2023 Novices

Michael has a bachelor’s in English from Kenyon College and worked as a quality manager at Epic Systems, a health care IT company, and as a freelance editor. He was inspired by the Jesuit mission of reaching out to those on the margins, as well as the fraternal element of being companions in Christ — devoting oneself to Jesus and being available through the vows. Michael’s hobbies include playing the piano, trumpet and tuba, as well as singing.

Taylr attended Creighton University where he studied economics, social entrepreneurship and philosophy. While studying at Creighton, he was introduced to the Jesuits and Ignatian spirituality. After graduation, Taylr completed a year of service through the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, working with the aging at a regional nonprofit in Scranton, Pennsylvania. In his free time, Taylr enjoys running, reading, getting to know older adults and spending time with loved ones.

Kiki studied IT and office computing after graduating high school in 2021. He was in charge of altar servers, was a choir member and played the drums at his parish. While interning at the Manresa Spirituality Centre, he found that the charism of the Society and the Spiritual Exercises resonated with him. Kiki worked as a catechism teacher at Collège Saint-Ignace de Loyola while discerning with the Jesuits. He enjoys reading, soccer, basketball and music.

Robert was born in Georgetown, Guyana, but spent much of his life in Belize. After graduating from St. John’s College, he attended Fordham University, earning an English degree. While teaching, Robert became noticed for his technical expertise. Recruited by the local telecommunications company, he was involved in the early days of the internet in Belize before starting his own consulting firm. Most recently, he served as CIO for a local airline, Tropic Air. Robert enjoys reading, gaming, model building and cooking.

Xavier attended the College of the Holy Cross, where he earned a bachelor’s in chemistry and Spanish. He worked as a lifeguard, a swim instructor, a liturgical coordinator and at a summer camp. After getting to know Jesus and finding where his heart was, Xavier decided to join the Society. He loves to cook food from around the world, especially Polish food. He also enjoys travel, swimming and Latin dancing.

Rajae received a bachelor’s in theology and in applied psychology and human development from Boston College. After college, he taught religion to ninth and tenth graders and has taken several mission trips, including to the Dominican Republic, Uganda and South Africa. The Society of Jesus’ spirituality coupled with its intellectual tradition made it clear to Rajae that through prayer and service he would grow closer to God as a Jesuit. He likes soccer, reading, and track and field.

Brian earned a bachelor’s in history from the University of Michigan and a master’s in German and European studies from Georgetown University. He worked as a risk analyst at a law firm and a program coordinator at a nonprofit promoting German-U.S. educational exchanges. He was active in the Knights of Columbus and his church’s choir. Reading St. Ignatius’ writings and hearing Pope Francis speak at the White House influenced his decision to join the Jesuits. Brian’s interests include tennis, skiing and church history.

Sensen graduated from Collège Saint-Louis Marie Grignon de Montfort in 2020. His motivation to enter religious life in the Society of Jesus stemmed from his quest for meaning and his desire to devote his life to the service of God and humanity. During his time as a Jesuit candidate, Sensen worked with the kindergarten class at Saint Ignace de Loyola School, where he cultivated patience with others. His hobbies include photography and reading.

Monglé studied at the University of Notre Dame-Haiti and Divine Word College and has a bachelor’s in philosophy from Loras College. He taught high school in Haiti, worked in security and was an altar server at his parish church. Watching a movie about St. Oscar Romero and Rutilio Grande, SJ, as well having a Jesuit professor, influenced his decision to join the Society. Monglé enjoys reading Catholic blogs and websites, soccer, and reflecting on the Bible.

Jack has a bachelor’s in philosophy from the University of Notre Dame and a master’s in theology from the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry (BCSTM). He served as a Jesuit Volunteer for a year and worked at the Institute for Advanced Jesuit Studies at Boston College. Having Jesuits as his teachers and fellow students at BCSTM influenced his decision to join the Society. Jack likes biking, journaling, watching football and playing video games.

Georges has a philosophy degree from École Supérieure Saint Ignace, a diplomacy and international relations degree from Centre d’Études Diplomatiques et Internationales, and a law degree from the Université d’État d’Haïti. He worked as a Spanish teacher and as a recruiter for a French publishing house and facilitated a leadership and personal development course. Through the Spiritual Exercises, Georges discovered an accessible way to get in touch with God. His interests include reading, writing and soccer.

