Summer Update
Dear Friends and Family,
The past seven months in North Dakota have been life-changing and a beautiful walk with God in the unknown. I kept feeling like Abraham, traveling and trying to hear God’s voice and the next right step. I was blessed to get to know and minister to elementary children and get to know the locals of the Turtle Mountains. Unfortunately, I cannot post pictures of our students online for their own protection, but know they were loved on a lot this year by me and the missionaries thanks to your generosity and prayers. I know God ministered to me through them just as much, if not more.
After attending about four “Come and See” events with different groups this past Spring, I have discerned that I will be committed to discerning with the Jesuits unless God shuts that door. The way I came to that call was through the discernment of spirits of St. Ignatius. Oftentimes I would experience great consolations at inopportune times about being a Jesuit. I say inopportune because I would be on a “Come and See” event with another order. Moreover, I could not stop talking about them while on those trips. I even remember that there were Jesuit institutions surrounding one of the order’s houses I visited!
When I attended the Jesuit’s “Come and See” in St. Louis during Easter I was impressed by those in formation. I really could see myself being a Jesuit and that their charism and way of relating to one another fit me and the gifts God has given me. However, when I talked to the Vocations Director and told him how I felt, he asked me to wait at least a year and get my roots growing back in Houston and work on my debt. While this is not what I wanted to happen–I wanted to enter this Fall–I am trying to trust God. My aunt told me right before that trip that sometimes God says yes, no, or not yet. My gut was telling me when she said that to me that it would be a “not yet.”
Nevertheless, God is so good even when he says “not yet.” I am excited to say I got a job at Frassati Catholic High School in Spring, Texas teaching theology. The pay is good and the community seems healthy. As part of my interview process, I had to teach a class to freshmen and enjoyed it a lot. The plan is to work there, stay with family and avoid a rent payment so as to pay off debt. I also plan to keep working on staying close to God and growing in self-knowledge.
All of the above being said, I will not be posting or asking for any donations going forward. I will hold off on updates until I know more about the Jesuits. The ball is in their court as far as whether I will be asked to apply for August 2025. Please say a prayer for me if God brings me to your memory. I continue to pray for all who have supported me in whatever way daily as I pray the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary.
In Jesus’ Name,
Kyle
