Jesuits never retire; rather, they are always “men on mission.” Today, more and more Jesuits are working into their late seventies and eighties, and even those who can no longer work in the active apostolate fulfill their mission by praying for the Society, the Church and our benefactors. In earlier days, the salary of apostolically active Jesuits was enough to support those elders who needed infirmary care or assisted living.

However, as vocations have leveled off at far lower levels than once existed, and as health care has lengthened life spans, the number of those in need of assistance has exceeded the ability of active Jesuits to provide for them.

Making up the difference is the Fund for Jesuit Elder Care, which provides both for our elders, who need or will need assisted living and infirmary care, and for the large number of active seniors who continue to be a vital part of the ministry we do in the Northwest. Through this Fund, the Province has the opportunity to provide excellent care and community for those in their last days in the Jesuit infirmary or assisted living center in Spokane; but more than that, it also helps us keep Jesuits "in the field," doing the ministry they love to do among the communities that love them for as long as possible.

Historically, the Jesuits of the Oregon Province saw this reality coming. The successful Legacy of Care Campaign helped build the Fund for Jesuit Elder Care. However, since that time, healthcare costs have skyrocketed, earnings on the Senior fund have grown at a slower rate than in the 1990’s and, thanks be to God and improved healthcare, more elderly Jesuits are living longer than expected.

Today, active senior Jesuits make up a large proportion of Jesuits in ministry, but to ensure that they can continue to do as much as they are able, in communities where they are safe, healthy, and happy, the Oregon Province relies on the generous support of our benefactors. Thank you for your support and prayers.

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