Paul graduated from St. Louis University High, where he was editor in chief of the student newspaper and a member of the pastoral and chess teams. He received a bachelor’s in Catholic studies and economics from Saint Louis University, where he worked in the admission office, was a member of the Edmund Campion Society, led an a cappella group and developed a deep appreciation for Ignatian spirituality. His pastimes include reading, playing the piano, trivia and enjoying nature.

Jackson graduated from Jesuit High School in Tampa where he participated in peer ministry, the Pro-Life Club and Agmen Christi, a service club. He then studied at Loyola University New Orleans where he was active in the Catholic studies program, the Marian Sodality and Wolf Pack for Life. Jackson’s decision to join the Society was influenced by his Jesuit education, where he saw the care and intentionality behind each Jesuit he encountered. His interests include painting, fishing and playing cards.

Jon grew up throughout the Midwest, primarily in Fargo, North Dakota, and Davenport, Iowa. He first met the Jesuits at Creighton University, where he earned a bachelor’s in theology, philosophy and classical languages. During his time at Creighton, he was able to work alongside the Society of Jesus at St. John’s Parish. In his free time, Jon likes reading, cooking meals for his friends and discovering new music.

Corey earned a bachelor’s in business and psychology from Liberty University in 2016. He then worked as a credit officer for a bank. In 2020, Corey entered the Catholic Church at the Cathedral of Saint Paul in Birmingham, Alabama, where he taught in parish education programs and was a young adult ministry leader. He was also active in civic organizations in the Birmingham area. Corey enjoys hunting, fishing, hiking, cycling, creative writing, cooking, film and retreat ministry.

Kèl has a bachelor’s in philosophy from Grand Séminaire Notre-Dame d’Haïti, a bachelor’s in education from Université de Technologie d’Haïti and a bachelor’s in theology from Centre Inter-Instituts De Formation Religieuse (CIFOR). He taught French and social sciences at a Catholic school in Port-au-Prince. While studying at CIFOR, Kèl learned about the Society from a Jesuit theology teacher, and, after learning more, found the Society was the best place to fulfill his religious vocation. He enjoys reading and soccer.

Scott received a bachelor’s in biology and secondary education from Grove City College and a master’s in education from Regent University. He taught biology for 10 years at a high school that served primarily economically disadvantaged students. He came to know and was influenced by the Jesuits through Pope Francis’ pontificate and reading America magazine. Scott’s hobbies include jogging, biking, hiking, playing tennis, reading, playing piano and volunteering at food pantries.

Chris attended Creighton University, graduating with a bachelor’s in economics and human resource management. He worked in health care IT for six years in Kansas City, Missouri. Chris became familiar with the Society of Jesus through his relationships with Jesuits at Creighton and at St. Francis Xavier Parish in Kansas City. He likes walking, spending time with friends, traveling, and listening to music and podcasts.

Tom graduated from St. Louis University High and earned a bachelor’s in economics and social entrepreneurship from Creighton University. During college, he participated in campus retreats and the Ignatian Wisdom Group. He worked as a human resource specialist for the Union Pacific Railroad in Omaha, Nebraska, and with parks and recreation for the city of Overland Park, Kansas. Tom enjoys conversing with friends, playing the guitar, and watching Creighton basketball, Nebraska football and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Tim first encountered the Jesuits when he read “The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything” by Fr. James Martin, SJ, in high school, which was very formative for his faith. He earned a bachelor’s in humanities from Villanova University and received his Master of Divinity from the University of Notre Dame, where he also served as an assistant rector in a residence hall and spent time with the Catholic Worker community of South Bend. Tim likes to run, read and bake.

Robert has a bachelor’s in biomedical engineering and theological studies from Saint Louis University, where he was a cadet in the Air Force ROTC. He served as a lieutenant in the Air Force before earning his dental degree and a master’s in public health from A.T. Still University. Robert worked as a public health dentist in Alaska, opened a private practice in the Aleutian Islands and participated in dental service trips. He enjoys yoga, gardening and retreats.

Mike received a bachelor’s in theology and political science from Benedictine University. He worked with people with special needs and for several law firms. He volunteered with the Mayan community in Mesa and with several parishes — in youth ministry, music ministry and catechesis. Mike’s interests include theology, track, nature, music and cultures, and he enjoys being with family. His favorite saint is St. Aloysius Gonzaga.

