Stories and Photos

Mr. Andrew Wawrzyn, SJ

My interest in priesthood really goes back to when I was a kid at Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH) parish in Glenview, IL. Like most kids when they are going to a catholic elementary school, I was an acolyte at mass. As an acolyte I was aware, at least, that I was attracted to the 'mystique' of priesthood, meaning that I liked the priests at OLPH and what they did: masses, confessions, etc.

My interest in the priesthood began to take on more 'vocational' proportions while I was in high school. I went to Loyola Academy in Wilmette, IL. During my junior year I began to see the importance of putting one's "faith in action." The idea that I cannot simply believe in Jesus Christ and his love for me, but that there is a response to Jesus' love shown in how I treat my neighbor is what "faith in action" is all about. Priesthood was a way for me to live out this ideal. What I would discover as my time progressed at Loyola is that the work the Jesuits did as both educators and priests was very impressive to me and my desire to be a Jesuit increased under the influence of their charism. The Jesuit charism influenced me so much that I decided to attend Marquette University (a Jesuit college).

As I approached graduation from Marquette in 1994 I had contemplated very seriously entering the Society at that time, and yet testing my desire while working out in the world seemed like a good idea. What I thought would be one year ended up being three years working in the banking field. During my time in Chicago as a banker, I was very involved as a parishioner back at OLPH. I found the work I was doing at the parish (lector, choir, soup kitchen) more meaningful and worthwhile than my time at the bank. Finally, after much growth and discernment, I entered the Society on August 23, 1997 and I have been very affirmed by the Lord in my vocation ever since. I am now expecting to complete my M.A. in the spring and advance to the next phase of Jesuit formation, which is regency.

archived stories