religious order* of men founded in 1540 by Ignatius of Loyola* and a small group of his multinational “friends in the Lord,” fellow students from the University of Paris. They saw their mission as one of being available to go anywhere and do anything to “help souls,”especially where the need was greatest (e.g., where […]
Scholastic
A Jesuit in training who has taken First Vows (see term above) and declared his intention to seek ordination as a priest.
Sectors
Traditionally, Jesuit apostolic ministries are grouped into one of three sectors: higher education, secondary and pre-secondary, and social-pastoral.