Trinidad Raj received a bachelor’s in philosophy and Spanish from Rockhurst University, studying abroad in El Salvador and Jordan. He worked for the Diocese of Kansas City, Missouri, founding its Immigrant and Refugee Ministry, and then went on to organize for Advocates for Immigrant Rights and Reconciliation. Trinidad Raj lived at Jerusalem Farm, a Catholic intentional community in Kansas City, and wrote a book on global migration. His pastimes include writing, martial arts and enjoying good food with friends.

Juvens graduated from high school in 2020 and served as office manager at a parish. He also was the volunteer coordinator for the altar servers in his parish. He was initially attracted to the Society by Pope Francis’ humility, his closeness to society’s outcasts and his outspokenness. While discerning with the Jesuits, Juvens had rich, rewarding experiences at a L’Arche community and at the Manresa Spirituality Centre. His hobbies include soccer, reading and music.

Bobby first encountered the Jesuits at Xavier University, where he earned a bachelor’s in theology. After graduation, he returned to Louisville and taught theology and was associate director of campus ministry at his high school alma mater for six years. He then pursued a master’s in ministry and theology from Villanova University and most recently served as the rector of Keenan Hall at the University of Notre Dame. An avid walker, Bobby has walked the Camino de Santiago twice.

Angelain attended Séminaire Collège de Mazenod and studied language, literature and art at Collège Coeurs-Uni. He served as liturgical director at his high school and volunteered at a L’Arche community, which helped him understand human frailty and the need to develop a culture of welcome. After his time at the minor seminary, a diocesan priest told him about the Jesuits, and Angelain was attracted to their spirituality and mission. He is passionate about reading, soccer, music and working out.

Joe graduated from Marquette University High School and earned a bachelor’s in economics from Marquette University and a master’s in finance from the University of Virginia. He worked in consulting for five years before getting his MBA from the University of Michigan and then worked in finance and operations at Tesla in San Francisco. Joe’s passion is making a social impact in the developing world, and he founded a social enterprise in 2018 with partners in Rwanda, South Africa and the UK.

Noah attended Marquette University, where he majored in English literature and theology. He worked as a writing tutor and as a content creator for the Jesuit-run Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network in Milwaukee. He first encountered the Society of Jesus through his Jesuit professors at Marquette and subsequently through his work and participating in retreats through campus ministry. In his free time, Noah enjoys reading, watching Spanish Netflix series and running.

Aidan attended the University of Chicago, where he received a bachelor’s in humanities. He began discerning a vocation with the Jesuits while at the University of Chicago, through the example of the late Fr. Paul Mankowski, SJ. During his time in college, Aidan was active in campus ministry at Calvert House and worked as a teaching assistant in the German department. His interests include baseball, rugby, playing music and reading.

Mark is an alumnus of the University of Detroit Jesuit High School and earned a bachelor’s in accounting from the University of Michigan and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He worked in the health care, pharma and health tech industries in California, Switzerland and London. Mark was an active member of Christian Life Communities for over 15 years. He has been inspired by incredible Jesuits and is deeply drawn to Ignatian spirituality.

Corey has bachelor’s degrees in mechanical engineering and Spanish from the University of Portland, a master’s in mechanical engineering from the University of Nevada, Reno, and a doctorate in mechanical engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder, where he founded and was chair of the Committee on Equity in Mechanical Engineering. Corey has worked as a mechanical engineer, an instructor and a graduate researcher. He enjoys cooking with friends, teaching and mentoring, and playing dominoes with his grandparents.

Tijmen got to know the Jesuits while completing bachelor’s degrees in business and in political science and philosophy at Indiana University. He was attracted to religious life by the example of his Dominican pastor and to the Jesuits after reading “The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything” by Fr. James Martin, SJ. Tijmen worked as a consultant in London and spent a summer working on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. He is a certified bartender and canoe guide.

Viet attended Vietnam National University in Ho Chi Minh City, where he first met the Jesuits. He interrupted his education to move with family members to the U.S., settling in Texas. He earned a bachelor’s in accounting from the University of Houston and worked as a revenue accountant for two oil and gas companies. Viet was an active member of Our Lady of Lavang Catholic Church in Houston. He enjoys playing the piano, playing soccer and fishing.