At least one Loyola student a year seriously considers entering the Society of Jesus to become a Jesuit one day, according to Kurt Bindewald, director of University Ministry.

“People ask more now than in the 10 years I’ve been here,” Bindewald said. “To say one a year is a lot.”

Bindewald said Loyola is making an effort to talk more about spirituality and Jesuit ideals, and for many, learning about Ignatius makes students attracted to the idea of becoming a Jesuit.

Joining the Society of Jesus does not restrict someone to just becoming a priest. Some other options are lawyer or teacher, in addition to their role as a priest. Philosophy sophomore Chris Backes wants to get his master’s in theology and educate others as a Jesuit. The incoming Jesuit can choose the specific job he would prefer, but ultimately he works in the department the Jesuits feel he would be best in.

“I want to go into education, but I have to be open to the possibility that that’s not going to happen,” Backes said.

Now that Backes knows he wants to become a Jesuit, he does not have to wait for graduation. He applied in late spring 2010 to become a Jesuit and will find out if he is accepted early in the spring of 2011.

The process of becoming a Jesuit begins with applications. Once accepted, there is a two-year novitiate process where the applicant learns more about their calling.

Bindewald said, “During this time you try the Jesuits out and they try you out.”

Lots of prayer is involved, including a 30-day silent retreat. Next, the aspiring Jesuit is invited to take vows. The next eight to 10 years consist of studying philosophy and theology, as well as teaching in a school or hospital setting. Lastly, the Jesuit is ordained.

While Backes is on the fast track to becoming a Jesuit, religious studies junior Jeffrey Ramon is trying to decide if becoming a Jesuit is right for him.

“After my Ignacio volunteer trip to Belize, that’s when the Jesuits entered my mind again,” Ramon said.

Ramon likes that the Jesuits are worldly, whereas he feels the other groups of priests are not as geared towards hands-on service. “That doesn’t appeal to me much, rather than being out there,” Ramon said.

As he nears graduation, Ramon said he realizes he needs to start making some tough decisions for his future.

“One of my main goals in life is to become a dad, and so it’s a battle between being a good dad to my children or a father to a community,” Ramon said.

He said the idea of becoming a priest is definitely a calling, not just something someone aspires to be at a young age. Because Ramon feels called to the Jesuits, he is strongly considering it as an option.

Julia Russler can be reached at [email protected]